The Royal Regimen
t of Scotland was initially made up of six regular and two Army reserve battalions on amalgamation of six proud historical Scottish Infantry Regiments. In August 2006 two of the regular battalions were merged and in 2012 one of the regular battalions was reduced to a company strength with sole responsibility for Scotland’s State Ceremonial and Public Duties. In December 2021 our 1st Battalion was selected to become the 1st Battalion of the new Ranger Regiment. We continue to provide SCOTS soldiers and officers to support its specialist role in the Army Special Operations Brigade.
Today the Regiment is made up of three regular battalions, one regular incremental company and two Army reserve battalions. The Regimental Headquarters is located in Edinburgh Castle, and SCOTS regular and reserve battalions are based across Scotland and Northern England. The Regiment is structured, equipped and trained for operations in the 21st Century.
It draws particular strength and extraordinary cohesion from the uniquely glorious history of its antecedent Regiments. The Regiment is one of the key custodians of Scottish martial history and remains fiercely proud of its heritage; each Battalion carries forward the history, traditions and fighting spirit of its forebears with uncompromising pride, courage and passion. Scotland has a tradition of producing courageous, resilient, tenacious and tough infantry soldiers, and their reputation throughout the Army and within the community continues to be second to none.
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 battalion based in Penicuik, Midlothian.
3rd Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland (3 SCOTS). A security force assistance battalion based in Fort George, Inverness.
4th Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland (4 SCOTS). A light mechanised 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.