A CANADIAN who studied under a Black Watch piper has lobbied the UK Government not to follow his country’s route of trimming its forces to the extent that it relies on the US for defence.

Mitch McDowell has written to the MoD making military and cultural arguments for retaining Scottish Division infantry regiments.

Both sides of his family served in The Black Watch and the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders.

His piping teacher, James Greig, was a piper in the 1st Battalion The Black Watch from 1945 to 1952 and later went on to play with Edinburgh City Police Pipe Band.

When he emigrated to Canada Mr Greig founded one of the most respected competition pipe bands—but nothing gave him as much pride as his time in The Black Watch, said Mr McDowell.

“His ingrained regimental pride was the source of the tremendous courage and stamina he drew upon during his long struggle with the cancer that ultimately killed him this past year,” he added.

“There on his casket for all to see were his two most treasured symbols: a Black Watch cap badge and a red hackle.

“It is my chief regret in life that I delayed too long in attempting to do what he always encouraged me to do— go to Scotland and join The Black Watch,” said Mr McDowell.

He said he has watched Canada’s forces being trimmed to a shadow of what they once were and claimed the country now looked over the border for defence.

“The UK is so old and imbued with history I wonder if all of you truly understand how preciously unique your national heritage is? In countries like my own, which is so young compared to Great Britain, the inhabitants stand in awe of your nation’s longevity and its traditions.

“To have regiments in your armed forces that have existed and served with distinction for 300 years or more is an uncanny.

“Once that chain of tradition is broken, it is gone forever. The great Highland regiments you are so fortunate to call your own are irreplaceable national treasures and absolutely essential elements in your country’s national security.”