By Dave Lord

A DEFIANT rallying call has been issued by those battling to save Scotland’s historic regiments—including the world famous Perth-based Black Watch.

A hard-hitting alternative Christmas message delivered by Save The Scottish Regiments campaigners accuses Westminster of needlessly wasting “millions of pounds of tax payers’ money” in a bid to make the proposed changes more palatable to a sceptical public.

They also insist the so-called super regiment proposed for Scotland threatens the army’s future viability and very existence.

Throughout 2005 the battle to save the regiments has never been far from the headlines—and campaigners insist there will be no let up in 2006.

“Despite what remains an indisputable majority opposition...Tony Blair is pushing ahead with plans to ensure Scotland no longer retains its world-famous regiments,” a spokesman said.

“A recent petition to parliament was delivered to 10 Downing Street with 155,000 signatures. Those signing oppose the formation of a large single ‘super regiment’ to replace such famous regiments as The Royal Scots, The Kings Own Scottish Borderers and The Black Watch. All of those 155,000 signatories are still waiting for a response from Mr Blair.”

Campaigners insist public pressure could still pay off.

“The campaign to Save the Scottish regiments will continue throughout 2006,” the spokesman said. “Our most effective weapon in the campaign is awareness.

“We must make politicians aware of the immense damage that is being wreaked on the army in Scotland through factors such as loss of identity, overstretch, poor pay and lack of gratitude and respect shown by Government ministers to serving soldiers.

“Already recruitment to the army is at an all-time low with more soldiers leaving than new recruits joining. Millions of pounds of taxpayers money is being spent on advertising campaigns to boost recruitment with so far little or no effect.”

The loss of symbols such as The Black Watch’s Red Hackle has enraged campaigners. The spokesman said, “The army’s top brass has reneged on promises to retain even the most fundamental symbols of Scotland’s individual regiments.

“Regiments such as The Black Watch, which at the behest of Tony Blair was sent to Iraq twice with the loss of young lives, is to be denied even the most basic symbol of its pride—the world famous Red Hackle.”

Campaigners have promised to “refocus” their efforts in 2006.

“We will fight to prevent the formation of the Royal Regiment of Scotland,” the spokesman continued. “Even if it does materialise the campaign will not stop.

“Justice must be served. Those responsible for ignoring the wishes of the majority, both politically and at a regimental level, must be identified and where possible held accountable.”