Highlanders

Specialized in attacking from the front lines, these impressive infantry troops stand out with bagpipes and kilts.

In their attempt to restore a Stuart monarchy in Scotland and England, the Jacobites fought many battles between 1688 and 1745. While these efforts failed, they did help to leave English society with an image of the valiant Highlander. Starting from 1740, members of clans close to the Crown were recruited to form their own battalions with uniforms that included a kilt, beret, broadsword, and bagpipes. Highlanders were widely deployed outside of Scotland up until the early 20th century. Known for their courage and devastating battle charges, they formed the spearhead of British troops on many of the world's battlefields. They won renown, for example, during the North American and Indian campaigns of the Seven Years' War (1756–1763), as well as during the later Napoleonic Wars. From the 19th century onwards, the heavy losses caused by their use as shock troops and dwindling populations in the Highlands resulted in recruitment being opened up to other inhabitants of Scotland . However, this expansion did not diminish these units’ prestige.