By Chris Ferguson

NATIONAL POLITICIANS have been accused of breathtaking silence during the campaign to save The Black Watch and other Scottish regiments from the axe.

The father of a Black Watch NCO on active duty in Iraq said the leadership expected from MPs and MSPs has not materialised. He said only councillors across Tayside and Fife, many of whom have broken rank with party policy, have mounted any defence of the regiments, an integral part of the Scottish identity.

We are not naming the father because his son is a serving soldier, but his frustration reflects many of the comments from parents of Black Watch men and those who support the regimental system.

He is particularly angry that few Labour MPs and MSPs had taken on board the strength of feeling of voters and made a stand on behalf of the six Scottish Division regiments.

“What is the point of having a devolved legislature when they sit on their hands?” asked the father.

“Defence may be a devolved matter but Scottish culture and tradition is not. Our MSPs may not have the final say but between them all you would think they would have an opinion about the damage that will be done if we run down our infantry.

“I’m sick hearing about smart weapons. Do we want to follow the American way and plough all our money into technology?

“The success of the British Army has always been the thinking, reasoning and reaction to changing circumstances of men on the ground.

“How long will it take the politicians to realise that?

“And how long will it take to train replacement infantry men when they do? You cut the infantry and you lose skills which have been acquired in difficult circumstances and passed on through generations of servicemen.”

The father said he expected at least a statement from Scottish ministers, either backing the retention of the regiments or, conversely, defending their inaction.

“There has been the odd MP and MSP saying, save The Black Watch, but precious little action,” he said.