A treat for our Black Watch boys

Apr 17 2009 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

BLACK Watch soldiers serving on the Afghanistan frontline have already been caught-up in vicious firefights.

But home comforts are on their way from Perth to remind the troops they enjoy support from civvy street.

A shipment of multi-treat packs have been dispatched to the desert, courtesy of big-hearted Boots in Perth High Street.

The city centre store is providing everything from sunblock to baby wipes in a show of support for the local regiment’s first tour of duty in the war-torn country.

Soldiers admit the pamper packs are just what’s needed to show they’re being thought of back in Scotland.

Soon after raising the flag in Kandahar, the regional battle group was deployed on a dangerous 36-hour mission behind Taliban lines in the notorious Helmand province.

Commanding officer Lt Col Stephen Cartwright said: “The fact Alpha Company deployed on operations so soon after their arrival in theatre demonstrates their flexibility and high level of preparation. It’s pleasing to have had such a positive result.”

Boots’ decision to lavish luxuries on the lads was prompted by dispenser Yvonne Cooper, whose husband Brian is a captain serving with The Black Watch.

She encouraged store manager Paul Smith to back the scheme – and now a shipment of toiletries and treats is on route to the battalion’s base at Kandahar Airport in Southern Afghanistan.

“Brian’s been in The Black Watch for 26 years and I know the things that can make a difference to their comfort while serving in places like Iraq and Afghanistan,” explained Yvonne.

“Sometimes they forget the basics like toothpaste or shampoo and these are the sort of things Boots can provide and let them know we’re thinking of them back in Perth.”

Manager Mr Smith said he was happy to back the project to support Perth’s local battalion.

“There are so many of our customers and staff who have connections with The Black Watch and gathering together some bits and pieces from stock to perhaps make life a little more bearable for them in Afghanistan is something we’re only too happy to do,” he said.

Army recruiting officer Captain Atholl Stewart of The Black Watch, 3rd Battalion Royal Regiment of Scotland, confirmed the Jocks would really appreciate the gesture.

“This is a fantastic donation from Boots,” he said. “The Black Watch are in the first month of a six-month tour in Afghanistan with who knows what ahead of them.

“To know that the community back home is thinking of them gives the guys on the frontline a huge boost – particularly when the going gets tough.

“Everything in the packs will be really useful and greatly appreciated – especially the baby wipes, which are often the only wash the guys in the field get for days. They’re a real luxury.”