Territorial Army to be given Freedom of Perth

Feb 12 2010 by Johnathon Menzies, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

MEMBERS of the Territorial Army will be given the Freedom of Perth during a special three-day festival celebrating the city’s 800th anniversary.

The ceremonial gesture will take place mid-way through a march along the Fair City’s main streets on July 2.

TA personnel will be joined by Black Watch servicemen from the 3rd Battalion, the Royal Regiment of Scotland (3SCOTS) during the patriotic procession.

The Royal British Legion, massed pipes and drums, uniformed organisations and veterans associations will also be present.

Perth and Kinross Council provost John Hulbert told councillors this week that “a VIP will be present” to conduct proceedings.

A thanksgiving service at St John’s Kirk earlier in the day will herald the start of ‘Perth Day’ – the summer focal point of the year-long Perth 800 celebrations.

Perth councillor Alexander Stewart hailed the festival from Friday, July 2 to Sunday, July 4.

“We have an excellent opportunity to involve as many people over these three days as possible,” he said.

“It’s fantastic there are plans to have a VIP involved. Gestures like this are of fundamental importance to members of the local community.”

Members of PKC’s provost’s sub-committee agreed the festival would make for a “wonderful spectacle”.

As well as events centred around the armed forces, a 350-capacity ceilidh will be held in the Dewar’s Centre on July 3.

In another showcase celebrating the historic anniversary, local musicians and acclaimed opera singer Donald Maxwell are scheduled to appear in Perth Concert Hall the following day.

Provost Hulbert said the highly-anticipated events will cost “significantly less” than the £46,000 originally set aside.

He revealed some savings will be made as a civic lunch originally pencilled-in for Scone Palace on July 2 has been moved to Perth Museum and Art Gallery.