The soldiers, dressed in their desert combats, marched into the parade square to pipes and drums and a 200-strong welcoming party before receiving medals for service.

They were presented with Iraq medals to recognise their involvement in peacekeeping operations whilst acting as the force protection company at Basra air station.

During Optelic 9 the volunteers were attached to Alamein Company, 7th Scots, and duties covered patrols, escorts and civilian protection.

Yesterday, the Lord-Lieutenant of Caithness, Anne Dunnett, who has kept in touch with the men regularly since their deployment in November, expressed her relief that they had returned to the country.

She told the John O'Groat Journal: "I am very proud of them and what they've done. I am hugely relieved to know that they are safe and well.

"There has been such an outpouring of support – they've done Caithness and their country proud."

On June 15, Miss Dunnett will present the soldiers with an Outstanding Courage Award at an official welcome-home ceremony to be held in Wick's Drill Hall. The men were honoured at the Caithness Community Awards earlier this year.

The event includes a meal, and music will be provided by local country rock band Diesel 'n' Dust.

Alan Ferrier, president of Royal British Legion Scotland Wick branch, is also expected to give a speech.

In Thurso, the troops will be welcomed with a reception in the town's RBLS clubrooms on June 2.

Miss Dunnett is expected to attend and present them each with a bottle of Mey Selections Barrogill Scotch whisky.

During yesterday's parade the local men were joined by over 80 other Scottish troops from 51st Highland, 7th Scots.

Their collective deployment to Iraq was the largest of Scottish TA troops since World War Two.

The commanding officer of 51st Highland, Lieutenant Colonel Colin Campbell, this week said he was proud of the work carried out to ensure the safety of the UK's military headquarters in Basra He said: "The duties the troops undertook have been essential to the continuing effort to return Iraq to normality in what have often been testing and difficult conditions. It will be great to see them home."

He also paid tribute to employers for allowing the volunteers to have time away from work for effectively nine months including pre-operational training and leave.

The local troops are Capt K.C. Mackay, CSgt Robert Forbes, Cpl Alan Oag, LCpl Roddy Mackay, LCpl David Mowat, Pte Gary Sinclair, Pte Alan MacDonald, Pte John Harrold, LCpl Gavin Manson, Pte Angus Mackay, Pte David Longmuir and Pte Robin Green.

e.mackay@nosn.co.uk

Printer friendly version

Email this article to a friend

Bookmark this

---