The Black Watch family joined together in Perth for a return to form of the historic regiment’s annual reunion.
And it brought the stirring sight of the Red Hackle being proudly worn for a Fair City parade to the regiment’s spiritual home at Balhousie Castle.
Perth and District Pipe Band led the march from Barossa Place to the castle.
There, veterans, families and serving personnel enjoyed an afternoon of reminiscing and entertainment.
Royal links marked
And the regiment’s close association with The Queen was celebrated in Her Majesty’s platinum jubilee year.
The event was organised by Major Ronnie Proctor and Major John Monteith of the Black Watch Association.
Major Proctor said it was a great chance to bring association members together again after the pandemic.
“The 2019 reunion was a special occasion because it marked the 100th anniversary of the Black Watch Association,” said Ronnie.
“We did manage to hold one last year, but didn’t get a great attendance due to the pandemic situation.
“And we have tried to encourage guys from the Black Watch battalion up at Fort George to get involved in the reunion and the association.
“They are the future.
“When we are on the parade ground in the sky we hope we can count on them to keep the good work of the association going.
“It continues to give welfare, comradeship and benevolence to veterans and their families and we must make sure that continues.”
International audience
Ronnie said: “We also have a live Zoom link which we did last year and it was quite successful.
“It means we can welcome Black Watch veterans from all over the world to be part of the reunion.
“And we put together a special slide show covering the Queen’s reign.
“A Black Watch contingent was part of the parade at the coronation.
“The 1st Battalion were in Korea and some men came back from there to be part of it.
“Of all those who took part in that historic occasion there are only two from the Black Watch remaining.
“General Andrew Watson, who lives in London was adjutant of the 2nd Battalion.
“And Ken Prescott, who lives in Ardersier, was a Sergeant at the time and became a Regimental Sergeant Major.
“They are both now around 96. So while they couldn’t make the reunion we were proud to remember the part they played in representing the Black Watch on that day.”
The Queen last visited Balhousie Castle in 2012.
Ronnie added: “The pandemic has certainly had an impact – we have lost some of our older veterans and some are still uncertain about travelling far.
“Our branches in London and Scotland are holding their own, but we will always do what we can to encourage more interest.”
More pictures from the Black Watch reunion in Perth.
