Mid-Scotland & Fife Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser is opposed to any changes to the Royal Regiment of Scotland that will see the identity of the Black Watch and the other battalions being stripped away or amalgamated with other battalions. Murdo Fraser said: “I am delighted to be hearing reports that the Ministry of Defence now accept that the historic names and badges of the Scottish regiments, including the Black Watch, will be kept safe. It is important that the Ministry of Defence listened to the concerns and strong views of communities across Scotland regarding changes to the Royal Regiment of Scotland. “The Black Watch and our other battalions receive extremely strong support from across Scotland for their dedication in the field of combat today as well as their strong historic links. “Angus, Fife and Perthshire is one of the historic recruiting grounds for the Black Watch. It was only recently that the Black Watch regiment was merged to become the 3rd Battalion in the Royal Regiment of Scotland (3 Scots). At the time, promises were made to the Black Watch that they would keep their own identity, including the red hackle, and maintain their historic name.”