Published in Scotland Magazine Issue 24 on 05/01/2006.

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Capital’s military connection

In the final part of our series on Scotland’s army regiments, Mark Nicholls looks at the Edinburgh-based Royal Scots, the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards and the role of the Scots Guards

Edinburgh is a city steeped in the military history of Scotland. Few locations hold that closer than Edinburgh Castle, soaring above the capital. It hosts two regiments – the Royal Scots and the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards – and their museums, and it is also home to the National War Museum of Scotland and the Scottish National War Memorial.

And every summer, this magnificent history is brought so vividly to life in the Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

For anyone seeking an insight into the military history of Scotland, Edinburgh Castle is a must-see destination.

The Royal Scots Regimental Museum has paintings, artefacts, silver and medals telling the story of the regiment with collections displayed to give a chronological progression, while the museum of the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards depicts the life and times and the colourful history of the cavalry regiment.

Yet if you are starting with the military museums at Edinburgh Castle, also take time to explore the castle further and enjoy panoramic views across the city.

Within its walls is the 900-year-old St Margaret’s Chapel – the city’s oldest building – the Stone of Destiny, the Scottish Crown Jewels and the famous 15th century gun Mons Meg, the One O’ Clock Gun.

From a military history perspective, not one regiment in the British Army can trace its line as far back as that of the Royal Scots.

It was formed in 1633 when Sir John Hepburn raised a body of men in Scotland for service in France under a Royal Warrant granted by K.....

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By Mark Nicholls

Section : Scottish Regiments

Page number : 62