Penguin who is member of King of Norway's Guard gets promotion

A highly decorated penguin has been given a promotion during a special ceremony at Edinburgh Zoo.

Resident king penguin Sir Nils Olav is an honorary member of the King of Norway's Guard and gets to inspect the soldiers when they visit the Scottish city.

Sir Nils is already a knight, but was given the new title of Brigadier Sir Nils Olav at a ceremony attended by more than 50 Norwegian soldiers from the unit.

The troops are taking part in this year's Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

Sir Nils paraded along the zoo's penguin walk during the ceremony, inspecting the soldiers of the guard.

Barbara Smith, acting chief executive for the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, said: "We are honoured to host His Majesty the King of Norway's Guard as they bestow a prestigious new title upon our king penguin, Sir Nils Olav.

"It is a very proud moment and represents the close collaboration between our two countries, Scotland and Norway."

Brigadier David Allfrey, producer and chief executive of the tattoo, added: "This is just a simply fantastic example of the great relations between our two countries and it couldn't be a more charming tradition.

"At the tattoo we, of course, have many inspecting officers but this is by far my favourite. Congratulations, Brigadier Olav."