Army reserve detachment planned for Lochgilphead?

THE BRITISH Army wants to put down fresh roots in Argyll – and Lochgilphead could be set for a brand new reserve army unit.

Both reservists – formerly known as territorial army – and regular army soldiers were on a recruitment drive last week in the town, but there is more to this than a one-off campaign.

At one time Argyll folk had strong links to the local regiment, the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, and the 8th Battalion in particular. For various reasons, this Argyll identity has diminished over the years.

Until now, that is.

Working closely

The local infantry reserve battalion is the 51st Highland, 7th Battalion Royal Reg- iment of Scotland (7 SCOTS), with reservists working closely with regular battalion 4 SCOTS, the Highlanders.

Captain Tommy Blair of 7 SCOTS was part of the recruitment drive on Lochgilphead’s front green last Thursday.

Reservists

He explained: ‘What we would like to do is to create a detachment of reservists here in Lochgilphead, utilising the great facility that already exists in the drill hall.

‘We can offer flexibility for anyone who wants to join as a reservist, fitting in with work and study. With that in mind, we need to link in with Argyll College and talk to small businesses.

‘Argyll and Bute Council, too, needs to be involved, because this is all about allowing people to stay here in Argyll. That’s money being spent here in the local economy.’

He added: ‘What we are really talking about is starting a small business in Lochgilphead.’

Promoting

A spokesman for Argyll and Bute Coun- cil confirmed: ‘Argyll and Bute Council provost Len Scoullar met with Captain Tommy Blair at Kilmory recently to discuss opportunities for promoting service with the army reserve in the area. There will be a presentation by the army reserves at the next full meeting of the council on Thursday