A dwindling band of Black Watch soldiers gathered in Perthshire to remember the sacrifice their regimental comrades made during the Second World War.
Only 29 old soldiers could be contacted from those who fought wearing the Red Hackle and at the weekend 17 aged 84 to 93 met in the Black Watch heartland.
A veterans’ dinner was held in the Lovat Hotel, Perth, on Saturday followed by the biennial Black Watch Muster Parade at Aberfeldy on Sunday.
The Black Watch Association gathering 66 years after 1945 is possibly the final muster for survivors of a war that killed 1377 Black Watch officers and soldiers and injured hundreds more.
Paying tribute to the soldiers, Pete Wishart MP said, “I am sure this was a very emotional weekend for the remaining Second World War veterans of The Black Watch able to gather in Aberfeldy and remember their fallen comrades as well as those who have marched by their side in years gone by but who have now passed on.
“With the youngest of the 17 veterans who attended being 84, it is understandable why the decision has been taken but it is a sad one nevertheless and makes this weekend’s events even more poignant than ever.
“These last 17 represent a generation of men and women to whom we all owe a massive debt of gratitude. Their sacrifices in the face of war and the evils of fascism secured the freedoms we too often take for granted.
“This may be the last march for these fine soldiers but they and their fallen comrades will never be forgotten.”GallantryMSP Murdo Fraser praised the gallantry of all Black Watch soldiers, past and present, saying, “They have always served our country with unwavering courage, skill and commitment.
“Our Black Watch veterans represent the best in man and all of Perthshire stands with these men to pay tribute to their fallen comrades.
“The service of The Black Watch during the Second World War underlines the commitment and sacrifice so many made for the United Kingdom.
“Black Watch units held the line against the Germans at Dunkirk, fought at El Alamein, took part in the allied invasion of Sicily and landed in Normandy on D-day.
“Those men served Scotland, the United Kingdom and the free world with distinction and dedication.
“We owe so much to all those who fought in the Second World War. They were called upon to go to the extremes of humanity and they faced the enemy with valour, dignity and defiance, as they have done in other conflicts.
“Recently in Afghanistan, The Black Watch proved once again they are one of the best fighting units in the world and all veterans are proud of the job our soldiers are doing today.”
Photo Phil Hannah Photography.