They were the last Scottish infantry battalion to be stationed in Afghanistan and have played a historic role in the last phases of war.
Yesterday, The Highlanders, 4th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, were officially recognised for their long and final tour of the country that will soon be handed back fully to Afghan control.
For the 425 servicemen and women, many drawn from towns and villages across the north, it is a case of job done.
Their homecoming to the Fallinbostel base in Germany was marked with the award of campaign medals by the Duke of Edinburgh.
The Highlanders, also known as 4 Scots, have spent the last eight-and-a-half months adding the “final polish” to the training of the Afghan National Army, who are close to resuming full responsibility for the security of their own country.
The UK Government intends to have all troops withdrawn from Camp Bastion in Helmand by the end of the year.
As a result, the Manoeuvre Battle Group, led by 4 Scots, filled 661 shipping containers of equipment, from weapons to trucks, computers and cooking equipment, as the exit of British troops and the end of combat operations grows nearer.
Yesterday’s parade to honour 4 Scots was also the last homecoming parade to be held at their German base.
This summer, the regiment will leave Fallinbostel and shift to Catterick in North Yorkshire, the largest garrison in the world.
Amongst those receiving their medals from Prince Philip yesterday, was lance corporal Hugh Mackay, 23, of Dornoch.
The Highlander said he had seen big changes in Afghanistan since his last tour in 2011.
He added: “There was a big difference with this tour. The first tour was more kinetic, out in the field against the Taliban and this time there was more organising and getting ready to leave Afghanistan.”
Corporal Donnie Macphee, 26, of South Uist, said: “There has been a massive change in how the ANA operate, a complete change. They have taken ownership of themselves.”
Cpl Macphee said he was confident he had helped to leave Afghanistan in better shape.
“I really hope we have done enough to stop it descending back into what it was before.”