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The Canadian Scottish Regiment’s CentenaryThe Canadian Scottish Regiment, whose affiliation with The Royal Scots dates from1926, celebrated it’s centenary in Victoria, British Columbia, last October. Lt Col JimBlythe represented the Regiment at the celebrations and was ably supported by hiswife, Mhairi, and the following members of the Regimental Association: Mr & MrsSammy McKeen, Stuart Aitken, Tommy Douglas, Willie Hoy, Andy Keane, Tom Logan,Davy McKendrick and Harry Wright. Needless to say they all had a wonderful time andare full of praise for the kindness of their hosts.Association members at the Gala DinnerOn the evening of 18 October Lt Col & Mrs Blythe were present at the opening of the ‘For Valour’exhibition of the Canadian Scottish Victoria Crosses in the Royal Museum of British Columbia. Theexhibition includes a copy, presented to the Canadian Scottish by The Royal Scots, of the painting ofPiper James Richardson VC, Canadian Scottish, playing at the Somme in October 1916, which hangs inthe 1 SCOTS Officers’ Mess.The following morning the RS party mustered at theCanadian Scottish’s home at Bay Street Armourywhere they visited the museum and viewed theRegiment’s two war memorials. By the evening theArmoury had been transformed for the ‘Meet &Greet’ ceremony and a warm welcome was extendedto the RS party. A number of Canadians who hadvisited HHQ RS and the RS museum came forward torenew acquaintances and several of themremembered past events such as the RS 350celebrations in 1983 and the presentation of the finalset of Colours to 1 RS at Dreghorn in 2003. AmongstPAGE 2www.theroyalscots.co.uk

those with fond memories was RSM Steve Kelly whohad been a member of 1 RS Pipes and Drums inOsnabruck in the late 1960s where he had servedalongside Drum Major Andy Keane, one of the RSparty. He had subsequently moved to Canada andjoined the Canadian Scottish where he became PipeMajor and subsequently RSM. He had also played atthe wedding of Col & Mrs Watson who had sent aphotograph of that occasion to be given to Steve.There were two rather more formal events on theSaturday. The Canadian Scottish AssociationCentennial Lunch was held at the Esquimault NavalBase among great company, in comfortable messsurroundings, and with stunning views over the sound.All were welcomed by the Canadian Scottish PipeBand who played sets between courses and again atthe end of the meal. WW2 veterans were presentedwith commemorative bottles of fine malt whisky withthe Canadian Scottish cap badge on the label. Mostkindly, one of the veterans present, Harry Roberts,presented one such bottle to the RS party.Exceptionally, a unanimous decision was taken not toopen the bottle on the spot but to keep such ahandsome presentation so that it may be suitablydisplayed as a fitting memento of our Regiment’sparticipation in the centennial celebrations.The second major event of the day was a Gala Dinner,staged in the Bay Street Armoury which had beentransformed to accommodate 650 members of theCanadian Scottish regimental family. The principalguest was to have been their Colonel in Chief, HRHPrincess Alexandra, however, to the sadness of all shehad been obliged to cancel due to illness. A messageof greetings and good wishes which she had sent wasread out by Hon Col Richard Talbot CD. HM TheQueen was represented by the Lieutenant Governor ofBritish Columbia, Mr Stephen Point OBE. Afterwelcoming him the Commanding Officer, Lt Col EricBoucher, welcomed other guests making specialmention of the RS party, WW2 veterans and the 65members of the Canadian Scottish who had served inAfghanistan, some of whom were present. Followingthe dinner a pipe banner was presented to Lt Col EricBoucher depicting the Royal Cypher on the obverseand the badge of The Royal Regiment of Scotland onthe reverse as a symbol of our continuing relationshipwith the Canadian Scottish.On the Sunday a service of thanksgiving was held atChristchurch Cathedral, the Regimental Kirk of theCanadian Scottish, following which wreaths were laidat the regimentalmemorial. Later aceremonial paradewas