Scots march in Army cuts protest

Campaigners marched from Hyde Park to Trafalgar Square

Hundreds of campaigners have protested over the proposed merger of Scotland's historic infantry regiments.

Past and serving soldiers from across the country joined politicians at Hyde Park before marching through London.

Organisers said about 1,500 people attended the event which culminated in a rally in Trafalgar Square.

SNP MP Alex Salmond addressed the rally, while the Lib Dems criticised the cuts. Labour talked of economic choices.

Jeff Duncan, campaign manager for Save the Scottish Regiments, said the event was "extremely successful".

He added: "The message to Labour is that we are after them at the ballot box by endorsing candidates who are next best placed to defeat Labour in key marginal seats.

"They [Labour] have to be repaid for what they are doing, they have to be repaid at the ballot box."

'Crass cuts'

Mr Duncan said that these regiments had been around for centuries and were needed in uncertain times.

He said: "There has been no good reason given by the government...it simply says that we need to modernise for the 21st century."

The group aims to influence the outcome in at least 17 seats being defended by Labour at the general election on 5 May.

Former midwife Anne McMillan, 43, is standing against Chancellor Gordon Brown in Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath.

The pressure group will field a candidate to take on Armed Forces Minister Adam Ingram in East Kilbride, Strathaven and Lesmahagow.

It is also publicly backing six Conservative, five Scottish National Party and four Liberal Democrat candidates in 15 constituencies.

Hundreds of protesters took part in the event

Meanwhile, SNP leader Alex Salmond told the rally: "Scotland's historic regiments provide the army with the best infantry soldiers in the world bar none.

"The strong links that exist between the regiments and the communities they serve is one of the key reasons behind their success."

A Lib Dem spokesman said: "The UK Government's plans lack coherence and are ill-thought out.

"The Lib Dems have put forward proposals which would save Scotland's regiments while taking on board requirements to modernise."

Shadow Scottish Secretary Peter Duncan accused the government of betraying Scotland's regiments.

He added: "And their crass cuts to our Army at a time when they are fighting on behalf of our country have staggered and alienated the nation."

A Labour spokesman said the general election will throw up the choice between two economic futures under either Tony Blair or Michael Howard.

"A vote for any of the minor parties would only help Michael Howard," the spokesman said.

Under plans announced by Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon last December, Scotland's six battalions are to be cut to five through the merger of the King's Own Scottish Borderers and the Royal Scots.

They will then form a single "super regiment", which will be called the Royal Regiment of Scotland.