Gov't Tartan Question

[figheadair]

I'm trying to wrap my mind around the size of the initial order of cloth for seven battalions.

I suppose that would be the largest single order of kilting tartan since 1914.

Richard,

That's an interesting question. It's one I'd not considered but you're right, it was probably the largest single order of kilting tartan since 1914.

Large as it would have been, it was not seven battalions worth. 6 and 7 Scots are Reserve Bns and so the soldiers are not issued kilts as a matter of course. There would be a small number of 'Pool' No.2 Dress uniforms in case there was a requirement for some to parade in that level. 5 Scots, formed from the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, was assigned for ceremonial duties and was effectively only Company strength. They would presumably have been able to retain their A and SH kilts.

The requirement would therefore more likely have been for enough for 4 Bns. Assuming 600 men (probably an over-estimate) and an 8 yard kilt (also probably an over-estimate), then that’s 4,800 yards. A substantial order nonetheless,

[OC Richard]

It's interesting about 5 SCOTS, the Argylls.

I read that from 2006 to 2013 they were part of 16 Air Assault Brigade.

Then in 2013 they were named the Balaclava Company.

Somewhere else I read that they were reduced to company strength in 2012.

This hints that they were larger prior to that, but what size I haven't seen.

[figheadair]

It's interesting about 5 SCOTS, the Argylls.

I read that from 2006 to 2013 they were part of 16 Air Assault Brigade.

Then in 2013 they were named the Balaclava Company.

Somewhere else I read that they were reduced to company strength in 2012.

This hints that they were larger prior to that, but what size I haven't seen.

From the Argyll's Regimental history. As part of the restructuring of the British Army’s infantry regiments in 2006, The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders was amalgamated into the Royal Regiment of Scotland. The 1st Battalion of The Argylls became the 5th Battalion of the new Regiment and its Reserve component in 51 Highland Volunteers became the 7th Battalion. Following a further defence review in 2012, the 5th Battalion was reduced to a single company named Balaklava Company, 5th Battalion, Royal Regiment of Scotland. It performs a ceremonial role in Scotland as well as operational duties.

Between 2006-2013, 5 SCOTS was Bn size and so approximately 650 men. As a single Company their size would be abotut 120.

[OC Richard]

Between 2006-2013, 5 SCOTS was Bn size and so approximately 650 men. As a single Company their size would be about 120.

Thanks!

So their initial 2006 requirement of RRS tartan would be battalion-size.

[OC Richard]

6 and 7 Scots are Reserve Bns and so the soldiers are not issued kilts as a matter of course.

Ah.

In the US Army the new retro Service Green uniform (more or less equivalent to No2 Dress) and the Dress Blue uniform (more or less equivalent to No1 Dress) are private purchase items, I believe. By analogy if the US Army wore kilts in those orders of dress, and no other orders of dress, the kilts would be private purchase.

The US Army National Guard, more or less the equivalent to Reserve Battalions, has the same situation regarding these uniforms, I believe.

[OC Richard]

Perhaps offtopic, here are some Royal Regiment of Scotland pipers during the relatively brief period when the 5SCOTS still had a Pipes & Drums.

L-R Pipe Major and piper 5SCOTS (Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders) piper 3SCOTS (Black Watch) piper 2SCOTS (Royal Highland Fusiliers) Pipe Major 4SCOTS (The Highlanders).

You can see the difference in tartan between the Senior Sergeants/Officers and Other Ranks in the Argylls.



Interesting to see the wearing of Royal Stewart cords & tassels by units that didn't formerly do so.

With 4SCOTS it could be a nod to the Prince Charles Edward Stuart tartan of the old 72nd Highlanders.