Highland regiments Scottish regiment

highland soldiers, c. 1801

the original highland regiments raised in 18th century object of recruiting rank , file solely scottish highlands. however, due highlands becoming extensively depopulated through course of 19th , 20th centuries, highland regiments of british army have witnessed long-term decline in proportion of recruits highlands , have long recruited many lowland scots , others. major 20th century exceptions rule first , second world wars, when many highland men joined up. around time first highland regiments raised highlands had been hotbed several revolts against establishment, namely jacobite rebellions, loyalties of highlanders deemed suspect in history of highland regiments.

the eagle of french 45th ligne captured royal scots greys in waterloo, 1815

the first highland regiment, black watch raised clans openly loyal status quo in order government better police highlands, deemed both rebellious , lawless contemporary british establishment. however, due pressing need personnel in north america during 7 years war, william pitt elder made decision raise new highland regiments fight in imperial war. war ended in victory , among other things, canada secured part of british empire, while british east india company s position in india consolidated , expanded, both @ expense of french. these highland regiments disbanded after war, other highland regiments raised later and, rest of british army, saw service in various wars including in british colonisation of india , peninsular war.

by victorian era loyalty of highlanders no longer suspect. queen victoria had personal interest in things scottish, in particular relating highlands. in addition highland regiments had played conspicuous role in such victorian conflicts crimean war , putting down of indian mutiny. highland regiments earned reputation influenced mindset of scottish regiments lowland in origin. resulted in wearing of tartan lowland regiments had worn uniforms not distinguishable irish, welsh , english counterparts. in case of highland light infantry, distinction between highlanders , lowlanders blurred: although classified non-kilted highland regiment recruited glasgow in lowland scotland , bore title of city of glasgow regiment .

scottish bagpipes have been adopted in number of countries, largely in imitation of pipers of highland regiments served throughout former british empire. highland regiments raised in number of commonwealth armies, adopting formal honorary affiliations scottish regiments of british army.