The worldwide network of support for the famous Black Watch will soon be plain to see, after the launch of a charity in Perth.
The Friends of the Black Watch Castle and Museum will buttress work being done to preserve the rich heritage of the regiment at its spiritual Fair City home.
Friday saw the first two devotees receive honorary membership from charity president Lt General Sir Alistair Irwin and chairwoman Sarah Riddell-Webster. Jim Turpie and Fraser Brown both served in The Black Watch and are key volunteers at Balhousie Castle.
Jim has volunteered every day for the last 15 years and Fraser launched, and now manages, the education outreach programme.
Chief executive of The Black Watch Museum Trust Alfie Iannetta said, “The Black Watch family has always been much more than just those who have served in the regiment. There are, of course, very many other people who have relatives some close, some not so close who served in The Black Watch at some time.
“The Black Watch regimental name also enjoys iconic status nationally and worldwide. To many of these people, the museum at Balhousie is an important part of their memories of that family member and the service they gave to the regiment and to the country, as well an important part of Scotland’s historical heritage.
“We would like to enable these people, and indeed others who simply have an interest, to be offered a way to be part of The Black Watch Museum project.”
The Friends will support the work of the museum and its staff to preserve the 285-year legacy of The Black Watch regiment and its regimental home at Balhousie Castle.
Mr Iannetta said, “The Friends will be an important part of advancing the educational programme of the museum, the conservation of the collections and the acquisition of artefacts and archive material, which are essential to maintaining the future of this unique museum.
“There will be a small annual membership fee to become a Friend, for which they get free entry to the museum, invitations to attend lectures and special events, given the opportunity to be volunteers, as well as receiving an annual newsletter to keep them informed of what has been happening, as well as special exhibitions and what’s new in the museum.
“The Friends will be a very important part of ensuring the ongoing success of Balhousie and will keep the museum alive in the minds of a wide number of people from all over the world.”Find out more at www.theblackwatch.co.uk