Inverness salutes as Black Watch returns from Afghanistan

APPLAUSE rang through the centre of Inverness as hundreds lined the streets to see the homecoming parade of 450 soldiers of The Black Watch, 3rd battalion the Royal Regiment of Scotland.

The regiment returned to its base in Fort George last week after a six-month operational tour in Helmand Province, in Afghanistan, and marched to thank their loved ones and friends for their support while they were away.

Crowds clapped their hands to show their approval as the soldiers walked down High Street, over the River Ness to Inverness Cathedral.

Commanding officer Lieutenant Colonel Edward Fenton said: “It is brilliant to be back home and a real honour for us to march through Inverness.

“The march is something to say thank you to those who have looked after us, both the families here and those who have sent parcels and good wishes when we have been away.

“It is a real privilege to be able to march through the city and it means so much to the boys that their efforts are appreciated.”

He added: “The families have a rough time while we are away, because they spend so much time worrying about our safety.

“The way the communities look after them is superb, and overall it is just a relief for us and for them that everyone has come home.”

Members of the regiment will take part in a rugby sevens game against a Highland side tonight from 7pm at Bught Park.

World War II veteran Duncan MacLeod (93), who served across Europe in Hanover, Normandy and Brunswick, said: “It is important we show an appreciation of our forces.

“They have all put their lives on the line for what should be a good cause and I am hopeful it will work out in the end.

“I served in World War II, and I know how much it means for a soldier to see people coming out to support them.”

Fiona Moodie, who watched the parade with three-year-old daughter Jessica, said she was there to show support for her husband, who is a rear drive member of the regiment.

She said: “It is a fantastic occasion. The main thing is we are celebrating them all coming home safe.

“All the families and people at the march will be so proud of them, and it is great to see so many people turn up in Inverness.”

David and Liz Hill travelled from Dornoch to see the parade.

Liz said: “The Black Watch soldiers need all the support they can get, whether we believe that the war is right or wrong.

“They are out there fighting for us, so it is right that they should be celebrated.

David added: “They do very difficult and very important work, and we cannot forget about them, when they are away and when they are home.”

“It is so important that we have occasions such as these for the soldiers’ families.

“But it will be a very sad day for many, who have lost someone. You don’t have to come from a military background or family to feel the sense of pride during these marches.”

Callum and Lorraine Gault were attending their first homecoming parade. They acknowledged the sense of freedom the soldiers must feel when they come home.

Callum said: “I feel very proud, watching a homecoming parade for the first time.

“It is a touching event. Of course, the most important thing is they all came home to their families.

“Just walking down the street must feel such a novelty, because they are free, and don’t have to worry about fighting or looking over their shoulders in case of attack.”

Korean war veteran Alec Dickson (82) served in the navy, and remembers the feeling of coming home to the admiration and respect of people watching a parade.

He said: “It is such a special occasion, there were 25 nations fighting in Korea, and each soldier would feel the same. I remember something a senior officer told me while I was serving there.

“He told me there are two constants in this world. On my left is the sea, and on my right is the Black Watch.”