The Black Watch Cairn, Aberfeldy (colour photo)

The Black Watch Cairn, Aberfeldy. The Black Watch traces its origin to companies of armed Highland police, or "Watch," organized by Marshal Wade in 1725 to combat the cattle-lifting which was then so prevalent. The epithet "Black" was given to distinguish them from the red-coated troops of the Regular Army. Later the Government decided to incorporate these companies in the military forces, and in 1739 the Earl of Crawford was given command of the Regiment so formed. In May 1740, the first muster took place in a field by the side of the river Tay at Aberfeldy in Perthshire. A cairn has been erected on this historic spot, and in the picture a party of Black Watch recruits may be seen giving three cheers for the Regiment while on a visit to the memorial. Illustration for one of a set of 50 cigarette cards on the subject of Interesting Customs and Traditions of the Navy, Army and Airforce issued by Lambert & Butler in 1939.