The Prince of Wales thanked soldiers of the Black Watch for their “amazing contribution” as he presented them with Afghanistan campaign medals.
About 500 members of the regiment received the awards at their base at Fort George, near Inverness. The families of two soldiers killed in the conflict and of another who died in Iraq were presented with the Elizabeth Cross by the Prince in a private ceremony.
The regiment returned in November from a seven-month tour of Afghanistan. Dressed in desert combats in his role as Royal Colonel of the regiment, the Prince gave medals to 150 soldiers. The others were presented by Lieutenant-General Andrew Graham and Brigadier Mike Riddell-Webster.
“You have proved that the quality of the Scottish soldier remains constant,” the Prince said. “I want to thank you for your amazing contribution. As I stand here I remember with immense pride and gratitude those of your comrades who never returned.”
The regiment lost five soldiers in Afghanistan as well as a member of the Royal Artillery and three Afghan soldiers who were attached to them. The soldiers fought in Kandahar and Helmand provinces and took part in Operation Panther’s Claw, which cleared the way for elections.