The distinctive Black Watch hackle and badge, left, and circa 1750 soldier, below. An Argyll and Sutherland Leiutenant in the modern era, below right.
enturies of history and tradition have been swept away through bureaucratic restructuring. Changes forcefully imposed by the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence.
Six Scottish regiments, the Black Watch, the Royal Scots, the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, the Kings Own Scottish Borderers, the Royal Highland Fusiliers and the Highlanders are gone.. All have been re-organized to form a Scottish “super” regiment according to United Kingdom Defense Secretary Geoff.
Protests from supporters including superstar and Scot, Sir Sean Connery were in vain. Marches around Great Britain, including an Edinburgh group of around three thousand, protested around the country. “No amalgamations, no cuts, no surrender,” were the cries of many including former soldiers who demanded the independence of the regiments which date back four hundred years.
“The move to larger, multi-battalion regiments”, said Hoon, “is the only sustainable way in which to structure the infantry for the long term. In implementing the new system the Army will ensure that the regional traditions, heritage, cultures and local connections will live on in the new arrangements.”
The regiment’s “golden threads” of identity will be preserved in a new uniform including items like the famous red black watch hackle. Recruitment areas that have served the regiments for years will be preserved.
