US television host Jimmy Fallon was hosted for dinner by soldiers from the 5th Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland after being recognised during a Balmoral Castle visit. The encounter led to an invitation to dine in the officers’ mess in Ballater, Aberdeenshire.

Fallon arrived at Victoria Barracks to be greeted in kilts with bagpipes, signed the visitors’ book, and took part in a formal welcome led by the commanding officer, the second in command and the company sergeant major. A ceremonial guard rehearsed for the King’s departure, and Fallon was shown some of the equipment used by the unit before dinner. The starter was venison Scotch egg rather than the usual sausage.

Lieutenant Samoilys gave a short talk on the regimental colours. Major Thomas Blair, commanding officer of 5Scots, said the meeting near Balmoral turned into a brilliant evening and that they were delighted to welcome him to Scotland, in true Scots style. Balaklava company within 5Scots has ceremonial roles in Scotland and forms the royal guard at Balmoral, while the infantry company welcomed the King to Balmoral earlier this year. Fallon, known for Saturday Night Live, has been linked with a UK version of the show; Michaels has spoken of a UK version of the programme, and Fallon has advised aspiring comedians not to treat such opportunities as a launching pad but to pursue them as the end goal.