mcleanscotland  are local Scots who pride ourselves on showing you the nooks & crannies other tours companies pass on by.   We can show you those hidden gems even Scots do not know!  McLean Scotland bring you the Regiments of Scotland in the Scottish Army

The Royal Scots (The Royal Regiment) is the oldest Regiment in the British Army and as such is the senior Infantry Regiment of the Line. It was raised in 1633 when Sir John Hepburn, under a Royal Warrant from King Charles I, recruited 1200 men in Scotland. The first battle honour awarded to the Regiment was Tangier 1680, since when a further 148 have been gained in a history which has involved them in almost every campaign the British Army has fought.

Soldiers' Cap Badge, The star and cross are silver, the remainder gilt. This badge was introduced for the rank and file of The Royal Scots in 1890.

"The Thin Red Line"  Balaklava  1854   After New Orleans the 93rd spent 10 years in Britain and Ireland, 11 years in the West Indies, and a further 13 at home and in Canada. In 1854 they went to the Crimea, took part in the storming of the heights above the Alma and then moved on to Sevastopol. They were led by Sir Colin Campbell who was so pleased with them at Alma that he had obtained Lord Raglan's permission to wear a Highland bonnet instead of his general's cocked hat for the rest of the campaign. On the 24th October they routed the Russian Cavalry charge at Balaklava earning themselves the nickname of "The Thin Red Line". In the museum a diorama with commentary explains the details of the battle. The Russian force was 25,000 strong; but only their massed cavalry pushed right forward down the road to Balaklava. Part of this threat was parried by the immortal charge of Scarlett's Heavy Cavalry Brigade. The rest, a formidable mass, swept on to charge the 93rd drawn up in line, two deep. "There is no retreat from here, men," Campbell told them as he rode down the line, "you must die where you stand." And the reply of John Scott, the right-hand man, was taken up by them all: "Ay, Sir Colin. An needs be, we'll do that." They fired two volleys and the cavalry charge split in half, galloping to right and left and finally into full retreat. Some of the younger soldiers started excitedly forward for a bayonet charge, but Sir Colin called out, "93rd, 93rd, damn all that eagerness!"

The Times correspondent, W. H. Russell, who standing on the hills above could clearly see that nothing stood between the Russian cavalry and the defenceless British base but the "thin red streak tipped with a line of steel" of the 93rd. Condensed almost immediately into "The Thin Red Line", the phrase has survived to this day as the chosen symbol of everything for which The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders believe themselves to stand. Asked why he had been so unorthodox as to receive a cavalry charge in line instead of in a square. Sir Colin Campbell said; "I knew the 93rd, and I did not think it worth the trouble of forming a square."   98th Argyllshire Highlanders, 1794 List of names in regiment contained; Ensign Archibald McLean, Sergeants Hector McLean, Alexander McLean, Drummer John McLean, Privates; McLean, Alexander. McLean, Alexander. McLean, Allen. McLean, Archibald. McLean, Donald, Jun.. McLean, Donald, Sen.. McLean, Dugald. McLean, Duncan. McLean, Hugh. McLean, John. McLean, John. McLean, John. McLean, John. McLean, John. McLean, Lachlan. McLean, Lachlan. McLean, Niell and McLean, Robert.   SEE ALSO;  www.mcleanscotland.com/regimentalpix.asp

At the start of World War II, the 1st Battalion was part of the BEF and after suffering heavy casualties covering the retreat to Dunkirk, many were taken prisoner; whilst the 2nd Battalion bore the brunt of the Japanese attack on Hong Kong. Battalions also fought in Burma, Italy and NW Europe. In post war years, they have seen active service in Korea, Cyprus, Egypt, Aden and the Gulf. The Regimental tartan is Hunting Stuart which is worn by all ranks except Pipers who wear the Sovereign's personal tartan, Royal Stuart, an honour granted by King George V to mark the tercentenary of the Regiment in 1933.  Museum: Edinburgh Castle  www.army.mod.uk/royalscots

ROYAL SCOTS (ROYAL REGIMENT 1ST OF FOOT)   The Royal Scots is the oldest Regiment of the Line in the British Army. The official raising of the regiment was in 1633 when Sir John Hepburn, under a warrant given by King Charles I, recruited 1200 men in Scotland to fight in France. Their first Battle Honour was Tangier 1680 since when a further 148 have been gained in a history which has involved them in almost every campaign in which the British Army has fought, including Marlborough's battles, the Peninsular War, Waterloo, India, the Crimea and South Africa. During World War I, the Regiment increased to a total of 35 battalions. Seventy nine Battle Honours and 6 VC's were awarded and battalions fought in all areas from the Western Front to Gallipoli, Palestine, Egypt and briefly Northern Russia.

