A FORMER Black Watch corporal has warned the Government of the dire consequences of fostering discontent among troops serving on the frontline.

Mr A. Scott, of Coupar Angus, said morale in Iraq could suffer, causing knock-on damage to recruitment prospects for generations.

Mr Scott was a piper with the regiment, his great-grandfather was RSM, his grandfather was provost sergeant and his father a drummer.

“The government of the day formed The Black Watch to police the highlands and now they want to merge them with someone else.

“They want to give very serious thought before forcing through any move of this kind.

“The people of Scotland, and in particular The Black Watch recruiting area, have very long memories indeed.

“The last thing the Government wants is discontent among its troops—remember, it is our kin that are on the frontline, not these stuffed shirts in Whitehall.”

Meanwhile, another Black Watch supporter, Robert Rennie, said the way the regiment is conducting itself in Iraq is in stark contrast to the “spin and cronyism” of Government.

“Labour MPs and MSPs have been pretty quiet on the subject,” said Mr Rennie. “Perhaps they could make their positions clear?

“Will they stand up in defence of their historic local regiments or will they meekly obey their London masters?

“One person’s silence on this matter has been deafening. Has Tony Blair nothing to say on the subject?”