Scottish soldiers in Cyprus hold annual blanket-decorating contest for Christmas, honoring service and boosting morale.

Scottish soldiers from the 4th Battalion, the Royal Regiment of Scotland, are continuing a WWII-era tradition by holding an annual blanket-decorating competition while deployed in Dhekelia, Cyprus, during the Christmas period. The event, designed to boost morale and foster camaraderie, features personalized designs reflecting on the year and honoring past service members. This year’s standout entry, by Corporal Lewis Devlin-May, depicts a stag among poppies. The activity provides a creative outlet and moment of reflection for troops serving abroad as part of the British Army’s high-readiness standby force.