Campaigners from one of Britain's most famous regiments have launched a £3m appeal to buy and improve Balhousie Castle in Perth.

Black Watch Heritage Appeal aims to raise enough money to purchase the 19th Century base and have improvements complete by 2010.

If the campaign is successful the ancestral home and museum will be adapted with new spaces for exhibitions and visiting groups, toilet and catering facilities will be improved.

Currently the building is owned by the MoD who have the authority to terminate the lease with six months notice.

-- Advertisement --

Appeal director Major David Noble said Balhousie Castle is a very important part of Scotland's heritage which needs to be preserved.

"We are doing everything we can to make sure that the name of the Black Watch remains as relevant today as it has in the 267 years of its history. What we learn about our past does influence the way we face the future.

"When you think of the number of families who provided young men to serve in the Black Watch in the First War, in the Second War, through the period of national service - there can be few families in the area who have not been touched by membership of the regiment,” he said.

The Black Watch was formed in 1739. It is based in Fort George and traditionally recruits from Dundee, Fife, Angus and Perthshire.

The regiment is due to be deployed to Afghanistan next year. Since it's formation it has received 164 battle honours and 14 Victoria Crosses.

(GK/JM)