Northern Scot editorial 8th August 2003

TALKING OF fighting, that’s exactly what our boys in The Highlanders are doing right now – fighting to preserve the peace in Bosnia.

And the regiment itself will soon be fighting for its life, if rumours that it is to be disbanded are realised.
Does all this sound familiar?

Less than a decade ago the UK Government took the unpopular decision to amalgamate The Gordon Highlanders and the Queen’s Own Highlanders. Protests against the disappearance of the latter were somewhat muted – possibly because the regiment was already an amalgamation of the Seaforths and Camerons, and some of their identity had already been destroyed. But a huge campaign was mounted to save The Gordons.

It was one campaign the valiant Gordons could not win, and in September, 1994, two proud regiments marched into history to be replaced by The Highlanders. Now they, too, are under threat.

No other part of the UK can boast a higher record of service to King, Queen or country than the Highland regiments: no other regiments can boast more battle honours, more individual awards for valour.

We cannot permit The Highlanders to follow The Gordons, Seaforths and Camerons into oblivion; we cannot allow another government to destroy a regimental tradition that has seen men from this part of Scotland contribute more than their fare share to the defence of the UK in successive conflicts.

We urge readers to sign the petition on Page 7 and send a clear message to Westminster – Hands Off The Highlanders.