By Dave Lord

EVERY SCOTTISH politician who failed to oppose hugely controversial plans to merge Scotland’s historic regiments will be “named and shamed” ahead of next year’s Holyrood elections.

Groups including the world famous Perth-based Black Watch look set to lose their identity when a single Scottish “super-regiment” is formed.

However, campaigners with Save The Scottish Regiments are continuing to rail against the changes and have pledged to make the run-up to the 2007 elections as uncomfortable as possible for elected members.

They have accused MSPs of not listening to their constituents and insist their “betrayal” will not be forgotten by the electorate.

“Politically every Scottish MSP who remained silent and failed to support its citizens while a Westminster Government decided the fate of our Scottish regiments will be identified in the run-up to the Holyrood elections,” said a Save The Scottish Regiments spokesman.

“They will find themselves at the receiving end of a high-profile campaign to target their seat—especially those in marginal seats.

“Nearly every Labour MSP failed in their duty to speak up on behalf of their electorate and instead voted to support Government plans to destroy Scotland’s regiments,” the spokesman continued.

“They may have thought that with a few years between their betrayal and when they next come canvassing for votes this would be long forgotten—they are mistaken.”

Campaigners are set to give members of the public advice on tactical voting ahead of the 2007 elections and have also urged concerned individuals to get in touch with Tony Blair.

“From early 2006 a website dedicated to tactical voting in the Scottish elections will be launched, showing exactly where votes will count,” the spokesman said.

“Anyone who would like to become involved in the preparations for the Scottish election should get in touch with us at info@savethescottishregiments.co.uk.

“Recently a petition with 155,000 signatures was presented to Mr Blair by those opposed to the merger of the Scottish regiments,” he continued.

“We would invite everyone who feels our Prime Minister should respond to the 155,000 signatories to contact him via his website.

“Please feel free to ask Mr Blair why—despite his promise the day after the General Election to be a listening government—his party continues to be an ignoring government.

“The web address to submit your questions to the Prime Minister is www.pm.gov.uk/output/page821. asp,” the spokesman added.

Just last week Save The Scottish Regiments issued a hard-hitting alternative Christmas message.

Campaigners accused Westminster of needlessly wasting “millions of pounds of taxpayers’ money” in a bid to make the proposed changes more palatable to a sceptical public.

They also insisted the super regiment proposed for Scotland threatens the army’s future viability and very existence.