Northern Scot Friday 15th August 2003

Former soldiers slam threat to Highlanders
By CHRIS SAUNDERSON

A FORMER soldier who has witnessed the demise of four Highland regiments admitted it would be unbearable to watch another disappear. That’s why ex-Queen’s Own Highlander Willie Morrison was delighted to add his name this week to “The Northern Scot” petition to save The Highlanders. Mr Morrison (62), from Ballindalloch, started life as a cadet with the Seaforth Highlanders but saw that regiment amalgamated with the Cameron Highlanders in 1961 to form the Queen’s Own.
He signed up with the new regiment that same year and his first overseas posting was to Singapore. His 22 years in the regiment took Mr Morrison, a private, all over the world to such far-flung places as Brunei, Germany, Northern Ireland, Sharjah, Gibraltar, Hong Kong and Denmark. He came out of the Army in 1983 and nine years ago was forced to watch as the regiment he loved disappeared when amalgamation with the Gordon Highlanders led to the creation of The Highlanders.

“It was a like a part of you had died and they should never have amalgamated,” he said. Now there is a threat to the future of The Highlanders, the newest regiment in the Army, with the Ministry of Defence understood to be looking at disbanding or amalgamating up to five regiments across the UK. It is believed the 1st Battalion The Highlanders’ prominent role in the British Army’s overseas operations at present and in the longer term will stand it in good stead, however, its future has yet to be guaranteed. The regiment is currently carrying out peacekeeping duties in Bosnia and our reporter Leanne Carter visited the soldiers there last month to see at first hand the valuable work they are doing. The Highlanders are also set to move to Germany next April and when the regiment returns to the UK from Bosnia in October it will take on an important role for the Army, becoming the unit on immediate standby to deploy anywhere in the world. It’s very much business as usual for the regiment while the political machinations unfold in the background. Mr Morrison admitted he would be devastated if The Highlanders were axed. “We have already seen four regiments disappear with amalgamation and if we lose The Highlanders there will be nothing left in the North East. “It would be like seeing part of your family wiped out, and for no reason whatsoever. It is steeped in history and I don’t want to see that happen.”

Mr Morrison, a charity shop volunteer with the British Heart Foundation in Elgin, added: “I popped in to the Army recruiting office in Elgin the other day and they said their numbers are still high.” There is a strong tradition of support for the armed forces in this area with several generations of families signing up for the same regiment. “It was all about following the family tradition. People joined the Army whose fathers, grandfathers and great grandfathers had been in before them. I had two uncles in the Seaforth Highlanders and you were proud of that tradition.”

Despite cutbacks in recent years, Mr Morrison said he would still encourage any youngsters keen to join the Army to do so. “You get a roof over your head, fed and clothed, money in your pocket and the chance to travel the world. If you get your head down and do what you’re told it's a fantastic life.”

Retired Elgin solicitor Mr Comyn Milne (79) was a Major in the Territorial Army with the Seaforth Highlanders for many years and latterly the Queen’s Own Highlanders. Mr Milne, who is honorary president of the Seaforth Club in Elgin, said: “I think it is sad. The old Scots regiments were very family orientated but maybe the modern Army doesn’t want that family element.”

Another ex-Queen’s Own Highlander, Elgin Community Councillor Mr David Terron, said:

“As former members we are most grateful to all who have shown their support for The Highlanders during the recent controversy about rumoured amalgamation or disbandment within the infantry. “These are just rumours and The Highlanders are recruiting very well and looking forward to their move to Germany next year as a fully manned armoured infantry battalion. “It is important to realise that The Highlanders are getting on with their excellent work in Bosnia and morale remains very high,” he added.

Moray MP Angus Robertson, the SNP defence spokesman, said: “Un-doubtedly there are concerns about the future of a number of Scottish regiments, which includes The Highlanders. “At this stage it is not certain which units might be amalgamated or disbanded and for that reason it is essential to campaign against any threat to The Highlanders.” Mr Robertson said it had to be made clear to defence ministers in London that it would be “extremely foolish” to axe the north of Scotland’s local regiment. Moray Council has added its weight behind the campaign to save The Highlanders.

Councillor Iain Young (Forres East), a former captain in the 6/7th Battalion Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) TA, said any further amalgamation would dilute the connection between the soldiers and their traditional recruiting areas. One of the dangers is that cutting the frontline soldiers places greater strain on the individual soldiers remaining and the job and career of a soldier will become less attractive and you will get even fewer numbers coming forward,” he said.