The Victoria Cross (VC) is the highest recognition for valour "in the face of the enemy" that can be awarded to members of the British and Commonwealth armed forces of any rank in any service, and civilians under military command. It is also the highest award in the British Honours system. The medal takes the form of a cross pattée, 1.375 inches (35 mm) wide, bearing a crown surmounted by a lion, and the inscription "FOR VALOUR". This was originally to have been "FOR BRAVERY", until it was changed on the recommendation of Queen Victoria, who thought some might erroneously consider that only the recipients of the VC were brave in battle. The medal, suspension bar and link weigh about 0.87 troy ounces (27 g). The ribbon is crimson, 1.5 inches (38 mm) wide.

VETERANS MARCH THROUGH PERTH ALONG WITH THE BLACK WATCH

THE BLACK WATCH (ROYAL HIGHLAND REGIMENT) (42ND, 73RD) Raised in 1725 as independent companies to police the Highlands. The name originated from the dark colour of the tartan and the role of watching the Highland clans.  The companies were formed into a Regiment in 1740 and were to become the 42nd Royal Highlanders after receiving the Royal Warrant in 1751. A second battalion was raised which became a separate regiment, the 73rd - but in 1881 it reverted to become the 2nd Battalion of the Regiment again. The distinctive Red Hackle was issued in 1795 a privilege exclusive to The Black Watch. 14 VCs Field Marshall Ear Wavell is the most renowned soldier of the Regiment.  Museum: Balhousie Castle, Hay Street, Perth Tel: 0131 310 8530  www.army.mod.uk/blackwatch Prior to 28 March 2006, the Black Watch was an infantry regiment in its own right; The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) from 1931 to 2006, and The Royal Highland Regiment (The Black Watch) from 1881 to 1931. Part of the Scottish Division, it was the senior regiment of Highlanders. The regiment's name came from the dark tartan that they wore and from its role to "watch" the Highlands. "Black Watch" was originally a nickname for the 42nd (Royal Highland) Regiment of Foot, but was used more and more so that, in 1881, when the 42nd amalgamated with the 73rd Regiment of Foot, the new regiment was named "The Royal Highland Regiment (The Black Watch)", with The Black Watch becoming the regiment's official designation in 1931. The Royal Stewart Tartan is worn by the battalion's Pipes and Drums due the royal designation. Six independent companies were first formed from 1725 to stop fighting among the clans.

THE ROYAL SCOTS DRAGOON GUARDS (CARABINIERS AND GREYS)
Formed in July 1971 by the amalgamation of the 3rd Carabiniers and The Royal Scots Greys. The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards are Scotland's only Regiment of Cavalry. Their forebear's the 3rd and 6th Dragoon Guards and the 2nd Dragoons and have an unbroken history from 1678, through European wars, South Africa and two world wars. The Regiment saw action during the 1991 Gulf war in Challenger 1 Tanks. The SCOTS DG is currently stationed in Germany. Equipped with Challenger 2 Main Battle Tanks. They have deployed to Kosovo in 2000 and 2001. When not on operations the Regiment trains in its role as an Armoured Regiment as part of 7 Armoured Brigade. This training takes place in Canada, Poland and Germany. SCOTS DG are also famous for their outstanding Pipes and Drums who held the Top of Charts with 'Amazing Grace' They can often be seen performing world-wide and at the Edinburgh Tattoo. The refurbished Regimental Museum opened in July 1995. Amongst the many displays is the Eagle and Standard captured from the French 45th Regiment at the Battle of Waterloo. The Regiment's Home Headquarters is located in Edinburgh Castle.Museum: Edinburgh Castle     www.army.mod.uk/scotsdg

