Major Ronnie Proctor, president of the Angus branch of The Black Watch Association, organised the gathering. It comes a day after the funeral of Private Marc Ferns, from Glenrothes, who lost his life in Iraq recently serving with the regiment.

The Black Watch could be axed following the Government’s defence budget cutbacks and people from across Tayside and Fife are concerned their beloved regiment may disappear.

Campaign co-ordinator for pressure group Save the Scottish Regiments said he was delighted that the four councils had chosen to descend on the monument to support the retention of The Black Watch.

“This campaign was born with the idea of keeping the public aware and to keep it going through the recess of the Scottish Parliament,” said the Dundee businessman.

“It is very encouraging to see the four councils taking the initiative on this and meeting up in joint support of retaining the regiment.

“This development just goes to show how far the campaign has come, when people are organising things like this independently.

“It means we don’t now need to give people a nudge and we are pleased they are doing these things on their own.”

The decision on which of the six Scottish regiments will be chopped won’t be known until next year.

Save the Scottish Regiments is holding a mass rally in the City Square, Dundee, on October 23.

Provost Bob Scott said, “This demonstration of solidarity will convey the powerful message to the armed forces minister about the strength and depth of feeling concerning The Black Watch regiment retaining its own identity and taking an active part in the future of the British armed forces.”

Lord Provost John Letford said, “I am absolutely delighted to represent the city of Dundee at this event to demonstrate our support and solidarity for the campaign to save The Black Watch.

“There is no more appropriate place than the monument at Powrie Brae for the civic leaders of the regiment’s home recruiting area to show their feelings for the regiment and the local soldiers who have served it so well, and at so much cost, over the years.

“The Black Watch is an integral part of this area’s traditions and we want to help ensure that the regiment’s proud history continues into the future.”