held duringwhich the Colourswere trooped beforemarching past theGovernor General inline. It was aperformance of trueprofessionalism.Lt Col Blythe presenting the banner to Lt Col Boucher Once the marchpast had beencompleted the Regiment formed a hollow square and piled drums for thepresentation of a new Drum Major’s mace.The RS party was extremely honoured to have been present at theCanadian Scottish centennial and remain most appreciative of thehospitality they received. It is hoped that, in the long term, theaffiliation will be carried forward by 1 SCOTS and 6 SCOTS on behalf ofThe Royal Regiment of Scotland.Lt Col Blythe with Hon Col TalbotPAGE 3

mars bars all week, restored the weary walkers witha celebratory dram.It’s a good story of sturdy, not-so-young Royalsputting their backs into a good cause – help forothers. But the outcome was nothing short ofspectacular John, Davy and Rab raised a magnificent£2,920.04 for the Benevolent Society and when giftaid is added that figure will probably be approaching£3,500. We all have cause to be grateful to them, notleast because they are making plans for anotherchallenge this year.We also have cause to register ourthanks to the many members of the Association whohelped raise the profile of this event and in doing socontributed to its success.The Walkers at the FinishHelp for Heroes – RACE ACROSS AMERICAEarlier this year a ‘Battle Back’ team of eightmen raced 3,051 miles across America fromSan Diego in California to Annapolis inMaryland to raise funds for Help for Heroes.One of that exceptional team was Private SteveRichardson who trained at Catterick as a RoyalScot and was then posted to 1 SCOTS.Tragically he lost both legs in Afghanistan inSteve Richardson before the start2010 so his cycle was propelled by his arms.This is a truly extraordinary achievement. Thejourney, which included a total climb of 100,000feet, was completed in 7 days, 7 hours and 59minutes.Steve and the other members of the team all havevivid memories of their sections of the race. CrossingKansas was the low point, high cross winds andfeatureless scenery sapped the will of allbut the most determined. On the otherhand, the highs were 60 kph downhillruns and the incredible hospitality of theAmerican people along the route. Thismust be one of the most extremeendurance races in the world and thewelcome the team received from a largecrowd in Annapolis at the finish will bewith them for the rest of their lives.We wish Steve and his team mates all thevery best for the future – they have set usall an outstanding example of fortitude.BenevolenceBenevolence is something that lies at the heartof the regimental family. The BenevolentSociety continues to disburse around £40,000per annum and although many of the grants aremodest they are greatly appreciated as thistestimonial demonstrates:It is with heartfelt thanks that I write to thank you forcoming to my help at such a desperate time. When Imoved into my house all I had was a kettle andmicrowave oven, now my carpets are down and mywhite goods are in place. My house now feels like ahome. I will never be able to thank you enough. Froma very, very grateful ex Cpl 1 RS.Should you wish to make a contribution to theBenevolent Society’s funds, or include a legacy, inyour will, please contact Capt Jimmy Springthrope,Benevolent Society Secretary, 0131 310 5015jimspringthrope@yahoo.co.uk Contributions,however modest, will be greatly appreciated and putto good use for the benefit of Royals in need.PAGE 5

GOLFThe Gladdy Murray Trophy was contested at Silverknowes in August and, although the course wassaturated, the day itself was dry and bright. Twenty or so Old Royals and their guests participated, supportedby a couple of expert caddies. The day started with tea and bacon rolls, the standard of both golf and banter was ashigh as ever and the views over the Forth provided a most attractive backdrop. This year there were no representativesof 1 SCOTS as they were preparing to deploy on operations but that opened up the prizes for the Old Royals.The golfers are indebted to John Buckham and Dougie Matthews who organised this