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Raising the Regiment - The Kings Own Scottish Borderers. March 1689 by Terence Cuneo Originally the 25th Foot, the regiment was raised in Edinburgh on 18th March 1689 by David Leslie, 3rd Earl of Leven, for the defence of the city against the Jacobites during the Glorious Revolution that brought William of Orange to England. Records show that the regiment was completely recruited to a strength of 1,000 men within the space of two hours. They were soon required for active service and at the battle of Killiecrankie underwent their baptism of fire against the rebel Highlanders led by Claverhouse. Recognition of the fighting spirit of Levens Edinburgh Regiment came at once in the spontaneous conferment on it, by the Provost of Edinburgh, of the exclusive privilege to recruit by beat of drum in the city on any day, except Sunday, without first asking the permission of the Lord Provost. A further privilege was conferred later, which remains to this day, of marching through the City of Edinburgh with bayonets fixed and Colours flying. In 1782 the historic title of The Edinburgh Regiment was dropped and that of The Sussex Regiment adopted. King George III honoured the regiment in 1805 by raising it to the status of a Royal Regiment and changing its title to The Kings Own Borderers. The change of title to the Kings Own Scottish Borderers was officially approved in 1887, during the reign of Queen Victoria. Cuneo has depicted the scene at Holyrood Abbey at nightfall on 18th March 1689 when 1,000 men answered the call to arms. The Earl of Leven and the Muster Master watch from horseback while the clerk lists the men and issues the first days pay. The yellow ribbon on the arm of the recruit was issued as a mark of recognition until uniform could be provided. |
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