Black Watch..LAST TOUR!!

[Tartan Hiker]

Apparently this season's tour will be the last one for the Black Watch under that name. They are to be folded into other Highland band units after this year.

Here's an article from today's paper with the details:
http://www.citizen-times.com/apps/pb...73236881298468

[Graham]

I was reading about this in the Scottish banner today, really sad to see history just dissappear like that.

[bubba]

I suppose not being a UK citizen nothing I can say means much on this subject, but IMO, This wholesale amalgamation is a dreadful mistake. It completely disregards unit pride which is vital to any military unit, throws away a proud history and, to some extent, is going to hurt enlistment and retention. There are likely to be unintended consequences as there usually are when politicians mess with traditions.

[GMan]

The end of the noble tradition is sad indeed. As Bubba says a "dreadful mistake"

[Livingston]

I suppose not being a UK citizen nothing I can say means much on this subject, but IMO, This wholesale amalgamation is a dreadful mistake. It completely disregards unit pride which is vital to any military unit, throws away a proud history and, to some extent, is going to hurt enlistment and retention. There are likely to be unintended consequences as there usually are when politicians mess with traditions.

I agree. What many of you might not realize is that this is going on here in the States too. With this latest round of BRAC closings many of the traditional "homes" for our Army are closing. Other changes include division/regimental consolidation etc. It's hard to watch traditional units, like the Black Watch, be consolidated and lose their identity, but today's military does need to make changes, whether we like them or not.

[Frank McGrath]

How can one tell if one can qualify to wear the Black Watch tartan? My cousin said as a descendant of the Moore family that I am entitled to wear the tartan. Iss she correct?...I would hate to wear soething I am not entitle to wear. thanks


Frank McGrath
Clan Macrae

[bubba]

The Black Watch, or Govt Sett, is considered an open tartan that anyone can wear. Just don't wear it with Regimental insignia or accessories.