year’s outings. John has cometo the end of his period of office and has been succeeded by Andy Fitzpatrick and the golfers look forward tosupporting Andy as he takes up the mantle.The dates for this year are 26 May for the Fallen Comrades competition and 25 August for the Gladdy MurrayTrophy. Details will be promulgated on www.theroyalscots.co.uk in due course.PAGE 6Musselburgh RacesThe Musselburgh Races, held on the last Sundayof September, were as enjoyable as ever eventhough it rained as the Bands marched from theMercat Cross at the start of the day. And whatfine Bands they are with the RS Association PipeBand maintaining the RS traditions and theLowland TA Band including a number of ‘weelkent’ RS personalities. Both bands are always onthe lookout for new members, so if there are anypipers, drummers or other musicians who wouldlike to be part of either Band please see thecontact details on the back page.Military equipment displays are becoming features ofthis event with vehicles, weapons and radio standsprovided by 1 SCOTS last year and this year by A Coy6 SCOTS from Hepburn House in East ClaremontStreet. Importantly, the number of Service charitieswith a presence is expanding. In addition to our SSAFAregulars we were joined by a stand from ABF TheSoldiers’ Charity and there were also eight motorcyclesfrom the Riders Branch of the RBLS. Lothian andBorders ACFwere to the foreonce again withtheir everpopular mobileassault course.Ticket saleshave gone up,with more soldthan everbefore, withuptake nowfrom four ofThe Organisersthe sevenbattalions ofThe Royal Regiment of Scotland. A significant numberof RS regimental ties were in evidence, indeed severalwere being worn by individuals whom we rarely see onother occasions. So, why not join your local branch ofthe RS Association and come along to other events?Branch contact details are on the back page.A number of individuals have expressed concern thatthe event is no longer exclusively a RS Day, but thereality is that the event is growing as a SCOTS event ona scale never previously achieved. If it had not growninto a SCOTS Day we would not be allocated theLowland Band or the SCOTS equipment displays.Consequently, fewer tickets would be sold and thecrucial support of HQ 51 Bde, who authorise the eventin the Army in Scotland community engagementcalendar, might be lost. If that were to happen themilitary involvement would almost certainly cease. Thebest way to retain this event is to embrace change andensure a strong RS presence by continuing to buytickets, at the generously discounted rate offered byMusselburgh Racecourse, from the Castle. Join in thespirit of the event, wearing your RS ties and blazersand bring your families and friends. ‘The Honest Toun’is a Regimental Burgh; let’s continue to support itsRace Day which this year will be held on 29 September.Indian TigerCaptain Matt Howard, formerly of 1 RS andcurrently serving with SCOTS, took part inExercise INDIAN TIGER 2012, last year’sBritish Army Mountaineering Association’sflagship expedition which aimed to conductexploratory mountaineering in the GarwhalHimalayan region of India. Although the expeditiondid not manage to reach the summit of unclimbed peak6565 metres due topoor weather, it didsucceed in meetingBritish defencediplomacy intent byteaming up withtwenty Indian Armymountaineers andtrekking on virginground.A Base Camp with a Viewwww.theroyalscots.co.uk

Great War Royals in HampshireIn October Tam Millar of the Southern Branchpaid a visit to the Curtis Museum in Alton,Hampshire, and made some interestingdiscoveries. On 12 December 1914 the localpaper reported that: “On Sunday last, Alton wasinvaded by two Battalions of The Royal ScotsRegiment [11th and 12th]. It is true the invasionwas not unexpected – being in fact a week overdue,but it was welcome – welcome in more ways than one.It was welcome to the inhabitants generally and tothe shopkeepers in particular, and after a week’sexperience of the men the general and unanimousverdict is that they are ‘very nice laddies’”. The localsdid not seem to change their views despite beingintroduced to a traditional