Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders veteran's memories

Aug 9 2010 By Jeff Holmes

Erskine veteran Alan Hodgart

A FUNLOVING veteran has revealed how he used to enjoy some ‘horseplay’ during his Army days – by getting the regimental pony tipsy after feeding it BEER.

Part of Alan Hodgart's duties during his time as an Argyll & Sutherland Highlander was to look after the regiment’s much-loved mascot, Cruachan the pony.

And the 64-year-old Paisley man admits he was so fond of Cruachan that he would treat him to a tipple from time to time.

Alan, who is now cared for by the Erskine charity for ex-servicemen and women, told the Paisley Daily Express: "I enjoyed looking after the regimental pony. It was a fantastic job.

"I even stayed overnight with him in the stables when he was unwell. He used to enjoy a little TLC.

"Cruachan also used to love his mints and beer. It was his little treat."

Alan recalled his time with the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders as he helped to launch a new online Army museum.

The website – dubbed ‘Their Past, Your Future’ – tells this history of the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders, including details of the men and battles which have shaped the famous regiment over the years.

Joining Alan at the official launch were a host of other Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders past and present, including the current regimental pony, Cruachan III, who was accompanied by Pony Major, Corporal William Perrie.

As the pipes and drums of the five battalions of The Royal Regiment of Scotland still wear their antecedent regiment’s uniform, Lance Corporal Keith Dalton, of 5 SCOTS, piped in the guests in full Argyll & Sutherland Highlander piper regalia.

Also in attendance were representatives from both Remembering Scotland and the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders Museum, who enjoyed chatting to Erskine veterans.

Joyce Steel, curator and manager of the museum, said: "This has been a wonderful project, with lots of people helping, and the best thing is that it doesn’t stop here.

"We will continue to collect these wonderful memories in the weeks, months and years to come."

Erskine chief executive, Major Jim Panton, added: "An online museum is a fantastic way to educate our young people on the sacrifices made on their behalf.

"Erskine is a living, breathing monument to our country’s war heroes and now the Argylls have their very own online version available to everyone."

The website is part of the the ‘Remembering Scotland at War’ online museum, which contains over 200 exhibitions.

Among the items which can be accessed are feature interviews, photographs and footage dating back from the Second World War right through to more recent conflicts.

The culmination of a three-year, £580,000 pioneering project, led by Museums & Galleries Scotland, ensures that memories and emotive images of the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders involvement in worldwide conflicts are never forgotten.

For more details visit www. rememberingscotlandatwar.org.uk