What

Our Role

Each of our regular battalions have specialist operational roles whether fighting on foot or mounted on the Army’s latest armoured vehicles. They work with our two Reserve battalions to ensure that the Regiment is balanced and adaptable, ready for all future operations.

The Regiment is a disciplined, resilient and professional team with an unrelenting focus on the pursuit of excellence. A team within which all people are valued and empowered to do their best. A team that has the humility to learn from each other and other people.

The period since formation of the Regiment has been dominated by a consistent outstanding contribution to demanding military operations.  The soldiers and officers of the Regiment who have served since March 2006 have done so with tremendous distinction.

• ‍2nd Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland (2 SCOTS). A light role infantry battalion based in Penicuik, Midlothian.‍
• 3rd Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland (3 SCOTS). An infantry battalion, part of the Land Special Operations force based in Fort George, Inverness.‍
• 4th Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland (4 SCOTS). A light mechanised infantry battalion based in Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire.‍
• Balaklava Company, 5th Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland (BKA Coy, 5 SCOTS). An incremental Company (State and Ceremonial Duties) based in Edinburgh.‍
• 6th Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland (6 SCOTS). A light role (Reserve) battalion based in Glasgow.‍
• 7th Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland (7 SCOTS). A light role (Reserve) battalion based in Perth.

Our Battalions

Since its formation the regiment has deployed to almost every theatre of operations the British Army has been involved in; conflicts in Afghanistan, Iraq, Bosnia and Northern Ireland, supporting peace operations in Cyprus, West and North Africa, disaster relief in the Caribbean and giving support to UK Civil Authorities to deal with wild-fire, flooding and the COVID-19 pandemic.  In recent years, SCOTS soldiers have had key roles in NATO Response Forces, partnered US forces in training in the US and Europe.

Young Officers from the Royal Regiment of Scotland are trained and prepared during a 12-month arduous training package at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and the soldiers (Jocks) complete their initial 6 month training at the Infantry Training Centre, Catterick. There are several specialist skills within the infantry – Driver, Physical Training Instructor, Commander, Gunner,Rifleman/Sniper, Team Medic and Musician.

Less for ceremonial occasions, each regular battalion wears a different coloured hackle as a battalion identifier, to distinguish them today and link them to their particular antecedent lineage: 2 SCOTS wear White (as did the Royal Highland Fusiliers), 3 SCOTS wear Red (as did the Black Watch), 4 SCOTS wear Blue (as did the Highlanders), and 5 SCOTS wear Green (to represent the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders). On 1 Dec 21, 1 SCOTS was selected to become the 1^st Battalion of the Army’s new Ranger Regiment (1 RANGER). As a result, the black hackle worn by 1 SCOTS for 16 years became the Regimental hackle and is now worn by all SCOTS officers and soldiers when not assigned to a Regular Battalion or Balaklava Company.

In celebration of our 18^th anniversary since formation we have launched The Royal Regiment of Scotland Charter. The Charter encompasses who we are, the way we operate and what we stand for. Together,these elements are the firm foundation of our identity. 

Follow this link to read the full Charter - 6604430571240c4e78ed92ed_20240328-The SCOTS Charter-Final 2.pdf (website-files.com)