Scottish Hogmanay!The Museum also contains a copy of a letter fromColonel J E MacPherson, who was a subaltern inAlton in 1914, which waspublished in the HaslemereHerald on 8 April 1966. He hadboth pleasant and poignantmemories. “The memory is ofhappy, hard working days, routemarching, trench digging, field‘ops’ and night ‘ops’ with somedrill thrown in when we couldspare the time. It was whilemarching along the Hampshireroads to the sound of the pipes, orsinging of the land ‘where the heather and thebluebells grow’ – a land that quite a few of us werenot to see again – that we gradually forged the feelingof comradeship and esprit de corps which stayed withand upheld us in the ‘sticky’ days and years ahead.”Tam Millar in the Alton MuseumMuseum WW1 DisplayMuseum Lighting AppealWith the start of the Great War centenary less than two years away, it islikely that interest in things military will increase. Against that backgroundthe museum trustees have decided that, despite the estimated cost of£40,000, it is important that the lighting of the museum displays isupgraded.Our current lighting is 30 years old and uses halogen lights that are expensive torun, have a high carbon footprint, create heat and no longer display exhibits to besteffect. The way forward has been discussed with our curatorial advisor and it hasbeen decided to move to LED and fibre optic technology.To offset the costs of this upgrading an appeal for funding has been launched. Ifyou would like to support this initiative please contact the Regimental Secretary forfurther information. Contributions, however modest, will be greatly appreciated.The Royal Scots ClubThe Club continues to be the venue of choice for avariety of Regimental events but it also has a busyprogramme for its own members and their guests.On 10 August 70 members greatly enjoyed a receptionand lunch to celebrate the opening of the Club in 1922.Amongst those present was a table of members whohad reached the wonderful age of 90. Is this a challengefor Old Royals to take up?As always the St Andrews Night Dinner was a sell-out.The guest speaker this year was Mr Tony Banks who, aswell as being a Falklands veteran, is one of Scotland’smost successful entrepreneurs. Tony, who served with 2PARA in theFalklands, recentlywrote a book abouthis experiences andfeatured in a TVprogramme abouttracking down aformer ArgentinianPOW in order to return his ‘liberated’ trumpet.Tony Banks, kilted, with Col Martin Gibson and othersThe members Christmas Lunch was another full house.Turkey, paper hats, a raffle, carols and mistletoe isalways a winning formula.PAGE 7

News fromThe Old Provost Marshal’s HouseBrig Bob Bruce, the last CO of 1 RS and the firstCO of 1 SCOTS, is currently commanding 4Mech Bde in Afghanistan where 1 SCOTS is oneof the units under his command. In June he willassume the appointment of Director, CombatCapability Directorate, Army Headquarters.The drums, cougar skins and maces which wereformerly used by 1 RS Pipes and Drums were handedover to the RS Association Pipe Band in August.However, they remain regimental property.The Musselburgh museum includes items from thereserve collection of the RS museum and it isintended, resources permitting, to create similardisplays in both Haddington and Linlithgow.On 6 October The Royal Scots TA Officers Associationand their guests enjoyed their annual lunch in theDouglas Room in The Royal Scots Club. This was aninformal occasion with no speeches which enabledthose present to socialise and catch up with eachother’s news.The photograph below was taken the day Brig BobBruce arrived in Afghanistan at the start of his touras Commander Task Force Helmand. He was visitingHQ Regional Command (South West) where ColCharlie Wallace and Maj David Jack are currentlyworking.The Afghan TrioOur congratulations to Mrs Patricia Wagstaff, widowof Maj Walter (Peter) Wagstaff, on the award of theBEM for her services as a volunteer at Sobell HouseHospice in Oxford'.The Tidworth FoursomeIn October Tam Millar, George Gilchrist, John Neiland Col Edward Cowan of the Southern Branch ofthe Association gathered in the Tidworth