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THE SCOTTISH REGIMENTS

THE ROYAL SCOTS (THE 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.

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 Regiment recruits its soldiers from Edinburgh, the Lothians and the former county of Peeblesshire. 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
Website: www.army.mod.uk/royalscots/