Scotland has six infantry regiments at present, but they are all under strength. Under Government plans, one of them is facing the axe and the others are likely to be merged into one or two so-called “super-regiments”.

There has been widespread concern The Black Watch, whose 1st Battalion are serving their second tour in Iraq, could be in line for disbandment.

Mr Duncan said it was heartening to know the campaign had the total support of the SNP, whose representatives included MSP Shona Robison, two Parliamentary candidates and councillors from Dundee and Angus.

He stressed there had been cross-party backing, with the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats also keen to oppose the changes proposed by Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon last month.

A message of support was received today from Menzies Campbell, Lib Dem MP for North-East Fife.

“It is further evidence that many people are against what has been announced,” he said.

Asked if he had been surprised by the level of support for the campaign, Mr Duncan said he hoped it would not sound arrogant to say no. People in Tayside and Fife were “extremely proud” of the regiment.

He explained that he had visited the 1st Battalion at the land warfare training centre in Warminster before their deployment to Iraq.

“They are good lads. They want to know the public is behind them. They have fought for their country and now it’s time for the public to fight for them.”

Save the Scottish Regiments is now preparing for a major rally to be held in Dundee next month.

SNP councillor Joe Fitzpatrick, in whose ward the Powrie Brae memorial stands, said Dundee and Angus had a fine tradition of providing recruits for the regiment.

“It is unacceptable for a Labour government in Westminster to be contemplating the abolition of The Black Watch whilst they are in Iraq.”

Angus councillor Frank Ellis said it made no sense to cut Scottish regiments at a time when infantry were being deployed around the world.

SNP defence policy for an independent Scotland includes keeping all the existing regiments and basing them at home. For The Black Watch that would mean a return from Germany, where they serve in an armoured infantry role with 1st (UK) Armoured Division.

They are equipped with the Warrior infantry fighting vehicle and range of other vehicles allowing them to move rapidly and safely on the battlefield.

Asked what The Black Watch would do as part of an independent Scottish army, Dundee East Parliamentary candidate Stewart Hosie said, “The format of regiments evolves over time. There are no plans for change at present.”

He said there was still a clear need for Scottish troops to take part in peacekeeping operations under the auspices of international organisations, such as the United Nations and the Western European Union. SNP policy is for Scotland to have observer status only in NATO.

Mr Hosie added that the party had done detailed work on the costings of independent armed forces, including sufficient barracks accommodation, and he believed that overseas training could still be carried out.

It was suggested to him that one of the main attractions for teenagers in joining the Army was the chance to see something of the world. Would there still be the same incentive to join up if The Black Watch was based in Scotland?

He replied, “I think the big issue for recruitment is local connections. Local identity is crucial to continuing high levels of recruitment to infantry regiments. Breaking the link with local communities is the wrong thing to do.

“I hope all concerned can unite to lift the threat which hangs over The Black Watch.”