SCOTLAND'S' OWN REGIMENT OF FOOT GUARDS The Scots Guards were formed in 1642. Originally Commanded by Archibald, First Marquis of Argyle. The Regiment was formed to protect Scottish settlers in Ulster and become part of the Royal Guard for Charles 1. Over the centuries the Regiment has been known by a number of different names such as the Scots Fusilier Guards, before having the present title restored by Queen Victoria in 1877. The Scots Guards have fought in every major war and campaign that the British Army has been involved in, including The Seven Year War, American Revolution, Napoleonic War, South African War (186 1-1864) World Wars, one and Two, Malaya and most recently the Falkland Islands 1982 and the Gulf 1991 accumulating more than 94 Battle Honours throughout the years. Museum: Edinburgh Castle  Website: www.army.mod.uk/scotsguards

THE KING'S OWN SCOTTISH BORDERERS (25TH)  The King's Own Scottish Border Regiment was mustered in 1689, originally called the Earl of Leven's. The Borderers' military history dates back to honours in Namur in 1695, Gallipoli in 1915-16 and Dunkirk in 1940.During the turbulent days of 1689, when the citizens of Edinburgh were in a state of alarm at the prospect of an attack by Jacobite forces, David Earl of Leven was authorised 'with all expedition to levie one Regiment of Foot'. This he achieved in the remarkably short period of two hours. Named after him initially as 'Leven's Regiment', it was soon to be in action at the Battle of Killiecrankie. But this was not to be the Regiment's last conflict with the Jacobites, for it is unique in the Army in having also fought at Sheriffmuir in 1715 and at Culloden in 1746. The King's Own Scottish Borderers are one of the six infantry regiments which 'gained immortal glory' at the Battle of Minden in 1759 by advancing against a superior force of French Cavalry. This battle commemorated annually on the first of August when the Regiment wear red roses in their headdress following the tradition that the soldiers had picked roses as they advanced through gardens before the battle. This custom was even observed by Borderers in 1944 when they mounted an attack on Minden Day during the invasion of Normandy - for they attached to their helmets the roses which they plucked from the hedgerows.  Military Museum: The Barracks, Berwick Upon Tweed   Website: www.army.mod.uk/kosb

THE ROYAL HIGHLAND FUSILIERS (PRINCESS MARGARET'S OWN GLASGOW & AYRSHIRE REGIMENT) 21st, 71st, 74th. The Regiment was formed on the 20th January 1959 by the amalgamation of The Royal Scots Fusiliers and The Highland Light Infantry. Recruits are drawn from the City of Glasgow and Ayrshire. HRH Princess Margaret is the Colonel in Chief.  The RSF were raised in 1678. Originally known as The Earl of Mar's Regiment, they had several name changes over the years: - Scots Fusiliers, 21st Royal North British Fusiliers, and finally Royal Scots Fusiliers.  The HLI were raised in 1777 as the 73 (Lord McLeod's) Highlanders, were renumbered 71st in 1786, and became the 71st Highland Light Infantry in 1809. Meanwhile the 74th Highland Regiment raised in 1787, had a separate existence until 1881 when it was amalgamated with the 71st to become the Highland Light Infantry. The Regiment and its forebears have fought in most of the major campaigns over the years and carries more than 120 Battle Honours on its colours from Blenheim (1704) to The Gulf (1991). Military Museum: 518 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow. Website: www.army.mod.uk/rhf

There was a soldier, a Scottish soldier
Who wandered far away, and soldiered far away
There was non bolder, with good broad shoulder
He's fought in many a fray, and fought and won.
He's seen the glory, and told the story
Of battles glorious, and deeds victorious
But now he's sighing, his heart is crying
To leave these green hills of Tyrol
Because these green hills are not highland hills,
Or the island hills, they're not my land's hills
And fair as these green foreign hills may be
They are not the hills of home

And now this soldier, this Scottish soldier
Who wandered far away, and soldiered far away
Sees leaves are falling, and death is calling
And he will fade away, in that far land
He's called his piper his trusty piper
And bade him sound alay, A pi-broch sad to play
Up on a hillside, but Scottish hillside
Not on these green hills of Tyrol............
Chorus

And so this soldier, this Scottish soldier
Will wander far no more, and soldier far no more
And on a hillside, a Scottish hillside
You'll see a piper play his soldier home
He's seen the glory, he's told the story
Of battles glorious and deeds victorious
The bugles cease now, he is at peace now
Far from those green hills of Tyrol...........
Chorus