The Scottish Military Research Group - Commemorations Project

dhubthaigh · Posted: Fri Apr 06, 2007 9:46 am Post subject: BLACK WATCH MEMORIAL, ABERFELDY

spoons · Posted: Mon Apr 16, 2007 4:50 pm Post subject:

My son was touring on holiday and stopped in Aberfeldy. Knowing my interest, he took a couple of pictures including an explanatory plaque nearby.

dhubthaigh · Posted: Mon Apr 16, 2007 7:02 pm Post subject:

Thanks for adding the explanatory plaque Spoons. I saw it when I was there but for some reason didn't photograph it Confused

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David McNay · Posted: Mon Apr 16, 2007 11:58 pm Post subject:

I read somewhere recently that the likeness for this statue was taken from one of the mutineers, can anyone confirm this?

Murray · Joined: 21 Jan 2008 Posts: 64

It was from Private Farquhar Shaw. One of three that were wrongly shot for desertion.

David McNay · Posted: Sun Jan 04, 2009 8:05 pm Post subject:

Just come across this poem to the memorial by the legendary William McGonagall:

The Black Watch Memorial

Ye Sons of Mars, it gives me great content
To think there has been erected a handsome monument
In memory of the Black Watch, which is magnificent to see,
Where they first were embodied at Aberfeldy.

And as a Highland regiment they are worthy of what has been done for them,
Because a more courageous regiment we cannot find of men
Who have bravely fought and bled in defence of their country,
Especially in the Ruusian War and Soudan War they made their enemies flee.

The monument I hope will stand secure for many a long day,
And may the people of Aberfeldy always feel gay;
As they gaze upon the beautiful Black Watch monument,
I hope they will think of the brave soldiers and feel content.

'Twas in the year of 1887, and on Saturday the 12th of November,
Which the people of Aberfeldy and elsewhere will remember,
Who came all the way from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Perth and Dundee,
Besides the Pitlochry Volunteers headed the procession right manfully.

And the Perthshire Rifies joined the procession with their pipe band,
Then followed a detachment of the 42nd Highlanders so grand,
Under the command of Lieutenant McCleod,
Whose duty if was to represent the regiment of which he felt proud.

The pipe band of the Glasgow Highlanders also were there,
And Taymouth Brass Band, which discoursed sweet music I do declare;
Also military officers and the magistrates of Aberfeldy,
While in the rear came the members of Committee.

There were also Freemasons, Foresters, all in a row,
And wearing their distinctive regalias, which made a great show;
And the processionists were formed into three sides of a square
Around the monument, while the music of the bands did rend the air.

The noble Marquis of Breadalbane arrived on the ground at 1.30,
Escorted by a guard of honour and his pipe band;
Then the bands struck up, and the pipes were set a humming,
And all with one accord played up the "Campbell's are Coming."

Then his Lordship ascended a platform on the north side of the monument,
And the bands played cheerfully till their breath was almost spent;
Then his Lordship received three ringing cheers from the people there,
Then he requested the Rev. John McLean to open the proceedings with prayer.

And after the prayer, Major Menzies stepped forward
And said, "Ladies and gentlemen, for the Black Watch I have great regard;
And the duty I have to perform gives me great content,
And that is to ask the noble Marquis to unveil this monument."

Then he handed the noble Marquis a Lochaber axe to unveil the Monument,
And the Marquis said, "Sir, to your request I most willingly consent."
Then he unveiled the monument in memory of the gallant Forty-twa,
While the bands played up the "Highland Laddie" as loud as they could blaw.

And when the bands ceased playing the noble Marquis said,
"This monument I declare is very elegantly made,
And its bold style is quite in keeping with the country I find,
And the Committee were fortunate in obtaining so able a designer as Mr. Rhind."

Then, turning to the Chief Magistrate of Aberfeldy,
He said, "Sir, I have been requested by the Committee
To give you the deed conveying the monument to your care,
With the feu-charter of the ground, therefore, sir, I'd have you beware."

Then the Chief Magistrate Forbes to Lord Breadalbane said,
"My noble Lord, I accept the charge, and you needn't be afraid.
Really it gives me much pleasure in accepting as I now do from thee
This Memorial, along with the deeds, on behalf of Aberfeldy."

Then Major Menzies proposed three cheers for the burgh of Aberfeldy,
And three cheers were given right heartily.
Then the Taymouth Band played "God Save the Queen,"
Then the processionists marched to the New Public School, happy and serene.

Then there was a banquet held in the school,
At which three hundred sat down and ate till they were full;
And Lord Breadalbane presided, and had on his right,
Magistrates, Colonels, and Provosts, a most beautiful sight.

And the toast of "The Queen," "Prince and Princess of Wales," were given,
Wishing them prosperity while they are living;
Then the noble Chairman proposed "The Army, Navy and Volunteers,"
Which was loudly responded to with three loud cheers.

Then Colonel Smith, of the Highland Volunteers, from Bonnie Dundee
Replied for the Volunteers right manfully.
Then the noble Chairman said, "The toast I have now to propose
Is long life and prosperity to the Royal Highlanders in spite of their foes."

Then the toast was drunk with Highland honours and hearts
While Pipe-Major McDougall played "The 42nd March at Waterloo."
So ended the proceedings in honour of the Black Watch, the bravest of men,
And the company with one accord sung the National Anthem.

William Topaz McGonagall

Adam Brown · Posted: Mon Jan 05, 2009 12:19 pm Post subject:

I'll bet you'll not find many poems with 'feu-charter' in it.

Great find David.

Cheers

Adam

Keptie · Posted: Thu May 14, 2009 8:06 pm Post subject: black watch memorial aberfeldy

I had a short article in the Scots Magazine - June 2006 - showing a photograph of this excellent Memorial . This article recorded the forced merger of the Scottish Infantry Regiments on 28 march 2006 and the Black Watch became a battalion of the Royal Regiment of Scotland . In the article I mentioned my namesake Uncle, Lieut P W Anderson , Black Watch and his cousin , Lieut ( temp Major ) J B Salmond , Black Watch & historian /author .

Patrick W Anderson

Keptie · Posted: Wed Jun 23, 2010 9:34 pm Post subject: BW monument Aberfeldy

100 years ago : The Courier & Argus :

Courier & Advertiser for Wednesday , 23 June 2010 :

During a sharp thunderstorm which passed over Aberfeldy about three o'clock yesterday afternoon , The Black Watch Monument was struck by lightning and seriously damaged . The large stones which formed the south corner of the cairn have been wrenched asunder adn several of them split . The 10 foot high figure on top has also been damaged .

[Patrick w anderson]

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stuartn · Joined: 13 Dec 2016 Posts: 2551

WMR 44786