Had these paper clippings sent to me from Holland ! from the Scottish Courier. Then found this on google ! THE FINAL chapter of one of Scotland’s most famous army names came to a close at the weekend as veterans of the 51st Highland Division gathered at the House of Bruar in Perthshire. An emotional ceremony on Saturday saw the unveiling of an eight-foot bronze piper monument. Former soldiers were in the crowd of around 100 people, some clearly upset at the last meeting of the men. The 51st Highland Division has its roots firmly in Perthshire, with many soldiers joining to serve in the second world war. Yesterday Dr Tom Renouf, secretary of the 51st Highland Division Veterans Association (HDVA), said, “This is a very emotional day for the veterans as it will be the last time we will gather together. “Once we lay our standard our association effectively stops.” He said, “Most families in our divisional area still have strong connections to the glorious 51st. “Their relatives and friends served and died on the battle trail from El Alamein to Berlin. “The honours won by our disbanded Highland regiments are remembered with pride. “This is a memorable occasion and we also have an opportunity to thank all our friends who have helped us in the past who are here today. “These include the Highland councils, Highland trusts and the Royal British Legion.” Graham Mussell (70), of Pitlochry, said, “This is a great day and a fitting place for the monument. “People travelling along the A9 will be able to see it. “We are very proud to be here today and always support the division.” Pitcairngreen resident Kevin Murphy (72) added, “I think it is a great thing and it has a prominent position here. “I served with Graham in The Black Watch from 1955 to 57 and we attend all the veterans’ meetings, but this is a special day for all of us.” Dr Renouf said the monument is in honour of the five Highland regiments—the Gordons, the Camerons, the Argylls, the Seaforths and The Black Watch. The piper, sculpted by Alan Herriot, is a duplicate of the Normandy figure built for the 60th anniversary of the D-Day landings. At a service in St John’s Kirk in Perth yesterday, the division’s standard was presented for the last time. Dr Renouf added, “These regiments were part of the people’s lives. “Perth and Dundee are dedicated to The Black Watch and the same applies to the other regiments the further north you travel. “The monument will stand long into the future as a tribute to the achievements won and the sacrifices made by our regimental families.” The Rev Neil Gardner, who led the service, said, “This memorial is in memory of those of the 51st Highland Division who fought in world war II, to renew the bonds of fellowship forged in days of hardship and suffering and to give thanks for the fortitude which triumphed over evil and adversity.” Members of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, the Vale of Atholl Pipe Band and The Black Watch Army Cadet Force pipe band provided music, with the monument being unveiled by Major Graham Pilcher, MC, chairman of HDVA.
