Perth to welcome TA heroes during Freedom parade

May 7 2010 by Johnathon Menzies, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

THE centre of the Fair City will reverberate to the sound of the pipes and drums at the weekend when the Territorial Army is presented with the Freedom of Perth.

The Dunkeld Road-based 51st Highland, 7th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland (7SCOTS) will take part in the prestigious ceremony outside the City Hall tomorrow.

After leaving from Rose Terrace at 11.30am, Perth and Kinross Provost John Hulbert will read and present a scroll to the battalion, after which the soldiers will be ordered to “fix bayonets” and march via South Street to Tay Street.

At around 12.15pm, medals will be presented to soldiers recognising bravery displayed during their most recent tour of Afghanistan, where they fought on the front line alongside the regular army.

The presentations will be followed by a Highland Games on the North Inch at 2pm, and a Beating the Retreat outside Perth Concert Hall from 7-7.30pm.

Provost John Hulbert urged local people to come out and show their support.

Dr Hulbert said: “It is a privilege to be giving 7SCOTS this honour in Perth 800 year, at a time when our armed forces, including the Territorial Army, are engaged in challenging operations overseas.

“Perth and Kinross Council voted unanimously to grant the Freedom of the City to 7SCOTS, a decision which I am sure will generate a great deal of pride in the hearts of all local people.

“I would encourage everyone to come out in force to show their appreciation to 7SCOTS and to watch what is guaranteed to be a spectacular parade – it promises to be a real day to remember.”

When they receive the Freedom of the City, 7SCOTS will follow in the footsteps of The Black Watch, which received the honour in 1947.