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WISHART EXPRESSES CONCERN OVER BLACK WATCH HERITAGE

WISHART EXPRESSES CONCERN OVER BLACK WATCH HERITAGE

Pete Wishart has warned that any attempt to replace the distinctive red hackle of the Black Watch regiment of the Territorial Army would be another blow to Scottish military tradition.

Mr Wishart issued the warning as reports suggested the Territorial Army (TA) is considering substituting the various coloured hackles from the caps of TA soldiers for a single, unified badge.

Commenting, Mr Wishart, who campaigned against the amalgamation of the Scottish regiments, said:

"To abolish the famous red hackle from part of the Black Watch is incredible, particularly as we celebrate Armed Forces day. Very few wanted to see the amalgamation of the Scottish regiments and it was a small comfort that the unique identities of the battalions would be preserved through the hackles. It is unacceptable that this has already been cast into doubt, just a few years later.

"I will be seeking immediate assurances that this proposal will not be approved and that no further efforts will be made to dilute the identity of the Black Watch in any way.”

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