A MAN from Wrexham has received a boost in his studies after getting exclusive access to the Welsh Guard during their recent Freedom March in the town.
Scott Taylor, 30, is currently doing a photography degree at Wrexham Glyndwr University, where he is now preparing to begin his second year of study.
Scott, from the Brymbo area, is hoping to use his degree to pursue military portraiture in the future - something which he describes himself to be fascinated by.
With thanks to some help from his friend, Ben Hughes, who he met at a local photography club, the pair were granted exclusive access to the Welsh Guard during their Freedom March on Tuesday.
Wrexham Mayor Andy Williams with members of the Welsh Guard. Image by Scott Taylor Photography.
The two photography enthusiasts were able to enter the barracks in Hightown to get up close and personal with members of the battalion as they prepared their uniforms.
They then stayed alongside the soldiers as they paraded through the streets from the barracks to Llwyn Isaf Green.
Speaking to the Leader, Scott said: "For me, it was a brilliant experience.
"I want to pursue military photography further in particular, so this experience was really important to me.
The leek found on the collar of a Welsh Guard. Image by Scott Taylor Photography.
"I take inspiration from the photographer Rory Lewis, who recently published an intriguing book about military portraiture. But one thing I wasn't able to take from his writing was how to differentiate military personnel depending on their uniform.
"After working so closely with the Welsh Guard though, I found they each have a leek on their collars, while the fifth regiment of foot guards can be identified from how they have five buttons on their tunic.
The five buttons on the tunic of a Welsh Guard. Image by Scott Taylor Photography.
"I got the opportunity to be so close to the Welsh Guard through my friend Ben Hughes, who is also a passionate photographer and happens to have two cousins in the Welsh Guard."
Hundreds of people lined the streets of Wrexham as the Welsh Guard exercised their right to hold a Freedom Marchwhich culminated in a gathering outside Wrexham's Guildhall.
Scott now hopes that his experiences with the Welsh Guard will help support him in his ambitions of pursuing military photography.
He is now preparing to begin his second year of study in a three-year photography degree at Wrexham Glyndwr University.
Scott Taylor is also a member of the Leader Camera Club, where people across the region share a whole range of images, inspiring others to seek out newly discovered locations.
If you'd like to join, visit the Leader Camera Club Facebook page, or email your photos to gary.york@newsquest.co.uk
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here