Community figures pay tribute to returning Black Watch heroes

Dec 15 2009 by Johnathon Menzies, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

AFTER parading triumphantly through the streets of Perth, homecoming Black Watch heroes were joined by their families – and a whole host of local councillors, politicians and military personnel – for a civil reception in Perth Concert Hall.

Perth and North Perthshire MP, Pete Wishart, was among those gathered in the city centre venue.

He said: “The Black Watch’s links with this area go back centuries and I think this sense of history was reflected in the number of people that took to the streets of Perth.

“It was quite an emotional parade and a great opportunity for us to say a thank you to the brave soldiers who fought for our local regiment.”

Blairgowrie and Glens councillor Bob Ellis, who served in the Royal Corps of Transport for nine years, also revealed that his son Arran had been sent to Northern Ireland with the historic regiment – a fact that gave Saturday’s showpiece added significance.

Councillor Ellis said: “What these soldiers are asked to do is, at times, way beyond the call of duty.

“When you speak to them, it’s incredible to think what they’ve been through at such a young age.

“It brought back memories of when Arran was in The Black Watch over in Northern Ireland.

“He was 17-and-a-half when he was sent there in 1989, so I can emphasise with what many of the families are feeling.”

Mid Scotland and Fife MSPs Murdo Fraser and Liz Smith were among those braving the cold on Saturday afternoon.

Mr Fraser said: “It was wonderful to see such a large number of people in the city centre.

“It was a clear demonstration of the level of affection the people of Perthshire have for, what is, their local regiment.”

Ms Smith added: “Recently there’s been an increasing awareness amongst local people of just how much The Black Watch soldiers sacrifice for their country, and how they seem to be getting younger and younger.

“I’m sure the reception they received will lift their spirits and provide a great boost to their morale,” she said.

Councillor Peter Barrett, whose ward encompasses the centre of the Fair City, said he was filled with a sense of pride watching the procession.

He added: “I’m sure all the soldiers’ families are extremely pleased to have their loved-ones home in time for Christmas and I hope they all enjoy the festive period – because they certainly deserve it.”

Prior to presenting the regiment with a specially-commissioned pipe banner and delivering a speech to the packed venue, Perth and Kinross Provost John Hulbert said the six soldiers who gave their lives whilst serving in Afghanistan’s Helmand and Kandahar provinces will never be forgotten.

Council leader Ian Miller said he was struck by the different generations who could be seen within in the crowd, lining several of Perth’s main thoroughfares.

“The volume of people who turned out shows that local people hold The Black Watch in very high regard.

“For me, this was underlined by the fact you could see children, parents and grandparents all standing together.

“It really was a heart-warming sight and added to what was a great atmosphere.

“I’ve been to three or four homecoming parades over the years, all of them have been excellent but, I would say, that this one was the best,” he said.