Prince Charles visits Afghanistan-bound Black Watch troops at Fort George

PRINCE Charles flew into Fort George to meet soldiers from The Black Watch, the 3rd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, and their families ahead of the battalion’s deployment to Afghanistan.

The rain stayed away and the sun shone for the royal visit to the fort for Families Day, which was attended by more than 1,200 people.

The Black Watch will start a six-month tour of duty in Nad-e-Ali in the Helmand province of Afghanistan later this month, where they will be working alongside the Afghan security forces.

The 480-strong battalion, who are permanently based at Fort George have spent the past two years training and preparing for operations in Afghanistan following their last tour, which ended in November 2009.

Arriving by helicopter shortly before 11am on Saturday, the Prince Charles – whose title in Scotland is the Duke of Rothesay – was dressed in the army’s new uniform. He watched a parade of the Colours, presented to the battalion by the Queen earlier this year, before being led by Brigadier Riddell-Webster to carry out an inspection of the soldiers.

The Duke spoke of his great pride at being associated with the Black Watch — an association which dates back through his family and to the present day and his role as the battalion’s Royal Colonel.

“When I last visited the Black Watch 18 months ago, it was to present some of you with campaign medals for your last tour of duty in Afghanistan,” he said. “It seems to me such a short time since you were last there and I expect it will still be fresh in some of your minds.

“I am aware of the intense training and effort required to prepare for the challenges and dangers ahead. However, I have no doubt that you are extremely well prepared, well equipped and ready.

“The Colours on parade today will follow you to Afghanistan, along with, I can assure you, my constant thoughts and best wishes, and I hope they will serve as a continuing source of inspiration during your deployment.”

He also took the opportunity to pay tribute to the families who had gathered.

“Your continued support and forbearance has been a tremendous strength to the Battalion, as I am certain it will be in the months ahead,” he said. “As a father myself, I have some idea of what is endured by those left behind.”

Wishing the battalion good luck, he continued: “God speed, the very best of luck and every possible success in Nad-e-Ali over the winter. I shall be thinking of you.”

Afterwards he presented a meritorious service medal to Captain Scott MacKenzie, of Wimberley Way, Inverness, for his achievements as Regimental Sergeant Major at the Army Foundation College in Harrogate, where he served for 17 months before moving north to becoming the Black Watch’s Welfare Officer.

Captain MacKenzie (40) was in charge of charity fund-raising at the college and saw £140,000 raised for the Army Benevolent Fund during his time there.

“It feels fantastic,” said Captain MacKenzie. “Lots of people were involved so this award actually belongs to the army foundation college.

“He [the Duke] was just saying well done.”

Captain MacKenzie was joined by his wife Jen and son James (6), who also met the Duke.

“He just asked if we were living up here and I told him we were moving to a bigger house,” explained Mrs MacKenzie, who is also mother to Finn (4) and seven-week-old Archie.

The Duke then took time to speak to soldiers and their families including Sergeant Paul Torrance (37), of Wimberley Way, his wife Judie (42) and daughter Natasha (21).

“He was just wishing us well on the tour and asking us what it is like for family when we are not here,” explained Sergeant Torrance. “He is a nice guy, very down to earth.”

Sgt Torrance added he was ready to go back to Afghanistan, having served there before.

“I can’t wait,” he said. “We have done that much training now, I just want to go over there and start the job.”

However, Mrs Torrance isn’t so keen. “We are dreading it,” she said. “I suppose I am used to it now, I have been married for 15 years, but it isn’t any easier.”

Prince Charles also spoke to daughter Natasha after joking with the couple that they looked too young to have a 21-year-old daughter. “He asked me if I was going to marry a soldier — I said ‘no.’”

The Duke also toured The Highlanders’ Museum at the fort and walked around a series of stands, showcasing the kit equipment which will be used by the soldiers in Afghanistan, before leaving shortly after 2pm.

Attractions for families included a barbecue lunch, bouncy castle and face-painting.