Atholl Highlanders facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Atholl Highlanders |
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Cap Badge of the Atholl Highlanders
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| Active | 1839–present |
| Country |  Scotland |
| Type | Infantry |
| Role | Personal bodyguard |
| Size | One company |
| Part of | Private army |
| Garrison/HQ | Blair Atholl |
| Motto(s) | Furth Fortune and Fill the Fetters |
| March | The Atholl Highlanders |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander |
Lieutenant Colonel Charles Hay, 16th Earl of Kinnoull |
| Colonel-in-Chief | The Duke of Atholl |
| Insignia | |
| Tartan | Murray of Atholl |
The Atholl Highlanders are a special group of men in Scotland. They are a private army, but they don't fight in wars. Instead, they act as a personal bodyguard for the Duke of Atholl. The Duke is the leader of the Clan Murray, a family that has lived in Perthshire for about 700 years.
This group is made up of local men chosen by the Duke himself. They carry Lee–Metford rifles and have their own pipe band. To join, you must be invited by the Duke. He usually picks men who have ties to his estate or the local area. The Atholl Highlanders are not part of the British Armed Forces. They are commanded by the Duke of Atholl and are based at Blair Castle in Blair Atholl.
Contents
History
First Atholl Highlanders (1777–1783)
The first Atholl Highlanders were formed in Perthshire in December 1777. This happened during the American War of Independence. John Murray, 4th Duke of Atholl created them as the 77th Regiment of Foot.
This regiment was meant to help other British regiments fighting in America. However, they spent most of their time in Ireland. The soldiers joined for three years or until the war in America ended. In 1781, their three-year term was up, and they expected to go home.
Instead, they were sent to Portsmouth, England, to sail to India. When the men found out, they refused to go. This was called a mutiny. Because of this, the orders to go to India were cancelled. The regiment marched to Berwick and was officially ended in 1783.
The Duke's Private Regiment (1839–Present)
More than 50 years later, in 1839, the regiment was started again. George Murray, 6th Duke of Atholl, then known as Lord Glenlyon, re-formed them. This time, they were a private bodyguard. They went with him to a special event called the Eglinton Tournament.
Three years later, in 1842, the Highlanders escorted Queen Victoria during her visit to Perthshire. In 1844, the Queen stayed at Blair Castle as a guest of the Duke. The Atholl Highlanders guarded her throughout her stay.
The Queen was very impressed by their service. She decided to give the Atholl Highlanders official flags, called colours. This meant the regiment would have official status forever. Lady Glenlyon presented their first colours in 1845. They received new colours in 1979 and again in 2006.
Under John Stewart-Murray, the 7th Duke, the Highlanders often guarded royal visitors at Blair Castle. The castle was a convenient stop on the way to Balmoral Castle. The regiment also attended the Braemar Gathering. They also had their own annual event, the Atholl Gathering, in September. Here, they paraded and took part in strength challenges.
After the First World War, the regiment paraded less often. However, they did provide guards for special guests. These included the Crown Prince of Japan in 1921 and King Faisal of Iraq in 1933.
The regiment was not very active for many years. Then, in 1966, Iain Murray, 10th Duke of Atholl decided to bring back their annual parade. Eight local men, mostly estate workers with military experience, were invited to join. Seven of them accepted.
On April 8, 1966, they paraded at Blair Castle. It was their first parade in 33 years. They marched past the Duke, led by two Atholl Highlander pipers. In 1973, the regiment returned to the Braemar Gathering. They marched past Queen Elizabeth II and other members of the royal family. The Atholl Gathering was also brought back in June 1984.
When the 10th Duke passed away in 1996, some worried the regiment would end. But his successor, John Murray, 11th Duke of Atholl, made sure it continued. The 11th Duke lived in South Africa. However, he visited Blair Atholl almost every year to inspect the regiment's parade. The current Duke, Bruce Murray, 12th Duke of Atholl, continues this tradition.
The Atholl Highlanders still serve today with the 12th Duke as their Colonel in Chief.
Alliances
South Africa – Solomon Mahlangu Regiment (formerly the Transvaal Scottish)
United Kingdom – Fife and Forfar Yeomanry/Scottish Horse
See also
- Military history of Scotland
- Lonach Highlanders
- Clan Murray
