The Black Watch have great support in the Dundee area

About 150 soldiers from the regiment are staging parades around its recruitment area to say thank you for the support they received during the war.

The Black Watch has been entitled to march through Dundee with bayonets fixed, drums beating and colours flying since 1954, when it was granted the freedom of the city

But this time the soldiers chose to march without weapons or colours.

'Absolutely overwhelmed'

Company commander Major Anthony Fraser said: "This is not a victory parade.

"This is an opportunity to come home and say thank you to all the people who have supported us while we have been away in Iraq.

"They have sent parcels to the people that were out there and also supported the families as well.

"We have been absolutely overwhelmed by the support we have had."

Hundreds turned out to show their appreciation

The famous Scottish regiment formed part of the 7th Armoured Brigade in Iraq, which led the Desert Rats attack on Basra, the country's second city.

They were involved in a three-week battle to secure the city from forces loyal to Saddam Hussein.

Support for the regiment is strong in the Dundee area and with the minimum of publicity hundreds lined the streets to see the salute being taken and to show their appreciation.

Dundee's Lord Provost John Letford said: "Dundee today showed what their feelings are toward the Black Watch."

He said that the men and women of Dundee and other cities had gone out to Iraq to "do the business for the city and make it a better place to live in."

After parades in Fife, Angus and Perthshire on Wednesday and Thursday the soldiers will return to their base in Germany before taking a month's leave.