Perth and Kinross Council recognises 300th anniversary of Black Watch

Daily Record

15-05-2025

The regiment was formed in 1775 and has historic links with Perth and Kinross
Perth and Kinross Council has this week recognised "the fearless and renowned reputation" of the Black Watch as it celebrates its 300th anniversary.
The regiment has had 151 battle honours since it was first formed in 1775.
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On Wednesday, May 7 councillors unanimously offered its full support to all veterans, and their families.
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Armed Forces and Veterans champion Chris Ahern asked councillors to support the motion at a meeting of Perth and Kinross Council, on Wednesday, May 7.
Tabling the motion, the Perth City Centre Conservative councillor Chris Ahern said: "The 300th anniversary of the Black Watch is something we can be proud of in Perth, given it's historical links to Perth and Perth and Kinross.
"Perth was the home of the regimental depot (including the museum) until 1961, and continued to be the home of the regimental headquarters and museum.
"In 1947 the regiment received the Freedom of Perth."
The regiment's history dates back to General George Wade - who formed watches to patrol the Highlands following the 1715 Jacobite rebellion.
The Black Watch went on to be involved in the Battle of Fontenoy, the American War of Independence, the Battle of Waterloo, both World Wars and many historic battles. The regiment also played a key role following JFK's assassination.
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Bailie Ahern told councillors: "In 1963, the Black Watch pipes and drums and military band toured the USA and were invited to play at the White House. Nine days later, President Kennedy was assassinated and Jacqueline Kennedy requested that the Black Watch pipe major and eight pipers play at the funeral—they led the cortège from the White House to Washington Cathedral."
He added: "Many changes and reforms have impacted the Black Watch over the centuries, including the highly controversial merger in 2006 of the distinct Scottish regiments into the Royal Regiment of Scotland. We must never forget the names of those regiments lost in that merger."
Conservative group leader John Duff seconded the motion to celebrate the "extraordinary legacy of one of Scotland's most distinguished regiments".
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He added: "Since its formation in 1725 during a time of instability in the Highlands, it has been synonymous with fierce courage, unfailing discipline and an enduring sense of duty to Crown and country. The Black Watch stands proudly among the roll of famous British and Scottish regiments and takes its name – Am Freiceadan Dubh in Gaelic, or the Black Watch – from its distinctive dark green and black regimental tartan."
The Highland Perthshire councillor shared his own special memory of the Black Watch, as a schoolboy in Aberfeldy.
Cllr Duff said: "The regiment's connection to Aberfeldy is part of the town's rich and proud heritage and, as a 10-year-old boy, I can vividly remember Saturday, September 5, 1970 when the Freedom of the Burgh of Aberfeldy was conferred on the regiment. A large crowd gathered in the area around the Black Watch monument on a beautiful sunny day to watch the ceremony."
He added: "Over the period of 300 years, the Black Watch has gained a reputation for their Highland honour, fearless gallantry, discipline on the battlefield and indisputable loyalty. It is testament to the courage and sacrifice shown by soldiers of the Black Watch that they have been awarded no fewer than 14 Victoria Crosses - Britain's highest military decoration for valour.
"The Black Watch has been at the forefront of military service both in the darkest hours of war and in a peacekeeping role, in lands at home and abroad, from the Highlands of Scotland to the fields of Waterloo, from the Western Front to the hills of Korea and the streets of Basra."