Last stand of the Black Watch

From the Scotsman:

"IN BASRA, the sun beat down on the soldiers gathered in the dust of Shaibah camp. In Edinburgh, a light drizzle fell on the men and women lined up on parade at the top of the castle. In Glasgow, Baghdad, Omagh, Belfast, Cyprus and Canterbury, similar ceremonies were taking place. As midday struck in Scotland, the country's old regiments slipped into history.

Gone were the Royal Scots - almost 400 years old - the Black Watch, the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, the Royal Highland Fusiliers, the King's Own Scottish Borderers and the Highlanders. In their place, to a flurry of pipes and drums, was the new Royal Regiment of Scotland."

There has been much controversy and anger at the way the amalgamation has been handled in Scotland amongst soldiers, the public and politicians of all parties. Warrant Officer Bob Scott, who served under the regiment for nearly 25 years, told the Herald:

"This occasion is beyond sad... There are our families and then there is the Black Watch."