A MULTIMILLION-pound appeal was launched yesterday to secure and improve the headquarters of one of Scotland's most famous regiments.
Trustees of the Black Watch regiment are buying historic Balhousie Castle in Perth from the Ministry of Defence and are planning its redevelopment.
They say the expansion of the castle, which has housed the regimental headquarters and museum sinc
e 1962, will ensure the history of the Black Watch is preserved for future generations.
More than £1 million of the £3.2 million needed has been raised and organisers of the Black Watch Heritage Appeal are confident of securing the rest to complete the upgrade by 2010.
The Earl of Airlie, the appeal president, said: "The Black Watch is one of the most famous regiments in the world and the red hackle symbolises all its many achievements. We must ensure these achievements are recorded for posterity and this appeal will enable us to do so."
He added: "It's a challenge but I believe we will get a great deal of support from the public. Many people have very close associations with the Black Watch and we hope they will help us with this great task."
The Black Watch, which first saw battle in 1745, is famous for the red hackle on soldier's caps.
In 2006 it was merged with other Scottish regiments to form the Royal Regiment of Scotland. Its title is now The Black Watch, 3rd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland.
It was recently announced troops will be posted to Afghanistan in April next year.
The museum in the grade B-listed Balhousie Castle, which overlooks North Inch and the River Tay, is a popular visitor attraction. The present landmark was built in the 19th century but the original is thought to date from the 16th century.
The purchase of the castle is expected to be completed by the end of this year, with the improvements carried out within two years. Trustees want to provide more space for exhibitions and better tourist facilities.
Perth's provost, Dr John Hulbert, said: "It is right that the future of Balhousie Castle should be secured for the Black Watch, for Perthshire and for Scotland."
Seven rooms of the castle contain prized regimental artefacts, including a broadsword used in the attack on Fort Ticonderoga, New York, in 1758.
Major David Noble, the appeal director, said the castle was an important part of Scotland's heritage, which needed to be preserved.
He added: "We are doing everything we can to make sure the name of the Black Watch remains as relevant today as it has in the 267 years of its history."
The full article contains 444 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
