Armed forces parade a highlight of Perth Day

Jul 6 2010 by Denis Brown, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

Armed forces parade a highlight of Perth Day

SUNSHINE blessed a cast of more than a thousand marching in Perth Day’s stand-out spectacle – the rousing Scottish Armed Forces Day parade.

The highlight of Friday’s celebrations commemorating the Fair City’s 800th birthday, it featured a breath-taking honour roll of Army, Royal Navy, Royal Marines, RAF, veterans and youth group members.

Thousands of spectators, many toting cameras or waving flags, lined Tay Street to cheer on the inspirational procession, the largest military parade in Scotland this year, led by immaculately turned-out pipe and military bands.

As each wave passed a podium where HRH Prince Edward was taking the salute flanked by Provost John Hulbert and Lord Lieutenant of Perth and Kinross, Brigadier Melville Jameson, a shout of “eyes right” rang out.

Adding to the excitement, a Tornado from RAF Lossiemouth streaked past in a dramatic flyover, silhouetted against bright blue skies.

Brigadier George Lowder, Commander of 51 (Scottish) Brigade, said the parade meant a lot to participants, and that many Scottish-based units were deployed in Afghanistan, making personal sacrifices to defend the UK.

“They are very grateful for the incredible support that the people in Scotland show to them and their families; it gives them strength and helps them focus on the job in hand,” he said.

Flanking the crowd and resplendent in top hats and tails, were Perth’s High Constables, some who like many other dignitaries in ceremonial garb on the scorching day, looked as if they were a bit under the weather.

“It’s a super event but I could have done with swapping my top hat for a golf cap,” conceded Gordon Dow (69).

Appreciating better ventilation was kilted German piper, Achim Fuchs (37), over from Perth twin town, Aschaffenburg, with his pipe band, the Spessart Highlanders, to perform at the Game Fair and Concert Hall.

A firefighter, Mr Fuchs was with firm friend, retired Perth Fire Station commander, Keith McIntosh, who he met 15 years ago on his first trip to Perth, with the pair having visited each other’s towns many times since.

“I love Perth and Scotland, so I bought bagpipes, taught others in Germany to play and set up the pipe band,” said Mr Fuchs.

“To be here for Perth Day is incredibly important to us as we have good friendships, very special ones, here in Perth.”

After the parade, which wound up with a convoy of military vehicles dating back to World War II, HRH Prince Edward, made his way to the North Inch war memorial to award six Elizabeth Crosses to the families of armed forces personnel killed in action in various conflicts.

En route he paused to speak to some spectators, including lucky Perth five-year-old, Cameron, who was with his grandmother Gladys Reid.

“The prince was a very nice man, he said hello to me,” declared shy Cameron, hiding behind his granny.

“I can’t wait to tell everyone else – they’re all at school today.”