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THE BLACK WATCH 3RD BATTALION THE ROYAL REGIMENT OF SCOTLAND
Throughout 2023, 3 SCOTS deployed across various locations around the world, in their new Security Force Assistance (SFA) role. In addition, the Battalion continued to support the following: Op TEMPERER, Op UNICORN and Op ESCALIN, whilst continuing to support, Ex IMJIN WARRIOR, Ex VIGILANT ISLES, Ex SUNDA PATROL, Ex RATTLESNAKE, JPMRC and LANPAC, to name a few. 3 SCOTS focus for 2024 is Op INTERFLEX in July, which will see much of the Battalion support the training of Ukrainian Conscripts.
Throughout 2023 Adventurous Training (AT) has been well supported with many exercises, including Ex RED HACKLE, Ex TARTAN RIDER and Ex SPANROCK, and during the winter season, Ex FROSTED BLADE, Ex ICE HACKLE and Ex FROSTED SWORD. With 3 SCOTS involvement in Ex ASKARI STORM cancelled, a window of opportunity opened for some Unit Authorised Adventurous Training (UAAT). SP from the Battalion relished this opportunity and took to Aviemore and Skye. Additionally, Service Personnel (SP) within 3 SCOTS seized the opportunity to enhance their rock-climbing qualifications during Ex SPANROCK, with 2 SP gaining RCL and 1 gaining RLT and those SP are now putting those qualifications to use on a multi-activity AT package in Dundonnell, in the beautiful Scottish Highlands.
Despite a busy FoE, the Battalion has continued to compete and excel within various sporting events throughout the training year, including Golf, Highland Games, Cross-Country and more. The Battalion Golf Society continues to
SSgt (SSI) S Mutch RAPTC
C Coy Rock Climbing at Huntley’s Cave
compete in various competitions across Scotland, and in Aug 23 the Society ran a very successful Golf tour (Kirkaldy, Ballumbie, St Michael’s and Drumoig). Thankfully, we were blessed with good weather too. In Sep, 3 SCOTS hosted a Highland Games event, which drew in a crowd from across the world. Teams went head-to-head in a multitude of events from hammer throw to caber toss, from sprints to a gun run. The event was packed with external venders selling highland trinkets and gifts, food stalls, coffee stands and more. The event was a huge success, and it is an aspiration to run this event again in 2025, following pending deployments.
The 25 Oct marked the start of the 23/24 British Army Scotland Cross-Country
3 SCOTS Climbing Wall
League, with race 1 of the season hosted by 3 SCOTS, in what can only be described as a gruelling race from start to finish. A momentous effort by all involved.
This year, 3 SCOTS were fortunate to receive funding for an upgrade in Physical Training Equipment (PTE) and flooring, which was used to repurpose one of our squash courts into a functional training space. This room is used to train our level 2 soldiers, aiding their recovery towards level 3 PT. A successful Lived Experience Improvement Fund (LEIF) bid was granted for the upgrade to our indoor climbing wall and the purchase of climbing kit required for taking SP climbing outdoors. As part of this project, the wall received custom bouldering mats, various anchor points for training, mid-point anchors for practising multi pitch work, an abseil platform and 2 auto belays are waiting instalment. The boulder wall is currently under route setting and new climbing routes ranging from a 4 to a 7a+ have been set on the main wall. This facility and equipment will allow 3 SCOTS to train SP for future courses, run indoor climbing during the winter months and capitalise on UAAT during the summer months.
3 SCOTS Golf Society on Ex BIRDIE HACKLE
D Coy Kayaking at Balmacara