 The Black Watch first served in Iraq in April 2003 |
About 140 soldiers from Scotland's Black Watch regiment have left for Iraq on a peacekeeping mission. Another 400 regiment troops will follow them next month.
The regiment took part in the assault on Basra during the war and has been redeployed to the troubled region in a peacekeeping role.
Military leaders believe the soldiers are well placed to cope with attacks on the coalition and help keep the peace after the handover of sovereignty.
Included in the extra training taken on by troops has been cultural and language work.
The first wave of troops from the Royal Highland Regiment is expected to be in Iraq for a period of six months.
The regiment is effectively replacing the 1st Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders which will end a tour of duty in July.
The Black Watch first fought in Iraq in April 2003 as part of the 7th Armoured Brigade, which led the Desert Rats' attack on Basra, the country's second city.
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