MilitaryCemetery. There they tended the graves of three RoyalScots, Sgt Meikle Davidson, Sgt James Murray andLCpl ‘Chalky’ White, said some prayers and laidflowers on each of the graves. A lovely practicalgesture and very much appreciated.Paddy Millar – aka Sir Patrick Millar of Antrim –former member of B Coy 1 RS in the 1960s and 70s- and now a member of the Northern Ireland Branchof the Association completed aswimathon last year in aid of theBenevolent Society. He raised themagnificent sum of £1,200 – well donePaddy!The Northern Ireland Branch of theAssociation held its AGM in earlySeptember. The weekend started with avisit to Stormont which afforded thosepresent with an insight into the workingsof the institution and the magnificenceof the building. The visit also promptedreflection on tours of duty since 1970and the recollection that everything thathad been done during subsequent tourshad been in the aid of the rule of law andthe restoration of democratic process.Following the AGM those present, alongwith some of their wives, enjoyed dinnertogether before retiring to enjoy the hospitality of theRBL.PAGE 8www.theroyalscots.co.uk

RemembranceAssociation Members at StormontThe 11th of November is a poignant occasionfor ex-Servicemen and women and TheRegiment was ‘on parade’ at several ceremoniesacross the country.The Garden of Remembrance in Edinburgh’s PrincesStreet Gardens was opened on 5 November. It was abright, cold morning. All parts of the uniformedservices were well represented, including a goodnumber of Royals and a wreath was laid on behalf ofthe Regiment.On Remembrance Sunday Col Martin Gibson laid awreath on behalf of all veterans at the nationalceremony at the City Chambers in Edinburgh andsubsequently attended the Service of Remembrancein St Giles. John Jones also laid a wreath at the CityChambers on behalf of the Edinburgh Branch of theAssociation. Maj Gen Mark Strudwick attended theceremony at the National War Memorial inEdinburgh Castle, Lt Gen Sir Robert Richardson wasthe senior Royal at the service in the Canongate Kirkand afterwards laid the wreath in The Royal ScotsClub and Lt Col Jim Blythe attended the ceremony inPeebles. The Edinburgh Branch of the Associationwas represented at the ceremonies at the CityChambers and at the site adjacent to the Hearts WarMemorial at Haymarket, which is presently in storedue to tram works, and laid wreaths at both locations.Tom Logan, Chairman of the East of ScotlandBranch, laid a wreath at the War Memorial inPrestonpans.The Highland Branch was represented at the RBLSparade in Inverness, while the Branch Chairman, TamCornwall led the parade in Aviemore while playing thepipes and the Branch Secretary, Bill Jeans, was onparade with the RBLS in Nairn.Tam Cornwall playing the pipes in AviemorePAGE 9

Remembrance - contChairman, laid a wreath and also at the ceremony atPalace Barracks, Belfast, where a wreath was laid atThe Royal Scots Stone.John Neil talking to a distinguished SailorIn Northern Ireland members of the Associationparticipated in the Festival of Remembrance serviceon 3 November. The Branch took part in a localparade, where John McCulloch, the BranchSouthern Branch Members at Horse GuardsAs always, the Southern Branch was well presented atthe opening of the Field of Remembrance inWestminster on 8 November where some Associationmembers were presented to HRH The Duke ofEdinburgh. On the evening of 10 November The RevRos Trafford Roberts conducted the Branch’s ownservice at The Royal Scots plot in the Garden ofRemembrance supported by Ian Fleming who playedthe pipes. On 11 November, in fine weather, 24members of the Branch paraded on Horse Guards andmarched through the archway to Whitehall for theannual Cenotaph parade.From the EditorThe editor would like to thank all those who have contributed articles and pictures. Unfortunately, due thelimitations of space, it has not been possible to include all the material supplied. The deadline for contributionsfor the summer edition is 8 July and these should be sent to me at carlingnose@tiscali.co.uk Please let me havecontributions, including pictures, when they become available rather than waiting for the deadline.With best wishes.Bob PatersonPAGE 10www.theroyalscots.co.uk page 11

Domestic OccurrencesDeathsBARRIEOn 11 November, Capt Walter Barrie, while serving inAfghanistan with 1 SCOTSBRIGGS-WATSONOn 16 October, Lt Col Bryan Briggs- Watson, formerlyBandmaster 1 RSBROWNOn 9 September, John (Jack) Brown, age 92, ofInnerleithen, 8 RSCAMPBELLOn 8 November, Alex Campbell of Edinburgh, 7/9 RSWW2 and member RS AssociationCUTHBERTIn November, David Cuthbert, age 93, of Peterhead,Signals Officer 7/9 RS WW2CRAIGIn February, Thomas William Craig, C Coy 1 RS 1968DUDGEONOn 24 September, Cpl Peter Dudgeon, 1RS Mor PlDUNLOPOn 9 August, Aline Dunlop, age 95, widow of Lt ColGeorge Dunlop OBE MC, 1 & 2 RSGRAYOn 10 August 2011, Maj Gilbert Andre Gray, ofLothianburn, RS West Africa WW2MARLOWOn 14 February, Richard (Dick) Thomas Marlow ofCoventryMcGREGOROn 3 December in Livingston, Eric McGregor 1 RS inearly 1970s and subsequently REMEMcKEOWNIn November, Gerry McKeown, formerly C Coy 1 RS,notably in BallykinlerMILNEOn 3 September, Ian Milne, RS 58-65NISBETOn 21 September, James Bruce Hay Nisbet, known asBruce, age 93, Capt 2 RS 1943-46, Gibraltar, Italy,Egypt and Palestine. Father of Captain David Nisbet1 RS 1969-72 and 1/52 Lowland Volunteers 1972-76PIRRIEOn 13 March, Sheila Pirie, in Surrey, widow of MajPatrick PirieRICEOn 10 December, Robert (Rab) Rice, ex-MT Pl, inEdinburghROBERTSONIn late 2011, Cecil Robertson of LinlithgowSTEWARTOn 6 December, Tom (Slinger) Stewart of WhitburnVANBECKCharles (Charlie) Vanbeck , Member of the East ofScotland Branch of the AssociationMcEWANOn 4 August, John McEwan of Prestonpans, RS 1954PAGE 11

FORECAST OF EVENTS 2013FEBRUARYRegimentalAssociationSaturday 2ndMonday 4thWednesday 27thMARCHMonday 4thSunday 10thWednesday 20thThursday 21stThursday 21stFriday 22ndThursday 28thSaturday 30thSunday 31stAPRILThursday 18thFriday 19thSaturday 20thFriday 26thSaturday 27thMAYFriday 10thSaturday 11thSaturday 25thSaturday 25thSunday 26hAUGUSTThursday 15thSunday 25thSEPTEMBERSunday 1stSaturday 28thSunday 29thOCTOBERFriday 26thFriday 26thRS Association Highland Branch Burns nightRS Club Evening LectureAndrew Caskie - ‘The New Forth Replacement Road Crossing’RS Club Film NightRS Club Evening LectureIan Garden - ‘Propaganda in the Films of the Third Reich’RS Club Mothers’ Day LunchRS Club Speaker’s Dinner - Jeremy Mitchell‘Shrapnel and Whizbangs - A Tommy in the Trenches 1914-18’Highland v Lowland Brigade BonspielSouthern Branch AGMSCOTS Regimental Dinner in RS ClubRS & SCOTS Regimental DayRS Association Regimental Day Dinner in RS ClubRS Club Easter Sunday Lunch1 SCOTS ‘Freedom’ Homecoming Parade in Livingston1 SCOTS ‘Freedom’ Homecoming Parade in Haddington1 SCOTS ‘Freedom’ Homecoming Parade in EdinburghRS Governance MeetingsRS Association Spring Lunch in RS ClubAssociation Committee AGMRS Association Annual Reunion Edinburgh1 SCOTS SevensCommemoration of Gretna disasterRS Association Fallen Comrades GolfHRH The Princess Royal’s BirthdayRS Association Gladdy Murray Golf TrophyNI Branch AGMRS Association Autumn DinnerMusselburgh RacesRS Governance MeetingsOfficers’ Regimental Dinner RS ClubBranch Meetings &ContactsEDINBURGHLast Friday of each monthat 8.00 pm at LeithEx-Servicemen’s Club,7 Smith’s Place, Edinburgh.Contact: Mags Allenweeweegie1@virginmedia.comCENTRAL SCOTLANDLast Friday of each monthat 7.30 pm at Masonic HallRoyal British Legion,Whitburn, West Lothian.Contact: Nobby Clarkenobbygreta@nobbygreta.plus.comEAST OF SCOTLANDLast Saturday of each monthat 7.30 pmRoyal British Legion,Prestonpans, East Lothian.Contact: George Higginsclanhiggins@yahoo.co.ukNORTHERN IRELANDContact: Davy McKendrick,Secretarydavidsmck1@sky.comHIGHLANDMonthly at 7.30 pmRoyal British Legion,Huntly Street, Inverness.Contact:william.jeans@btinternet.comSOUTHERNContact: Tam Millarweetam0571@sky.comPIPE BANDContacts:Maj Torquil Corkertontorquil@ednet.co.ukJim Tait on:jimbtait@jimbtait.plus.comFor further informationcontact The Old ProvostMarshal’s House,The Castle,Edinburgh EH1 2 YTTel: 0131 310 5016Email:rhqrs@btconnect.comwww.theroyalscots.co.uk