Dundee City Council - 20/04/2026
At a MEETING of the DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL held at Dundee on 20th April, 2026.
Present:-
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Lord Provost Bill CAMPBELL
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Depute Lord Provost Nadia EL-NAKLA |
BAILIES
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Will DAWSON |
Helen WRIGHT |
Fraser MACPHERSON |
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Kevin KEENAN |
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Derek SCOTT |
COUNCILLORS
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Heather ANDERSON |
Steven ROME |
Dorothy McHUGH |
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Jimmy BLACK |
Lynne SHORT |
George McIRVINE |
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Kevin CORDELL |
Roisin SMITH |
Wendy SCULLIN |
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Mark FLYNN |
Siobhan TOLLAND |
Pete SHEARS |
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Stewart HUNTER |
Georgia CRUICKSHANK |
Daniel COLEMAN |
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Ken LYNN |
Jax FINNEGAN |
Michael CRICHTON |
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Lee MILLS |
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Craig DUNCAN |
Lord Provost Bill CAMPBELL, Convener, in the Chair.
I DECLARATION OF INTEREST
There were no declarations of interest.
II OBITUARY - FORMER LORD PROVOST BOB DUNCAN
The Lord Provost, Bailies Keenan, Macpherson and Scott and Councillor Hunter, referred to the recent sad passing of Bob Duncan who passed away on 3rd April this year and paid tribute to the distinguished public service rendered by him. Thereafter, a minute's silence was observed in memory of former Lord Provost Bob Duncan.
III MINUTES
The undernoted minutes were submitted and noted:-
Minute of Licensing Committee dated 29th January, 2026.
Minute of Scrutiny and Audit Committee dated 4th February, 2026.
Minute of Planning Committee dated 9th February, 2026.
Minute of City Council dated 16th February, 2026.
Minute of Climate, Net Zero and Environment Committee dated 16th February, 2026.
Minute of City Growth and Infrastructure Committee dated 16th February, 2026.
Minute of City Governance Committee dated 16th February, 2026.
Minute of Licensing Board dated 19th February, 2026.
Minute of Licensing Committee dated 26th February, 2026.
Minute of Children and Families Committee dated 2nd March, 2026.
Minute of Neighbourhood, Housing and Communities Committee dated 2nd March, 2026.
Minute of City Governance Committee dated 2nd March, 2026.
Minute of City Governance Committee dated 5th March, 2026.
Minute of Licensing Committee dated 26th March, 2026.
IV THE ROYAL REGIMENT OF SCOTLAND - FREEDOM OF ENTRY INTO THE CITY OF DUNDEE
Reference was made to Agenda Note AN20-2026 regarding the minute of meeting of the Lord Provost, Magistrates and Councillors of the City and Royal Burgh of Dundee on 23rd June, 1954 when the Freedom of Entry into the City of Dundee on ceremonial occasions with bayonets fixed, drums beating and colours flying was conferred on the Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment).
The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment)
Following civil unrest in the Scottish Highlands circa 1725, independent companies were formed to maintain peace and stability. These units, composed largely of Highland clansmen later became known as Am Freiceadan Dubh - The Black Watch, named after their dark tartan.
The Black Watch officially entered regular military service in 1739.
Following army restructuring in 2006, the Black Watch amalgamated with five other historic Scottish regiments to form and become part of battalions in The Royal Regiment of Scotland in 2006. The 3rd Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland wear the famous Red Hackle and ensure the heritage and traditions of the Black Watch are continued in ensuring the Regiments heritage continued within the modern British Army of today and retained the famous Red Hackle.
The Royal Regiment of Scotland
Formed on 28th March, 2006, The Royal Regiment of Scotland is the senior line infantry regiment in the British Army and the only surviving Scottish line infantry regiment. It represents over 390 years of continuous service to the Crown, founded on the fighting heritage of historic Scottish regiments. The Royal Regiment of Scotland, known as SCOTS, draws strength and cohesion from its proud history. Scotland has a tradition of producing courageous, resilient, tenacious and tough infantry soldiers, and their reputation throughout the Army and within the community continues to be second to none. Their motto is 'Nemo Me Impune Lacessit' (No one provokes me with impunity) - shared with the Order of the Thistle, Scotlands highest order of chivalry.
