2001

1st Bn - Redford Bks, Edinburgh. Jan/Feb Northern Ireland training. March moved to Palace Barracks, Belfast  as Holywood Resident Bn under 39th Infantry Brigade. Operationally the Battalion was engaged in a busy cycle with a company deployed to Girdwood Security Force base in North Belfast, a company guarding Palace Barracks, a company able to operate anywhere in Province and called Expeditionary Company (but quite often used for operations in Belfast and/or training) and the last company on leave and training. April WO1 (RSM) A McLean took over as RSM from WO1 (RSM) C A Whitehead. During the period from June to November 2001, the battalion held the ring in North Belfast during some of the worst inter-sectarian violence ever seen in the long history of the Troubles. 7 Dec Lt Col J D Gray took over as CO from Lt Col B W O Russell. During the winter months each company completed a successful rural training package in Galloway.

2002

1st Bn - Palace Barracks, Belfast (Holywood Resident Bn) - 39 Inf Bde. In the two weeks either side of Easter the battalion group were attacked with lethal force on 27 separate occasions, including 4 separate shooting contacts — one of which involved the CO’s rover group. September started with the deployment of the battalion, minus the COP, to Standford Training Area (STANTA) for a two-week battalion exercise called KESTRELS FINN. Events in the Gulf gathered momentum, it became clear that these, and the Fire Brigade's Union strike, were about to have significant impact on the Army. After a period of intense speculation, it was confirmed that the Battalion was to be extended in Belfast for a further six months to a revised end of tour date of September 2003. However, the battalion responded stoically to the news and focused its training and planning for it’s 7th consecutive summer committed to the Marching Season.

2003

1st Bn - Palace Barracks, Belfast (Holywood Resident Bn) - 39 Inf Bde. 2003 was comparatively quiet. The Marching Season was peaceful, although it still required the battalion to mount significant battlegroup operations to underpin the greatly improved security situation. There is no doubt of the significant role the Battalion has played in creating this improved security environment. This was very satisfying and rewarding for all ranks. Indeed, this achievement was widely recognised by others. The Battalion was nominated for the Wilkinson Sword of Peace 2002, supported by numerous citations from a diverse cross-section of society in Belfast. April WO1 (RSM) J Howe took over as RSM from WO1 (RSM) A McLean. In the sporting arena the battalion had young officers and soldiers representing the Army at no less than three major sports: rugby, cricket and boxing. The football squad had a very good season with a number going on to play for the Infantry. September moved to Howe Bks, Canterbury – 16 Air Assault Bde. The battalion changed role and ORBAT on 8th October, welcoming a platoon from the Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment on a two-year attachment. They will ensure that the battalion was fully manned whilst still deploying a Regimental Recruiting Team and X Platoon.

2004

1st Bn - Howe Bks, Canterbury – 16 Air Assault Bde. Jan moved to Iraq. July returned to Canterbury.

2005

1st Bn - Howe Bks, Canterbury – 16 Air Assault Bde.

2006

1st Bn - Howe Bks, Canterbury – 16 Air Assault Bde.

2007

1st Bn - Howe Bks, Canterbury – 16 Air Assault Bde.