The sight and sound of the Black Watch brought Forfar to a standstill as the soldiers of 3 SCOTS exercised the Freedom of Angus to parade through the burgh.
Recently returned from a six-month United Nations peacekeeping mission in Cyprus, around 70 soldiers from The Black Watch, 3rd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland (3 SCOTS) marched through the heart of the town in what the county’s civic leader described as another proud day for Angus.
The Freedom of Angus was bestowed on the Black Watch in 2006 and since then they have regularly taken up the privilege of marching through the county which the historic honour affords them.
The parade formed at the town’s former Chapelpark School and, led by the pipes and drums of the 3rd Battalion and the band if the Royal Regiment of Scotland, made its way down East High Street to the town centre.
Highland pony Cruachan, the mascot of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, led by Pony Major Corporal Mark Wilkinson, originally from Dundee was also on parade.
At the dais in front of Forfar’s Town and County Hall, the salute was taken by the Provost of Angus, Councillor Helen Oswald and Mrs Georgiana Osborne, the Lord Lieutenant of Angus, along with Major Brian Cooper, Officer Commanding HQ Company.
Provost Oswald said: “We are all very proud of our long-held association with the Black Watch and are grateful for the continued outstanding service they give to this county and this country.”
Regimental Sergeant Major Paddy Marshall said he was proud to bring his men to the town.
“The Freedom of Angus is something we are proud to honour because of its prestige and the links we have to the town and the county,” he commented.
Major Ronnie Proctor, Angus branch chairman of the Black Watch Association said the timing of the event would resonate with those who have both a past and present connection to the battalion in one of its traditional recruiting heartlands.
“This coincides with commemorations around the 100th anniversary of the Great War, including the Battle of Loos, so I think it is a fitting tribute that the Black Watch battalion are able to exercise their right to march through Forfar in the county of Angus,” said Major Proctor.
“With drums beating, bayonets fixed and colours flying, it is always a great spectacle and an honour for Angus to welcome these soldiers, especially with them having just come back off another operational tour.
“This parade is a fitting tribute to all the present and past soldiers of the Black Watch.”