Territorials are granted Freedom of the City of Perth

THE Territorial Army battalion of the Royal Regiment of Scotland will be presented with the Freedom of the City of Perth, today.

7Scots, which has its battalion headquarters in Perth, has detachments billeted as far afield as Stornoway and Wick and Aberdeen, Dumbarton, and Kirkcaldy.

The honour will be conferred on the battalion, by provost John Hulbert after the soldiers, stage a march past with military and pipe bands through the centre of Perth.

7Scots will follow in the footsteps of the Black Watch which received the same honour in 1947. Soldiers from the battalion have recently deployed on operations to both Iraq and Afghanistan.

Mr Hulbert said: "I am honoured and privileged to be giving 7Scots this honour in Perth 800 year, at a time when our armed forces, including the Territorial Army, are engaged in challenging operations overseas.

"Perth and Kinross Council voted unanimously to grant the Freedom of the City to 7Scots, a decision which I am sure will generate a great deal of pride in the hearts of all the citizens of Perth."

He added: "I would encourage the people of Perth and Kinross to come out in force to show their appreciation to 7Scots and to watch what is guaranteed to be a spectacular parade."

Major Tim Carmichael, a spokesman for the battalion, said: "The regiment is delighted for this major civic honour to be given to one of our TA Battalions. This acknowledgement of our identity and of the commitment being given by TA soldiers across Scotland is a tremendous boost for us."