The skirl of the pipes rang out over the North Inch, Perth, yesterday as kilted musicians made their way to Balhousie Castle.
However, despite the traditional Scottish regalia, the Red Hackle Pipe Band hails from Belgium.
The troupe of pipers, drummers and Highland dancers was established in 1967, although it has only performed under the Red Hackle banner since 1972, with permission from the Perth regiment.
Major Ronnie Proctor of The Black Watch Association said that it had formed links with the Red Hackle Pipe Band around four years ago.
He said, “They are over here to take part in a piping festival in Edinburgh and they wanted to come on a pilgrimage to the museum.
“We’ve had an association with them since they asked me to go to Belgium to teach them all of the band traditions.
“Unfortunately, I couldn’t go, but Pipe Major Ally Duthie went over to give them a few tips.”
Maj Proctor added that a project was under way to strengthen the links between Scotland and Belgium by erecting a memorial at Black Watch Corner, near Ypres.
He is working with Tom and Ann McCluskey of the Angus branch of the association to raise funds for a permanent marker at the first world war site.
Maj Proctor said, “We don’t have a design yet, but we do know that it will be made of hard sandstone from the general Angus area.
“We’re hoping to get the same sculptor who made the memorials at Balhousie on board.”
He added, “The funds will have to come from The Black Watch Association, so any donations from members of the public would be very welcome.”