Black watch set to re-form cadet detachment at Pitlochry

Nov 27 2009 by Alison Anderson, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

THE Black Watch Battalion Army Cadet Force is mustering to re-form a cadet detachment in Pitlochry after a 30-plus year absence.

The last detachment in the Highland Perthshire town closed in the mid-1970s, while the detachment in Aberfeldy shut down in the 1980s.

Next year is the 150th anniversary of the Army Cadet Force and the Pitlochry Detachment could possibly be formed in the New Year, serving the Highland Perthshire area. Currently, the nearest detachment is in Dunkeld.

The Army Cadet Force is a voluntary youth organisation for boys and girls aged 12-18. The main aim is to promote citizenship and team-building, providing youngsters with a sense of achievement.

There are already cadet detachments in Auchterarder, Blairgowrie, Crieff, Dunkeld, Kinross, Perth and Stanley, as well as throughout Fife. Cadets have the opportunity of taking part in military and adventurous activities and are actively involved with their local communities.

If a new detachment is to be formed, it would be badged to the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, recognising the historical local link with the Scottish Horse. This would make it the only RSDG badged detachment in the Black Watch Battalion.

To gauge support, an open night is being held from 7.30pm-9pm on Wednesday, December 9, in Pitlochry Town Hall. The event will be attended by army cadets and the Regimental Information Team from the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards. There will be displays showing cadet activities, as well as a presentation from the RSDG. There will also be free refreshments provided by Drummonds Resturant, Pitlochry

The guest of honour will be Brigadier Mel Jamieson, Lord Lieutenant of Perth and Kinross, who formerly served with the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards.

The open night is to be followed by a contact evening, again in Pitlochry Town Hall, at 7pm on January 20.

All young people, male and female, aged 12-16 years will be most welcome at both events. An invitation is also extended to any adults interested in supporting any possible Pitlochry Detachment.

In charge of the project is Major Douglas Pover, the Battalion Media and Community Operations Officer who is a police sergeant based at Pitlochry Police Station.

More information on the Army Cadet Force can be found by visiting www.koreacompany.co.uk or www.armycadets.com