County: Perthshire
Issued on: Return
Date of presentation: 24/05/1901
Number issued: 1
Gold albert & appendage, to:
1st Volunteer Active Service Company, Royal Highlanders (Black Watch) [5th V.B.R.H.] –
7610 Private William WINTON
Presentation made by Mr Gibson McLagan (of Pumpherston), in Scotland's Hotel, Pitlochry.
Private Winton also received a pendant from PERTHSHIRE.
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Dundee Evening Post, 27th May 1901
PITLOCHRY.
Honour to Black Watch Volunteer.
On Friday evening Private W. WINTON, of the 5th V.B.R.H., was met in Scotland’s Hotel, Pitlochry, and presented by his friends with handsome gifts to mark the occasion of his return to this country from South Africa, where he had been on active service with the Black Watch volunteers. Private WINTON was met at his father’s house by a large company, and, headed by Piper M. Pirnie, marched to the hotel. Private WINTON was in khaki, and on his appearance was greeted with loud cheers. Mr Gibson McLagan of Pumpherston presided over the meeting in the hotel, and, in asking Private WINTON to accept of a very handsome gold albert, with appendage, and a purse of sovereigns, Mr Gibson McLagan said that sixteen months ago they had wished God-speed to Private WINTON and his comrade Private SKINNER, when they went out to fight the battles of the Empire. They were sorry that Private SKINNER had not returned home, but they hoped he would have success in the land of his adoption. (Applause). Making reference to the traditions of gallantry associated with the “Black Watch” in the past, Mr Gibson McLagan said these had been nobly upheld in the South African war, and that it would therefore ill become them as Highlanders if they did not give their friend, Private WINTON, a hearty welcome home, more especially when they knew that he had been recommended for the Distinguished Service Order. (“Hear, hear”, and applause). Private WINTON, in a few words, returned thanks for the gifts. They would excuse him, as he was not a very good speaker, and would rather go and have a shot at Johnny Boer. (Laughter and applause). Priavte WINTON’s father, Mr E.C. Winton, horse hirer, also gracefully returned thanks for the kindness displayed towards his son. The meeting had thereafter a pleasant hour, and at the conclusion Private WINTON was carried shoulder-high through the village to the inspirited strains of Piper Pirnie’s Highland music.
