Changing of the guards for the Scottish regiments

Scotland’s historic infantry regiments are to undergo a major re-organisation. As part of our ongoing series looking at Scotland’s regiments, Mark Nicholls examines the proposal and its impact on their ancient traditions.

Over the centuries, soldiers from the famous Scottish regiments have fought in numerous conflicts across the globe.

They have been present at the great battles of the 18th and 19th century, fought in two world wars and more recently been involved in operations in Iraq.

Throughout this often flamboyant history, the regiments have steadfastly clung to their traditions and roots, preserving regional identities and clan affiliations.

They have preserved their dress, distinct tartans and valiantly guarded long-established recruitment areas, spreading like a footprint across diverse parts of Scotland.

The Black Watch, for example, traditionally recruits from Perth and Perthshire, Dundee, Angus and Fife, drawing troops from this eastern aspect of Scotland with its fair cities, wonderful countryside, golf courses, fishing villages and a magnificent coastline.

Returning from an extended tour of Iraq towards the end of last year in which it sustained a number of casualties, its history is rooted in the ancient clans that remained loyal to George I during the Jacobite rebellions, which were attempts to restore the Stuart descendants of King James II to the British throne.

And The Royal Highland Fusiliers, which can trace its origins back to 1678, draws on men and women from the vibrant city of Glasgow and across Ayrshire, a landscape of coastal towns, castles, golf courses and renowned as the birthplace of Scotland’s most famous poet, Robert Burns.

Over the centuries, these Scott.....

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By Mark Nicholls

Section : Scottish Regiments

Page number : 62