Atholl Highlanders

The Atholl Highlanders are the only legal private army in Europe; they are not a part of the British army, but rather are under the command of the respective Duke of Atholl, a Scottish nobleman.

History

The origins of the unit are in an infantry regiment, which the then Duke had set up in the 18th century from private funds for the British army. After these troops had to be resolved, they were again drawn up about 50 years later as a bodyguard of the Duke.

1842 and 1844 put the unit in each case the bodyguard of Queen Victoria, as they visited Scotland and longer periods of time staying on the ancestral seat of the Dukes of Atholl Blair Castle. In recognition of this service the Atholl Highlanders were given at the request of the queen a regimental standard and thus official status.

The regiment has so far never taken part in hostilities as a unit, but many members served in both World Wars in the volunteer units of Perthshire.

Presence

Today, the Atholl Highlanders are a unit of about 125 men strength with purely ceremonial duties. For the particular unit includes two bagpipe bands. Membership can only be acquired due to a personal invitation from the Dukes.

The regiment wears the tartan of Clan Murray of Atholl. On festive occasions a juniper clump is worn on the cap; the juniper is the plant of the clan.

Task of the unit is the defense of Blair Castle and its surroundings. The Highlanders occur each year on at the Atholl Gathering Highland Games; on this occasion they are inspected by the Duke.

Weblink

• Atholl Highlanders

• Military customs and ritual
• Military Association ( United Kingdom)
• Regiment of the early modern period
• Perth and Kinross
• Infantry Association ( United Kingdom)