The soldiers of 7 SCOTS have spoken of their pride at being granted the freedom of the city of Perth.
Among their number were those not long returned from a tour of duty in Afghanistan where they served on the front line alongside the regular soldiers of the The Black Watch, 3rd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland (3 SCOTS).
Each soldier marched through the streets of Perth with pride, cheered on by residents, not least those who were doing so in their home town in front of friends and family.
Among them was Captain Susan Duthie, from Perth, who said, “It was really nice for so many people to come out to cheer us and to know that we have their support.”
Despite the dangers, Captain Duthie said the tour of duty had been “thoroughly enjoyable” and praised the character of her colleagues in 7 SCOTS and the soldiers of The Black Watch, with whom they served.
Also from Perth was 32-year-old Private Brian Garioch, who has been with 7 SCOTS for seven years.CheeringHe was watched by his dad and sister as he marched through the streets to loud applause from the cheering crowds.
“I felt really proud to have my dad here watching me,” he said. “He was in the army a long time ago.”
Glasgow-born Private Paul McGuiness (23), a final-year student at St Andrews University where he is studying maths, took a gap year to do the tour of duty in Afghanistan.
“The response from the people of Perth was just brilliant,” he said.
More than 40 TA soldiers are based at 7 SCOTS HQ in Perth, all of whom juggle civilian jobs with their service.
Quartermaster Brian Baxter (46) is from Scone and works part-time as a baker with Tesco and as a professional toastmaster and announcer.
However, he admits that the military is “in his blood,” having served for 24 years with The Black Watch and gained the rank of sergeant major.
He left in 2003 but, having been in a uniform since 16, felt the need to return and has now served with the TA for three years.