Friends honour special supporter

A SPECIAL ceremony was held at The Black Watch Museum in Perth yesterday to pay tribute to a staunch supporter.

Lord Lieutenant of angus Georgiana Osborne was presented with a unique gift in recognition the role she has played in the regiment.

She was given Honorary Membership of The Friends of The Black Watch Castle and Museum because she has shown “excellent” support to both those associated with the historic battalion, as well as the ambitious development plans for Balhousie Castle.

Appointed to the post in 2001, Mrs Osborne is only the third woman in Scotland to take on the role of Lord Lieutenant of Angus.

She was also the first female in Angus to be given the prestigious title, succeeding the Earls of Airlie, Dalhousie and Strathmore

The friends support the work of the museum and its staff to preserve the legacy of The Black Watch regiment and its regimental home at Balhousie Castle.

As well as playing an important role in improving the current educational programme at the museum, they also work to conserve the collection and find of more artefacts and archive material.

Although honorary mem- bership is given to long-time supporters, membership of the Friends of The Black Watch Castle and Museum is open to everyone.

In a bid to ensure the ongoing success of the museum, those interested in the history of the regiment are encouraged to join.

A spokesperson said: “Many people have already visited the castle and museum and perhaps donated to our Heritage appeal.

“However, we very much hope that many of those will also join the friends and, in doing so, not only keep in touch with your regimental museum but also help ensure the f inancial future of The Black Watch Castle and Museum through a small annual membership.

“This will preserve the legacy left behind by so many generations of Black Watch men who have served us so well.”

For information on joining the Friends of the Black Watch Castle and Museum visit theblackwatch.co.uk/ index/friends or call 01738 638152.

Picture: Steve Macdougall Friends chairwoman Sarah Riddell-webster hands over the gift to Mrs Osborne while friends committee members Leanor Blackhall, Philip Harford-macleod and treasurer James Watt look on with Major Ronnie Proctor.