A PERTHSHIRE teenager yesterday became part of history by being the first recruit from the area to join the newly formed The Black Watch 3rd Battalion The Royal Regiment Of Scotland.

Darren McGeary (17), from Crieff, enlisted at Perth Army Careers Office and will join the regiment in Belfast where it is based at present.

The announcement was welcomed by Captain Brian Cooper.

“Hopefully this will be the first of many recruits joining us,” he said. “I think a lot of people think we are no longer in operation, which isn’t the case.”

The Queen gave royal assent to the new regiment last month after a controversial merger.