12 Facts About Alistair Irwin

Alistair Irwin was educated at Lambrook preparatory school, Wellington College and the University of St Andrews, graduating in Political Economy.

Alistair Irwin was promoted to lieutenant on 25 January 1971, to captain on 25 July 1975, and to major on 30 September 1980.

In 1981, Alistair Irwin was posted to the Ministry of Defence as General Staff Officer II.

Alistair Irwin was second in command of the 1st Battalion, The Black Watch from 1983 to 1984.

Alistair Irwin was next appointed commanding officer of the 1st Battalion, Black Watch in 1985.

Alistair Irwin was Mentioned in Despatches on 14 April 1987 "in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Northern Ireland", and appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in the 1987 Birthday Honours.

Alistair Irwin commanded 39 Infantry Brigade in Northern Ireland from 1992 to 1994, and was advanced to Commander of the Order of the British Empire on 22 November 1994 "in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Northern Ireland during the period 1st October 1993 to 31st March 1994".

Alistair Irwin served as General Officer Commanding Northern Ireland from December 2000 to January 2003, when he was appointed Adjutant-General to the Forces, a post he held until he retired in June 2005.

Alistair Irwin was knighted as a Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath in the 2002 Birthday Honours.

Alistair Irwin is President of the Royal British Legion for Scotland.

Alistair Irwin is a member of the advisory board of anti-independence group Scotland in Union.

Alistair Irwin was an officer in the Royal Company of Archers until 2024.