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ABERFELDY BLACK WATCH MEMORIAL |
Location: The memorial is by the Wade Bridge
OS Ref: 52: NN 851 492
Date: c1877, unveiled by local clergy & dignitaries
The following is from a plaque at the site:-
The Black Watch Memorial
The Regiment
The "Highland Watch" (or simply "The Watch") was established following the issue of commissions from King Charles 11 in 1667 for certain clan chiefs to raise independent Companies "to be a constant guard for securing the peace in the Highlands" and "to watch upon the braes"
The dark tartans worn by the men of these companies to distinguish them from the "Red Soldiers" led to them becoming known as "Freiceadan Dubh" or "The Black Watch".
These companies were disbanded in 1717 and started up again in 1725
Starting out as the 43rd Regiment of the Line it became the 42nd Highland Regiment in 1749 on the reduction of the original 42nd regiment.
In 1970 the Regiment was given the freedom of the Burgh of Aberfeldy.
The Monument
The Black Watch Memorial was unveiled on the 14th November 1887 by Gavin - Marquis of Breadalbane. It should have been set up on the actual site of the original muster in 1740 on the opposite side of the river. However, that area is subject to flooding and the nearest practicable site was chosen instead.
The monument - depicting a soldier wearing the old regimental uniform cost about £500 (raised by public subscription)
In 1910 lightening split the structure from top to bottom. The repairs and installation of a lightening conductor cost £200.
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The words on this stone also appear in the Gaelic language |
This cairn is erected by grateful and admiring countrymen in commemoration of the assembling together at Taybridge in October 1739 of the six independant companies afterwards increased to ten of the "Freiceadan Dubh" or Black Watch who after serving in various parts of the Highlands were embodied into a regiment designated the 43rd and afterwards the 42nd Royal Highlanders whose first muster took place in May 1740 near Taybridge and also in recognition of the valour and patriotism which have ever since distinguished the soldiers of this corps during its illustrious career in many lands A.D. 1887
On 5th September 1970 the Freedom of the Burgh of Aberfeldy was confirmed upon the Black Watch
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