Perthshire ex-marine dies travelling to Armistice Day service

Nov 10 2009 by Andrew Welsh, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

A FORMER Perthshire serviceman who died suddenly at an Armistice Day service was described as “a pillar of the community” yesterday.

Ex-Royal Marine Commando Neil Watson, from Blairgowrie, collapsed and died en route to the war memorial in Arbroath on Sunday after suffering a massive heart attack.

Yesterday, local councilor Bob Ellis paid tribute to Mr Watson, who stayed in Blairgowrie’s Rosemount area.

“I have known Neil and his wife Vicky on and off for quite a number of years,” he told the PA.

“When I heard the news it was a bit of a shock. I am 60 and Neil was around the same age.

“My thoughts go wife his wife and family at this time.”

Paramedics attempted to revive Mr Watson after his collapse near the cenotaph, but he could not be saved.

Mr Ellis, who served in the Royal Corps of Transport for nine years, described Mr Watson as “community spirited” and said he was well-liked in Blairgowrie.

“Both Neil and Vicky were instrumental in whipping up a lot of support for environmental improvements in Rosemount,” he said.

It is understood that Mr Watson, who was a former member of Arbroath’s 45 Commando, had worked in the landscape gardening sector.

News of the sad passing began to filter through shortly after Perthshire had witnesses several well-attended Armistice Day proceedings.

In a stirring display, the sound of pipes and drums echoed through the streets of Perth, Blairgowrie, Crieff and Pitlochry as residents of all ages marched side by side in the sunshine to pay their respects to those who lost their lives in conflicts down the years.

In Perth, representatives of the Royal Regiment of Scotland were among those in the military parade that made its way to St John’s Kirk for a commemoration service.

Blairgowrie witnessed a Remembrance Sunday parade and service that Councillor Ellis described as “one of the best-attended for many years”.

Processions featuring ex-servicemen and women, members of the Royal British Legion Scotland and Black Watch cadets brought thoroughfares in Crieff and Pitlochry to a standstill.