Retro News 1991:Provost’s support for the ‘forgotten army’

Falkirk’s ‘‘forgotten army’’ received a major morale boost this week when the district’s first citizen went on patrol in battle-scarred Belfast.

Former TA soldier Provost Dennis Goldie and Council Officer Jimmy Malone joined the thin red line of the district’s legendary Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders on Monday.

The Provost toured the IRA heartlands in the mean streets of the city.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

More than 10 per cent of the 650 squaddies in Ulster – sent out at Christmas on an emergency tour – have family in Falkirk District.

Provost Goldie said: ‘‘Soldiers from our area are facing death every day out there but, with the situation in the Gulf, they’ve been overlooked. That is why I went out to visit them.

‘‘I was greatly impressed by their professionalism and the way they keep chirpy and cheerful despite it all.

‘‘They were really pleased we went to see them. Nobody else ever does!’’

The Provost added: ‘‘The Argylls are in a war situation over there – it is that simple!

‘‘Soldiers in the Gulf get free holidays from Thomas Cook but the Argylls are the forgotten Army.’’

Related topics: