~ SCOTS -AT-ARMS ~

 The Scots have a proud history of providing fighting men and women for Britain. From the oldest Regiments – the Lowland Regiments – The Royal Scots Greys raised in 1681; the Cameronian Regiment, going back to 1689, back to the days of the Covenanters…right up today’s cutting edge fighter pilots based around Scotland.

  The Royal Navy have had a presence in Scotland for many years – with bases at Rosyth and Faslane, where the nuclear missile submarines are based. The RAF have bases from Leuchars in Fife, right up to Kinloss and Lossiemouth in the far north.

  The many famous Army Regiments – Black Watch, Royal Highland Fusiliers, The Highlanders, Royal Scots Borderers and the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders have all been amalgamated into the Royal Regiment of Scotland – designated 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 Scots, respectively. The 52nd Lowland and the 51st Highland are now Territorial units – 6 and 7 Scots. All retain their traditions and carry their insignia with pride.

 In these troubled times all members of HM Forces are kept in a high state of readiness, ready to deploy at short notice if required to one of the many ‘hot-spots’ in the world. Most Army units have done a number of tours to war zones – Afghanistan, Iraq (more than one deployment to each, in many cases). The Navy fly the flag for Britain and take part in many of the military operations that the country takes action in. Regimental HQ for the Royal Regiment is at Edinburgh Castle – a fantastic setting for an HQ.

     At Arbroath we have 45 Commando, Royal Marines and 7 Sphinx, Royal Artillery Battery, part of the marines. Many of the Scots units have been to Afghanistan and Iraq in recent years, although it looks likely that Afghanistan will be the main focus of UN and US troops in the coming years. 45 Commando have just recently returned from ‘Afghan’, as most Forces personnel refer to the country.

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 The aim of this section of Find-It-In-Scotland  is to bring regular information on the various Scottish-based military to you and to have the various military formations post information about their own Units, Regiments, ships etc. They can post information about their history, traditions, associations etc. The Scot-Talk section of the site will allow those who wish to to set up a Group for their own members and anybody, anywhere in the world, with an interest in their particular Unit/Regiment etc, to join the Group.

[ The Highland Claymore (or claidheamh-mor, meaning great sword) was a unique and distinctive weapon. The sword itself was a two-handed type with down swept guards terminating with quatrefoils-four iron circles usually braised together. Metal strips called langlets ran down from the centre of the guard over the blade, the upper section of the guard usually formed a socket into which the wooden grip could be inserted for strength. Pommels were wheel shaped but could be spherical on later claymores.]