The Royal Regiment of Scotland and Dundee
The historic link between Dundee and The Royal Regiment of Scotland is primarily rooted in the City's long-standing connection to the 7th Battalion (7 SCOTS) and its predecessor, the 4th (City of Dundee) Battalion, which served in both World Wars. During WWII, the 4th Battalion saw extensive action, including the Battle of Saint-Valery-en-Caux. The 4th (City of Dundee) Battalion, a territorial unit, fought in France and Flanders during WWI and through North Africa and Europe in WWII, acting as a precursor to the modern 7 SCOTS. In the decades that followed, The Black Watch continued operational service around the world, adapting to new challenges while maintaining strong traditions and regimental identity. 7 SCOTS, which remains based in Dundee, perpetuates the military traditions of the City, with soldiers frequently serving in operational roles.
The Royal Regiment of Scotland - Operations and Deployments
The Royal Regiment of Scotland has served across the globe in frontline operations, security, training, and support roles. They have been involved in almost every theatre of operations connected to the British Army, including Iraq, Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Afghanistan, Cyprus, West and Central Africa. The regiment also provides support to UK Civil Authorities, such as the Covid-19 and storm response, and has played key roles in NATO Response Forces.
In 2025, The Royal Regiment of Scotland (SCOTS) was heavily involved in NATO-led operational deployments, strengthening the alliance's eastern flank. Key deployments included; Exercise Steadfast Dart (Romania): The 4th Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland (4 SCOTS) served as a vanguard unit for the NATO Allied Reaction Force (ARF). This deployment involved high-readiness, multi-domain, and multi-national training to test rapid deployment to the eastern flank.
Exercise Hedgehog (Estonia): The 2nd Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland (2 SCOTS) deployed to Estonia for this major multi-national NATO training exercise, designed to strengthen ties near the Russian border. Exercise Forest Guardian (Latvia): In October, 2025, the 3rd Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland (3 SCOTS) deployed to Latvia to train with advanced uncrewed systems and artificial intelligence. International Training (Hawaii): 3 SCOTS also participated in training in Hawaii with US and Indonesian forces. Exercise Iron Wolf (Lithuania): Balaklava Company, 5th Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland (5 SCOTS) trained with the Lithuanian Armed Forces as part of the Iron Wolf Brigade in May, 2025. 6th and 7th Battalions The Royal Regiment of Scotland deployed to Germany for Exercise Rhino Heart, marking a significant Army Reserve engagement in Europe to strengthen NATO readiness. This deployment focused on complex, brigade-level operations, urban warfare, and interoperability with NATO allies, simulating modern battlefield scenarios. The exercise focused on command agility, logistics and urban organisations. The deployment emphasised the ability of Army Reservists to operate at a high level, providing crucial support in a challenging, realistic environment.
The Royal Regiment of Scotland - Community Engagement
The 7th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland (7 SCOTS) is an Army Reserve light role infantry battalion with a strong presence in Dundee, operating out of Oliver Barracks. The Regiment continues to honour its association with Dundee by conducting public ceremonial and civil engagements. 7 SCOTS attended a Dundee Stars Challenge Cup game on 8th November, where they held a minute's silence and an officer dropped the ceremonial first puck.
Whilst delivering on operational outputs, SCOTS has also proactively engaged with traditional and local communities, ensuring there is a physical presence across the country.
The Freedom of 20 of the 32 Council areas in Scotland has been bestowed on the Regiment, which has facilitated youth engagement, support to the cadets and reconnecting with veterans settled in communities.
Proposed Grant of Freedom of Entry into the City of Dundee to the Royal Regiment of Scotland
In recognition of their eminent service, it is recommended that The Royal Regiment of Scotland are granted the Freedom of Entry into the City of Dundee on ceremonial occasions with bayonets fixed, drums beating and colours flying.
Lord Provost Bill CAMPBELL, Convener.