By Alan Richardson

PERTH’S LOCAL regiments are to be honoured by the Fair City in the coming months.

The local Territorial Army regiment, 7 SCOTS, will be granted the freedom of the city and The Black Watch will parade through Perth and its regimental heartland, Aberfeldy, on its return from Afghanistan.

As they confirmed the moves yesterday, councillors spoke warmly of the area’s affection for the troops, who are engaged in deadly warfare in Afghanistan and said they could think of no higher honour to bestow upon them.

Provost John Hulbert, announced 7 SCOTS—officially the 7th Battalion, the Royal Regiment of Scotland and based at Queens Barracks—would become the latest to be granted the freedom of the city.

He said, “The freedom is only offered to persons who have served this area with distinction.

“A contingent of some 30 soldiers will be returning home from Afghanistan in spring so it is appropriate to have the freedom ceremony in early May.”

Depute Provost Willie Wilson wholeheartedly supported the move, saying, “Granting the freedom of the area to anyone is the highest accolade we can give and isn’t lightly done.

“It means there is to be a huge honour bestowed upon them which needs to be earned and maybe because we are in a heightened situation at the moment, the territorial army have certainly earned that honour and recognition.”

Labour leader Councillor Archie MacLellan said, “The bravery of the territorial army soldiers currently serving in Afghanistan and Iraq can’t be understated and it’s not only an honour we’re conferring but an honour for us to have men of that calibre in our midst.”

Conservative leader Councillor Alexander Stewart said, “It’s a fitting tribute to the battalion.”

It was agreed The Black Watch should celebrate their return home with parades in Perth on December 10 and Aberfeldy two days later.

The regiment, which was mustered in the Highland Perthshire town in 1740 and has its regimental home in the Fair City, already has the Freedom of Perth, bestowed in 1947.

Provost Hulbert said, “For the last 260 years, the regiment has served with great distinction all over the world and in recognition it was offered the freedom, giving it the right to march through the town with drums beating, flags flying and bayonets fixed.”

Mr Wilson added the scene will be a poignant one for local folk, with four of the regiment having fallen in combat during the current tour.

Aberfeldy councillor Ken Lyall confirmed people are thrilled by the return of the regiment.

He said, “The town is very proud of The Black Watch and I know that many folk are looking forward to them coming back.”