| Proud veterans, local politicians and Fair City residents were all on hand to pay tribute to the world-famous regiment, which is now part of the Royal Regiment of Scotland (RRS).
The merger may have caused massive divisions, but locals stood united at a service to mark 266 years of distinguished service.
Held at Balhousie Castle, the regiment’s HQ, the sombre ceremony included a short service of commemoration and speeches by dignitaries and members of the Scottish Parliament.
Amid emotionally-charged scenes, The Black Watch was described as “one of the best fighting units in the world today”.
A strong sense of pride was clear for all to see, with politicians insisting The Black Watch must never be regarded as a “relic of the past”.
In fact, some spoke of their continued opposition to the merger of Scotland’s regiments and insisted they would fight for a reversal of the controversial decision.
The Black Watch has fought in some of the world’s most famous battles, as Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser noted.
“This is the end of a regiment that has fought across the globe with the highest of dignity and has battled in some of the most ferocious battles in history,” he said during the ceremony.
“They have fought in North America against native tribes during the seven year’s war. “They have defeated George Washington in the Battle of Long Island. They have fought in the Boer War. They fought at Waterloo, the Somme and Ypres.
“Black Watch solders were among the first forward in some of the most intense fighting of World War II in Normandy after the D-Day landings.
“The 1st Battalion of The Black Watch became the first British unit to enter German territory in World War II.”
Mr Fraser, a Tory, spoke of his party’s commitment to reversing the merger.
“We are talking about one of the best fighting units in the world today. The Black Watch returned home from Iraq, after serving with the highest dignity, bravery and honour,” the MSP continued.
“For Labour to pat them on the back for serving in Iraq and to then stab them in the back the next moment with amalgamation is disgusting.”
Mr Fraser fears the “honourable traditions” of the regiment may well be lost forever. “Our local area and The Black Watch are intertwined and it will be a severe loss for the communities that have had long standing ties with the regiment,” he remarked.
“This strong bond with the local area undoubtedly aids recruiting, as we see different generations from the same family joining their local regiment.
Mr Fraser urged Tayside and Fife never to forget the role played by local soldiers.
“After so many battles and victories this is a sad end for The Black Watch,” he said.
“Let us remember the honour of The Black Watch and remember its men that have fought for the regiment and for the United Kingdom.
“Do not forget their motto, ‘Nemo Me Impune Lacessit’ — ‘no one attacks me with impunity’. Do not forget The Black Watch,” Mr Fraser added.
Politicians of all parties attended today’s event, along with association branch members from Dundee, Perth, Fife, Newcastle, Chorley, Stoke and London.
Perth and North Perthshire MP Pete Wishart said those behind the amalgamation should be “ashamed of themselves”.
“The fight goes on comrades,” he said. “We must ensure The Black Watch can keep its identity within the new Royal Regiment of Scotland.
“Fighting for the retention of The Black Watch was the proudest moment of my political career,” Mr Wishart added.
Meanwhile, Perth MSP Roseanna Cunningham paid tribute to all those involved in the campaign to save the Black Watch.
“I am sorry the government has no time for history,” she said. “Recruitment figures are falling and the Government may come to regret the day it came to this decision.”
Brigadier Garry Burnett welcomed around 200 veterans to today’s ceremony.
“I enlisted 49 years ago and have mixed feelings today,” he said. “I would like to thank all those who campaigned tirelessly for the regiment.
“Today we think of the regiment and remember all of those who served with it. We also think of what the regiment has meant to us.”
The other five regiments becoming battalions of the super regiment are the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, Royal Scots, Royal Highland Fusiliers, King’s Own Scottish Borderers and the Highlanders.
As well as the Perth event there were special parades in parts of the world where Scottish soldiers are based, including the Royal Scots in Iraq and the Royal Highland Fusiliers in Cyprus.
Today’s service ended with three cheers for The Black Watch. |
