Perthshire soldiers past and present attend remembrance ceremony and Balhousie Castle

Nov 10 2009 by Johnathon Menzies, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

SOLDIERS past and present were joined by local schoolchildren for an emotional service at Perth’s Balhousie Castle.

Presided over by Rev Alex Forsyth, prayers and readings were followed by a poignant roll-call of The Black Watch servicemen who gave their lives whilst serving in both Afghanistan and Iraq.

Children from Kinnoull Primary School also laid hand-made poppies and read out a poem during the often tearful tribute – watched by some of the bereaved families.

Major Ronnie Proctor said it was vital that three generations were brought together to pay their respects, a day before the last of Perthshire regiment’s brave men returned from the Middle East.

Corporal Sean Binnie (22), of The Black Watch, 3rd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, was killed earlier this year in southern Afghanistan.

Before his family laid a wreath in the grounds of Balhousie Castle, Sean’s mum Janette said her son had his heart set on signing-up with The Black Watch from a young age.

And former soldier Eddie Glover (71), who lives in Perth and served with the historic regiment for over 20 years, said the sacrifices made by the likes of Corporal Binnie should never be forgotten.

He said: “It might be difficult for the youngsters to understand what’s going on when they go to Remembrance services but it’s important they are taught about it.”

On the same day as the service at Balhousie Castle, local politicians laid wreaths during the dedication ceremony for the garden of Remembrance on the Fair City’s King Edward Street.

Perth MSP Roseanna Cunningham and Perth and North Perthshire MP Pete Wishart joined in the tributes.

Amongst the host of tributes taking place across the region, St Johnstone players wore shirts featuring poppies during their SPL match against Aberdeen.