By Harry McLaggan

THE MASSIVE military fort at Fort George outside Inverness yesterday saw more of its resident regiment leave for service.

Ironically, both Fort George and The Black Watch, 3rd Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland (3SCOTS) were created to keep rebellious highlanders in check after the second Jacobite rebellion and their defeat at Culloden in 1746.

Now there is a new role for the battalion, tackling highlanders in a very different part of the world from their base where winter winds whip about them.

Some 450 Black Watch soldiers are being deployed to Afghanistan for the first time, and for the first time at battalion strength for years.

Those leaving include veterans of Middle East campaigns and younger members of the unit.

In all cases however, they agree that they have been well trained, have good kit and are ready for the challenge ahead.

Some have done one, two, or even three tours in Iraq—but until now the battalion has never served in Afghanistan.

Major Andrew Tait, who will have the rank of lieutenant colonel for the tour, said, “I have served in Iraq and we have all the kit that is needed, from body armour to boots.

“We will be at the front of the front line at regional command south at Kandahar. We will go into areas where NATO troops have not been before.”

The work will be to win hearts and minds but Maj Tait warned, “We will also conduct operations against the Taliban using Chinook helicopters and Mastiff wheeled vehicles to accomplish our tasks.”

Among those going to the Middle East for the first time will be Privates Michael Courts, Lochgelly, Darren Lackie, Cupar, and William Yeaman, Perth.

Pte Courts said, “I am a wee bit anxious but I am trained enough to do my job. This is my first overseas posting, although I have been in Kenya.

“My mum and dad are concerned but I always wanted to be a soldier and my dad Michael is ex-Royal Corps of Transport.”

Pte Lackie has also been to Kenya and has seen service in the Falklands and Belfast. He said, “This is my first time in the Middle East. I just want to get out there as we have been waiting too long. I am just glad that it is finally over.”

He admitted that there were concerns from his family but stressed, “I have been trained for this and others have been there. They know what it is about and we will all keep each other safe.”

Although he has served in the Falklands and Belfast, William Yeaman is also heading for the Middle East for the first time.

He said, “I am looking forward to getting out there—and getting a suntan! My only worries are about my fiancee Katie back home, although she will understand as she is in the army as well.”

There are also more seasoned hands for the tour—including men from Perthshire, where the regiment was originally raised.Lance Corporal Robert Ellis, from Crieff, said, “I was in Iraq in 2006 and that was OK as we had a good tour. The weather is OK once you are used to it. We had weeks of acclimatisation and had no problems after—and we have better boots now.

“I am leaving behind my wife Cheryl and daughter Mya. Cheryl understands it’s my job as she is ex-forces. I just want to get out there, get it done and get back to them.”

Lance Corporal Billy Kyle, from Blairgowrie, said, “I have been to Iraq and the tour went well with no great dramas.

“My mum, dad and sister, and my girlfriend Katrina, are a bit concerned but accept it. You have to drink six or more litres of water a day—and I still hope to lose weight. I am keen to get out there and getting back—it is better than waiting to go.”

Private Michael Ramsay from Perth is a veteran of Iraq in 2006 and has served for five years. He said “This looks as if it could be a harder trip, judging by the casualty rates among others who have been there.

“We will all have to rely on our training and mates—we are used to looking after each other’s backs.

“I had no illusions when I joined up. I hope we can get there and make a difference.”

Corporal Henry Ramsay from Perth has been in The Black Watch for 16 years and is leaving behind wife Michelle, daughter Keli (8) and son Marc (4).

“He said, “We have ongoing training and we are trained as highly as we can be. Anyone who was not up to that standard would not be allowed to go.

“Everyone is ready for it—the worst bit is going through the airports although everything seems to be smooth with the baggage so far.”

Michelle said, “You worry about them but they are well-trained and know their job. They’re the best and we are all behind them.”

That seemed to be the feeling among many of those involved and hopefully The Black Watch will return safely having added another chapter to its illustrious history.