Watch: The Black Watch Homecoming Parade
Soldiers from the Black Watch 3rd Battalion made a spectacular return to Fife with a homecoming parade.
Families, friends and members of the public braved a rainswept Kirkcaldy to applaud our boys as they marched through the town.
A huge crowd turned out in force to welcome them back and to watch the parade set off from the town square.
Welcoming the soldiers back was Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath MP, Gordon Brown, who paid tribute to the troops including injured Private Stephen Bainbridge who took part in the parade.
25-year-old Private Bainbridge, a Kirkcaldy soldier, lost both of his legs below the knee after standing on an improvised explosive device while on patrol in Helmand Province on Armistice Day last year.
The accident happened just seven weeks into Pte Bainbridge’s first tour of Afghanistan, having joined the army in October 2010.
Mr Brown said of the homecoming parade: “It’s incredible to be able to thank people who’ve served their country in this way. You can see the affection from the local people of Kirkcaldy and indeed of the whole of Fife. We admire their professionalism, their courage and their bravery.
“It’s been a rainy day but people have turned out because they want to support the Black Watch.
“There’s young people here, children, older people, and people who have themselves served. It’s a chance for the whole community to come together.”
After the parade, a reception for soldiers and families was hosted by Provost Frances Melville who paid tribute to the bravery of those serving in Afghanistan.
She said: “Servicemen and women have received a very warm welcome. Today is a chance to say a huge thank you.”
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Weather for Kirkcaldy
Wednesday 22 May 2013
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 4 C to 14 C
Wind Speed: 28 mph
Wind direction: North west
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 6 C to 11 C
Wind Speed: 31 mph
Wind direction: North
