Having missed out on the annual France and Flanders jaunt this year due to a number of circumstances, the Northumberland Branch of the WFA (aka ‘The Gorgeous Wrecks') decided a foray to Bonnie Scotland would cheer them up. So on the morning of 16 September 2011, some eighteen brave and gallant souls dared to invade the Kingdom of Fife.
Along the way we indulged in the pastime of memorial spotting, and many and varied were the observations, a reminder of just how many ‘Jocks' perished in the wars declared by their English cousins.
There were names from the Boer War, too many to count from the Great War, a significant number from the Second and many smaller plaques to remind us that there has been a heavy price to pay for 56 years of ‘peace'. Opposite our hotel, the Pitfirrane in Crossford, was an unusual memorial - a shield above an ornate gate leading to the village hall. I cannot remember ever seeing one like it - have you?
The highlight of our weekend was, however, a visit to the Black Watch Museum in Perth. The museum now occupies the whole of Balhousie Castle since the ‘Staff' offices moved out - and what a great museum it is. I had emailed Bob Paterson, chairman of the Tayside Branch for a sitrep and any advice he could give - most of his responses consisted of suggestions like ‘sassenachs go home' and demands for whiskey. However, he did volunteer the services of a mysterious ‘Tam' who, he said, might be of some help.
‘Tam' turned out to be Tom McCluskey, ex-CSM of the Black Watch, who had actually been stationed in the Castle when it was a ‘working' HQ! Tam also brought his lovely wife Anne with him to share the load. The words of Oliver Goldsmith perhaps best sum up the experience that followed:
"And still they gazed, and still the wonder grew
That one small head could carry all he knew".
Every artefact, every Colour, every picture or photo - Tam knew the provenance, and happily answered any and all questions without hesitation. And all the while Anne worked quietly in the background, ensuring everyone was OK and fielding several queries herself. What a team, and what an example of the famous ‘Highland Hospitality'. The morning flew over, and eventually we had to say our goodbyes, but the memory will stay with us all for a long, long time. Thanks Tam, thanks Anne, thanks Tayside Branch WFA.
Tam also ‘collects' Black Watch servicemen, so if you have any (especially WW1) photos of these particular ‘ladies from Hell', I'm sure Tam would love a copy with any other details you have.
So if you are ever Perth way, head for Balhousie Castle: while you may not be lucky enough to have the two wonderful guides we had, you are guaranteed a very interesting hour or two.
David Easton
Secretary, Northumberland Branch WFA
You can view a short slideshow of some additional photos of the outing below. Please press the "expand" icon to view in full screen; press "Esc" on your keyboard to return to this page
