Highland Soldier: A Social Study of the Highland Regiments, 1820-1920

This new book provides a novel approach to the history of the Highland regiments. Badges, buttons and battles only tell a part of a regiment's history and the Highland regiments have always been set apart and have always considered themselves special. As this book reveals, the roots of that elitist attitude lie in the neglected field of military social history. The author's extensive research has revealed a new side to the Highland regiments and this book examines in detail the life of the Highland soldier between 1820 and 1920 and the pride and reputation that has made him so famous and respected through the years. While changes in the origins of the Highland soldiers have taken place, national loyalty, their unique uniform and music and the strong family nature of their regiments have all contributed to the particular character of the Highland battalions. The book examines the character of the Highland regiments through the medium of the officers and men and the result gives new meaning to Highland regimental history.
The jacket illustration shows Pipe Majors and Drum Majors at the Highland Brigade Gathering, Agra, India, 1914.