Op Tweedside 2026

 

In July 2026, veterans and supporters from Who Dares Cares Boat Troop took to the River Tweed for Op Tweedside, a journey through the Scottish Borders combining challenge, remembrance, camaraderie and recovery.

The operation followed the River Tweed from Peebles towards the English Border, retracing waters with an important connection to Scotland’s military history.

This year’s challenge had a particularly significant purpose: raising funds towards a permanent memorial in Galashiels to the men of No. 11 (Scottish) Commando. Formed in Galashiels during the Second World War, the Scottish Commandos used the River Tweed and surrounding countryside as part of their early training.

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In Memory of Gaz and Jason

 

Op Tweedside was also undertaken in memory of two much-loved members of the Who Dares Cares family, Gary “Gaz” Tait and Jason King, who were both taken far too soon.

Jason had been a Trustee and volunteer with Who Dares Cares, and his son Aidan joined Boat Troop for the operation in memory of his father. Piper Kenny Allison of the KOSB Association Pipes & Drums accompanied the troop, carrying a pipe banner bearing Jason’s name.

During the journey, Aidan was able to scatter his father's ashes into the River Tweed in a quiet and poignant moment surrounded by his father’s friends and fellow veterans.

The troop also observed a minute’s silence in remembrance of Gaz and other fallen comrades.

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Following the Tweed

 

The operation began in Peebles, where the troop was piped off by Kenny Allison before taking to the water and paddling through some of the most beautiful parts of the Scottish Borders.

The first day took the troop through Innerleithen and Walkerburn before reaching Galafoot near Galashiels, where camp was established for the night.

At the Galashiels Royal British Legion, the group received a warm welcome and heard from military historian Pete Scally, who gave a fascinating talk on the history of No. 11 Commando and its connection to the Borders.

The journey continued along the Tweed towards Kelso, with low river levels making sections of the route considerably more challenging and requiring the canoes to be carried in places.

Boat Troop also took time during Op Tweedside to pay its respects to Piper Daniel Laidlaw VC, the King’s Own Scottish Borderer whose extraordinary actions during the Battle of Loos in 1915 saw him awarded the Victoria Cross. Under intense enemy fire, Laidlaw famously played Blue Bonnets Over the Border to steady and inspire his fellow soldiers as they advanced.

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More Than a Challenge

 

Op Tweedside represents much of what Who Dares Cares is about.

For veterans who may find that the battles are never over, being active alongside people who understand their experiences can provide purpose, friendship and a focus for moving forward. Challenges such as this are not simply about reaching a destination; they are about getting veterans back together, rebuilding confidence and reminding one another that nobody has to face their battles alone.

At the same time, Op Tweedside ensured that those who went before us – from the men of No. 11 Commando to our own friends and comrades – continue to be remembered.

Gary “Gaz” Tait and Jason King – Gone But Never Forgotten.

We will remember them.

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