What does 'Bydand' mean?
In the constellation of regimental mottoes, it is not at all unusual to see Latin or English phrases, and even one Gaelic (Cuidich N'Righ - the motto of the Queen's Own Highlanders and now of The Highlanders). "Bydand", however, is a creature that fits into none of these languages, and as such raises a great amount of discussion.
There are two primary theories of where it comes from:
1: Bydand is a corruption of a Gaelic term. Exactly what term is uncertain, and the translations vary considerably. It is usually interpreted as "steadfast," but also comes across as enduring, faithful, and abiding. We encountered one wizened Gordon Highlander in Huntly who was quite knowledgeable in Gaelic and had clearly studied it closely who denies that any of these are correct. He claims that a single word translation is impossible because the Gaelic phrase in a 'present continuous' tense of 'to stand prepared.' The implication of the conjugation is that one has been and currently is standing ready, fully prepared for whatever might come. In this sense, it corresponds very closely to the United States Marine Corps motto, Sempre Fidelis. Yours truly, being a linguist by trade, finds this explanation very appealing. Aberdeenshire is not historically Gaelic speaking, and so the Regiment's tie to this region would not support this view. However, when one considers that the vast majority of the intial recruits came from predominantly Gaelic-speaking Inverness and the Isles, this theory takes on much more possibility.
2: Bydand is a shortened version of the Scots phrase "Bide and Fecht" meaning to stand and fight. Over the years, it came to be understood that if one were to 'bide,' one was certainly going to 'fecht.' With the Regiment's 'home' being a more Scots-speaking area, this could be a real possibility.
In the final analysis, and whatever the original meaning may have been, it cannot be but that the Gordon Highlanders served Crown and Country for 200 years with unwavering faithfulness, an amazing steadiness in action, and an eagerness to 'fecht' second to none.
With thanks to www.bydand.com - the 92nd Highlanders re-enactment group