THE NUMBER of Dundonians who have signed up for the armed forces is more than double that of Aberdeen, writes Kieran Andrews, political editor.
UK Government figures show almost 400 people have joined the Army, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force or Royal Marines over the last three years, with 117 putting themselves forward in 2011-12.
Just 177 Aberdonians signed up over the same time frame, 59 of which were in the last financial year, despite having a greater population.
Ex-British army officer and former SNP defence spokesman Stuart Crawford said The Black Watch could play a major role in the reason why Dundee has high levels of recruitment, sitting third behind Glasgow and Edinburgh.
Mr Crawford said: “Obviously through local recruitment the Black Watch has a certain military cache.
“It is probably the most instantly recognisable of all the Scottish infantry and has, as the rest do, a very proud tradition and reputation for what it does.”
However, Mr Crawford said factors such as unemployment could also factor into people’s thinking when deciding whether or not to sign up.
He added: “It’s not popular to say, but it is true.
“It is well known historically that when options are tough at home a secure option is to join the armed forces if you meet the requirements of mental and physical ability.”
Across the rest of Tayside, Fife and Central Scotland, 57 people from Perth signed up over the last three years, with 164 from Dunfermline, 111 from Kirkcaldy and 220 from Stirling.