Prince Charles' Statue Ceremony

1 month ago 13th Oct 14:00

Britain's Prince Charles is to go to Dundee to rededicate a memorial to the Black Watch.

The 60-year-old royal, known as the Duke of Rothesay in Scotland, will take part in the ceremony to mark the restoration of the monument on Sunday (18.10.09).

Black Watch Association secretary Major Ronnie Proctor said: "The landmark statue stands with his feet in Angus but overlooks the city of Dundee, commemorating the loss of lads from both the rural and urban battalions.

Unfortunately, years standing out in all weathers had taken their toll on our old soldier and urgent restoration was required to stop it deteriorating beyond repair.

"Unfortunately, years standing out in all weathers had taken their toll on our old soldier and urgent restoration was required to stop it deteriorating beyond repair."

The bronze statue is of a soldier and stands at Powrie Brae. It was erected as a tribute to over 440 Black Watch soldiers who died in World War II.

The Black Watch Association - a charity which helps those who have served in the famous regiment, and their families, when they are struggling - raised £12,000 for the works.

Charles is royal patron of the association, as his grandmother the Queen Mother - who originally unveiled the statue - was.

Joining Charles at the service will be World War II veterans, current Black Watch soldiers as well as former Black Watch soldiers and their families.

Proctor added to Aberdeen's Press and Journal newspaper: "The rededication ceremony will be a real Black Watch family event. We're delighted that Prince Charles has agreed to attend. The prince has continued the great love shown for the Black Watch by the late Queen Mother and he is very much a part of the regimental family."