A SHETLAND pony said to be a favourite of the Queen receives his official Veteran's Badge after almost two decades of military service.

Major Oliver Dobson, Officer Commanding Balaklava Company 5 SCOTS (Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders), presented the badge to Cruachan III at Redford Barracks in Edinburgh. The pony, who retired last year, served as mascot for the Royal Regiment of Scotland for 19 years.

He was also a regular visitor to the Queen's holiday home at Balmoral.