BLACK WATCH AND THE BASING REVIEW

That this House deplores the threat to the Black Watch as part of the Basing Review; acknowledges the heritage and tradition of the former Scottish regiments and the affection the Black Watch has particularly enjoyed from its recruiting area amongst the communities of Tayside and Fife; believes that if the Black Watch identity is lost or further compromised it would end generations of a geographical link with these communities and will further depress recruitment; recalls the commitment made that a golden thread would be maintained as a battalion within the Royal Regiment of Scotland; is greatly concerned that this commitment can be so casually discarded; and calls on the Government to abandon any plans to further compromise the identity of the Scottish battalions and instead build on the fantastic community connections of Scotland's army units.