AS SOLDIERS of The Black Watch prepare to relax with their loved ones this Christmas they are well aware a trip to Afghanistan is just a few months away.

A six-month tour is set to commence in the spring, and their duties include “engagement with the Taliban.”

Details were announced in Parliament last week, with over 400 members of The Black Watch, 3rd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland set to serve largely in the war-torn Helmand province.

Despite the risks involved in a deployment to one of the world’s most dangerous regions, Black Watch officials have described the development as an honour.

The Black Watch was raised in Perthshire and is synonymous with its traditional recruiting ground of Tayside and Fife.

Among those praying for the soldiers’ safe return is Perth MSP Roseanna Cunningham, whose constituency includes Balhousie Castle, The Black Watch’s traditional regimental headquarters.

She knows soldiers will once again act with dignity and courage, just as they have done during numerous global conflicts in the past.

“As The Black Watch prepares for a tour of duty in Helmand province in the spring my prayers are with them and their loved ones,” Ms Cunningham said.

“I hope that Afghanistan and other troubled parts of the world will know peace in the coming year.

“I have no doubt that the men and women of The Black Watch will perform the duties they are required to carry out with the utmost professionalism and will show themselves to be the first-class soldiers they are,” the MSP added.

While in Helmand, the battalion will be expected to carry out a wide range of duties, including engagement with the Taliban.

Troops will also be required to reassure the Afghan population that reconstruction and governance will continue to improve in areas not yet being patrolled by members of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force.

Roadside explosions and suicide bombers are among the dangers in Helmand, but Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Steven Cartwright said that they were “delighted” to receive details of the assignment.

“This will be a considerable challenge to the battalion: securing the respect and trust of the Afghan nationals is our goal, and we can only do that by providing them with security that is so badly needed,” he said.

“I am sure that summer in Afghanistan will be an extremely demanding time, both physically and intellectually.

“However, we are well equipped and have excellent training planned before we depart. If we can match the professionalism and humility displayed by those who have gone before, then I am confident we will succeed in our mission.”