Newly-returned servicemen and women are receiving a royal salute and rousing Angus reception today in the first of a series of Afghanistan homecoming parades for the Scottish regiments.
Three hundred soldiers from The Black Watch 3rd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, 51st Highland 7th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland and the Queen’s Own Yeomanry are marching through Forfar before Prince Charles and a large crowd.
The Duke of Rothesay is royal honorary colonel of the Queen’s Own Yeomanry and royal colonel of 3 SCOTS and 7 SCOTS, and with The Black Watch holding the freedom of Angus the safe return of those wearing the red hackle will be uppermost in the thoughts of many.
This morning’s event also witnesses the presentation by Charles of operational medals to soldiers from the Queen’s Own Yeomanry, and a Forfar Royal British Legion reception where today’s generation of military personnel will be joined by Black Watch Association members.
Later in the day, the soldiers will head to Kirkcaldy for another parade.
Then on Friday the soldiers will make their way to Dundee for a morning parade before visiting Perth in the afternoon.For extensive photo coverage of today’s marches, see Friday’s Courier