AMID EMOTIONAL scenes, Black Watch veterans descended on Aberfeldy, where the regiment was raised more than 250 years ago.

The lives of local soldiers lost on battlefields across the globe were remembered during the event, which was held in glorious sunshine.

It was May 20, 1740, when The Black Watch standard was first raised and soldiers throughout the UK remain fiercely proud of the regiment’s courageous—and often pivotal—engagement in countless conflicts.

More than 200 veterans travelled to Perthshire for the muster parade to remember colleagues who gave their lives for the regiment. They stood proud during a half-hour service of remembrance, their red hackles a symbolic reminder of the regiment’s remarkable spirit of unity.

Its traditional recruiting ground is Tayside and Fife but veterans from all over the UK were among those at Aberfeldy.

Lieutenant General Sir Alistair Irwin read the lesson during the service led by former soldier the Rev Matthew Robertson.

Major Ronnie Proctor of The Black Watch said the parade—the first of its kind held at Aberfeldy—had been a massive success and he hinted it may even become an annual event.

“The regiment was first raised in Aberfeldy in May 1740 and the Black Watch Association felt it was time the event was properly commemorated,” he said.

“Around 200 association members attended from as far afield as Devon. The open-air service gave veterans the opportunity to remember those who lost their lives while serving with the regiment.”

Major Proctor said local branches were well represented. “The standards of the Black Watch associations of Angus, Perth and Dundee were in evidence.”

“A piper from the battalion played and everyone who attended really enjoyed it, although it was a very emotional experience.”

With the event so well attended, he confirmed the association was considering an annual event in Aberfeldy. He believed it would help to ensure the courage and conviction of those soldiers who gave their lives with The Black Watch are never forgotten.