"You should be extremely proud of what you have achieved," said Prince Charles who is the royal colonel of the Black Watch.

"Your professionalism, self sacrifice and loyalty is unwavering. None of this do I take for granted because I can understand what perhaps was involved. You are, above all, an immense credit to the British Army and the country and we owe all of you a huge debt of gratitude."

In a private ceremony at the historic fort, he also presented the Elizabeth Cross to the families of three soldiers killed on active service.

They included Sgt Stuart "Gus" Millar (40) of Cullaird Road, Lochardil, who was killed during an ambush by insurgents in September while he was on foot patrol in the Babaji District in Helmand Province. Sgt Millar left a widow, Jillian, whom he married at Fort George the previous year, and a two-year-old daughter, Grace.

During the three hour visit, Prince Charles heard at first hand the experiences of the soldiers and also chatted to their families.

He was also given a demonstration of a dance - officially named today as the Duke of Rothesay's Kandahar Reel - an idea conceived and put together by cousins, Captain Andy Colquhoun and Lieutenant Rob Colquhoun, during their operational tour. The energetic reel reflects the teamwork required to run and support the battle group in its aviation assault role.

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