I was back on the road again today for the second leg of my summer working programme.
My first stop was the thriving town of Perth, which was basking under the summer
Policy Conference launch in Perth Concert Hall
sun. Quite a change from the windswept Western Isles last week.
I enjoyed having the time to talk to various community groups at a Scottish Parliament conference launch at the town’s ultra-modern Concert Hall.
I invited them to our ‘Understanding and Influencing Your Parliament’ event being held at Holyrood in October.
The conference gives practical advice to community groups on how they can go about ensuring their voices are heard at the Parliament.
As always, it was fascinating to hear about the incredible work people in the third sector do to help others.
I very much hope to see some of them again at the conference later this year.
Meeting Veterans Jim Turpie (R) and Jim Sandilands (M) at Balhousie Castle
From there I walked the bustling streets of Perth to the Museum of the Black Watch at stunning Balhousie Castle. I was met by Major Ronnie Proctor, the Associations’ secretary, who captivated me with his passion for the regiment – with which he served for more than 40 years.
He proudly escorted me on an hour-long tour of the award-winning museum which highlights the remarkable achievements of the regiment down through the decades.
I saw medals, pictures, uniforms, photos and even two original regimental standards which I understand were actually on the field at the Battle of Waterloo.
It was a genuine privilege to also meet veterans Jim Turpie, 76, who saw active service in Korea and Jim Sandilands, 59, who served in Nothern Ireland. I was struck by the tremendous way the Association continues to look after veterans and ensure their brave efforts are never forgotten.
I was also mightily impressed by Jim Turpie’s pride and joy – his Honda Gold Wing motorbike which was proudly parked outside the Castle. And even more impressed when he said he had yet to actually fall off the vehicle.
I have a personal interest in the regiment as my father’s younger brother, Bernard Fergusson, is a former Black Watch commander.
Jim Turpie showing me a museum photo of my uncle Bernard
I was both proud and humbled to see photos of him on the wall there.
I have heard many stories about his time as commander of the Black Watch and in particular, of his exploits as a Column Commander under Orde Wingate with the Chindits behind the Japanese lines in Burma.
I was thrilled to receive a Black Watch tie and also a Black Watch plaque which will take pride of place on my desk at Holyrood.
Heading out to an official dinner tonight with the Lord Provost, John Hulbert, before heading back to Edinburgh for a couple of days in the Parliament.
Looking forward to my next stop on my programme on Thursday, Falkirk and Bo’Ness.
