Scotland and its History. Black

1729 – Black Watch Raised

One of the world’s most famous militia was first raised in 1725 and became a Regiment under George Lindsay-Crawford, 21st Earl of Crawford as Colonel in 1739.

Known then as the 43rd then 42nd Royal Highland Regiment, its Gaelic motto translated into ‘The Black Watch of Battles, First to Come and Last to Go’.

The Black Watch has fought all around the world and by the end of the Second World War had earned one hundred and seventy two battle honours.