Among those attending were SNP leader Alex Salmond, two of his fellow MPs, Pete Wishart and Annabel Ewing, and SNP MSP Roseanna Cunningham.

Conservative politicians Douglas Taylor, Elizabeth Smith and David Mundell also lent their support.

The sporting fraternity was represented by former world lightweight boxing champion Ken Buchanan MBE, Peter Harrison, father of world featherweight boxing champion Scott Harrison, St Johnstone assistant team boss Jim Weir and Dundee United coach Tony Docherty.

All four contributed items for an auction and other contributions came from a host of celebrities, including Jim Davidson and Nell McAndrew.

Many army personnel were also in attendance at the event which featured music from Dundee band Ringer.

“It’s tremendous to see such a substantial response to the auction,” said Alex Salmond.

“And meeting Ken Buchanan here has fulfilled a lifetime ambition for me.

“I remember a quote he once made. It was, ‘Show me a good loser and I’ll show you a loser’.”

“I’ve never forgotten that. And the Save The Regiments campaign is determined not to lose.

“This campaign is one of the best I’ve seen.

“It’s being fought with an absolute determination and a belief it can succeed.”