Throughout the museum and regimental story, the year 2006 appears as the end date for many accounts. In March 2006, all Scottish line infantry regiments amalgamated into a single regiment – The Royal Regiment of Scotland (SCOTS). It is undeniable that there was disapproval of the choice, almost similar to that of those who served in the 91st (Argyllshire Highlanders) and the 93rd (Sutherland Highlanders) when they amalgamated in 1881 to form The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders.
Editorial for the Thin Red Line magazine in Autumn 2006 states; “The formation of the Royal Regiment of Scotland has taken place and we must accept it.” One of the notable pieces in the museum from this era, is the portrait of Major General Andrew Graham, Colonel of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders 2000-2006, pictured in No.1 Dress of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders uniform. He is holding the cap badge of the Royal Regiment of Scotland in his hand, rather than on his glengarry, and the green hackle of the 5th Battalion Royal Regiment of Scotland.
Photo credits: The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Regimental Museum
The 2006 move was made by the then Labour Government at the time as part of a wider reconstruction of the British military. The Royal Regiment of Scotland is the senior and only Scottish line infantry regiment and as it stands, consists of three regular (formerly five) and two reserve battalions, plus an incremental company.
The strands of legacy from the antecedent regiments went on to form the battalions of the Royal Regiment of Scotland – 5 SCOTS being that of The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. The SCOTS cap badge was one of the first pieces of the new uniform given out, so throughout 2006, the battalions still wore parts of the antecedent regiments uniform.
Photo credits: The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Museum
But even over the last 20 years, the role of 5 SCOTS has changed. In 2012, as part of the Army 2020 programme, it was announced that the 5th Battalion, while not losing its name, connection and history as The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, would be reduced to the status of an incremental company, and be transferred to become a permanent public duties unit in Scotland. Balaklava Company, 5th Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland (BKA Coy, 5 SCOTS) are still currently an incremental Company (State and Ceremonial Duties) based in Redford Barracks, Edinburgh. They played an instrumental role during the passing of Her Majesty The Queen, Elizabeth II. A fitting tribute with the link Queen Elizabeth II had with The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders – being their longest serving member and Colonel – in – Chief.
Photo credits: Royal Regiment of Scotland Regimental Museum
But perhaps more than other regiments, the legacy of The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders can be seen in the traditions of the Royal Regiment of Scotland. The mascot of the Royal Regiment, is currently Cruachan IV, namesake of the Argyll mascot. Before that Cruachan III held this post, he had been the mascot of the Argylls before 2006 and carried on until his passing in in 2018.
Photo credits: The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Museum
The tartan of the kilt and trews that the Royal Regiment wear, was inherited from the Argylls – using box pleats and was used by the Sutherland Highlanders before that.
Photo credits: Royal Regiment of Scotland Regimental Museum
5 SCOTS being referred to as Balaklava Company, is an acknowledgement of the famous Battle of Balaklava in 1854 during the Crimean War. Here, the 93rd Sutherland Highlanders formed their two line deep “Thin Red Line” and defeated the Russian Cavalry. Balaklava was a premium battle honour for the Argylls, and Argyll veterans still celebrate the event on the 25th October annually.
Photo credits: The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Museum
The museum continue to support Balaklava Company by lending them silver whilst they are performing King’s Guard duties in Ballater. Since 2006, those who were killed in action whilst in service in 5 SCOTS are also placed in the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Roll of Honour.
They are as follows:
Private Craig O’Donnell
Lance Corporal James Bradley Johnson
Private Joseva Saqanagonedau Vatubua
Events took place at Edinburgh Castle on the 28th March 2026 to commemorate the 20 year anniversary, as well as remember those who had served – staff from the museum were present at this event showcasing the history of The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders.
The museum is keen to collect stories from those who served in the early 2000’s (up until March 28th 2006). If you have objects, stories or photographs you would like to share, or donate, please contact us on museum@argylls.co.uk
Written by Caitlin Meldrum, Audience and Communications Officer