Foreword by the Patron of the Appeal

I was enormously proud and honoured to be appointed Colonel in Chief of The Black Watch in succession to my Grandmother, Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, who had been Colonel in Chief for more than 60 years.

Since 1739 The Black Watch has forged an enviable and world-wide reputation for military prowess in the service of the Crown. Now that the old Regiment has been absorbed into the new Royal Regiment of Scotland, it is quite right that we should do everything we can to ensure that the history of The Black Watch is preserved in an attractive and accessible way for future generations so that they can honour the past and learn for the future.

I am delighted to give my support and encouragement to this appeal, designed to safeguard the memory of a unique part of the British Army and of Scotland’s proud military and cultural heritage.