Scottish regiment

Two Union Army regiments which served in the American Civil War also cultivated a "Scottish" identity.

Scottish regiments often adopt elements of the culture of Scotland, including bagpipes, kilts, feather bonnets and the Glengarry.

They did not, however, differ significantly in appearance or public perception from the bulk of the line infantry of the British Army.

In 1881, the introduction of the Cardwell system of reforms provided the opportunity to adopt a modified form of Scottish dress for the Lowland regiments.

Comprising doublets and tartan trews this gave the Lowlanders a distinctive identity, separate from their English, Welsh, Irish and Highland counterparts.

However, due to a pressing need for personnel in North America during the Seven Years' War, William Pitt the Elder made the decision to raise new Highland regiments to fight in this global conflict.

In addition, Highland regiments had played a conspicuous role in such Victorian conflicts as the Crimean War and the putting down of the Indian Mutiny.

This resulted in the wearing of tartan by Lowland regiments which had previously worn uniforms not clearly distinguishable from their Irish, Welsh and English counterparts.

Scottish bagpipes have been adopted in a number of countries, largely in imitation of the pipers of Highland regiments which served throughout the British Empire.

One of these regiments operated as a part of the New York State Militia prior to the American Civil War.

The Royal Scots Greys and 92nd Regiment of Foot , two Scottish regiments of the British Army , at the Battle of Waterloo
Depiction of a Highland soldier in 1801.
Depiction of The Thin Red Line at the Battle of Balaclava . Highland regiments played a conspicuous role in conflicts throughout the Victorian era .
Members of the Highland Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland performing at Gibraltar in 2013.
A member of the Black Watch fires a rifle grenade in 1917. In 2006, the Black Watch was reorganized into a battalion of the Royal Regiment of Scotland.
The 5th/6th Battalion, Royal Victoria Regiment is one of five Scottish battalions presently operating in the Australian Army .
79th New York Volunteer Infantry was one of two Scottish regiments maintained by the Union Army during the American Civil War .