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Visitor CommentsThere are some fundamental questions that must be raised about the proposed restructuring of the Army in Scotland.
Does the Government not see that these qualities and attributes are the bedrock on which the strength and morale of a British Army Regiment is built? It is something that is envied across the world, and therefore should never be damaged or lost. Has anyone in the Government assessed the damage this proposal will do to the recruitment figures of each individual Regiment? Why has there recently been a reduction in the funding of recruitment campaigns for the Scottish infantry? Why does the MoD not improve the pay conditions of our soldiers as a more effective means of retaining and recruiting more personnel of the right calibre? The military history of our Nation and our 'family' Regiments is one of the most important foundations upon which our culture, tradition, heritage, community spirit and pride has been created. Why does the Government propose to destroy this for all time? What alternative adjustments to the existing infantry structure did the MoD consider, which could have produced efficiencies, without the destruction of the regimental system? If the new structure is in most respects virtually identical to the old one, why destroy the historical links with each local Scottish community or destroy the famous names of the Regiments? If the future roles of the Regiments in the proposed new structure are to remain the same, why go through all the expense, disruption and trauma of a reorganisation? As the threat of world terrorism escalates and the need increases for men on the ground to combat it, where is the logic in reducing the size of the infantry? Every informed commentator agrees that the infantry is currently over-stretched and cannot maintain the normal two-year interval between operational tours. Why would the Ministry of Defence exacerbate the situation by cutting the Regiments? What part does this decision play in the future of Europe and the prospect of a single European Regiment? What coercion, inducements, threats or otherwise were used by the Government or other agency to persuade the regimental Colonels that the destruction of the Scottish regimental system was a good idea? Why did the Scottish Council of Colonels not show the same loyalty to their Regiments that their men have shown for hundreds of years? Why does the Government not listen to and act on the wishes of the people who elect them? It is well known that the majority of serving soldiers, the majority of ex-soldiers and the majority of the public are against the proposal to amalgamate our proud, historic Regiments. |
Also, will the "swinging six" sporran be retained by the 5th battalion or is a new dress sporran envisaged for the whole regiment? Gerry Thompson Courson France 10 March 2006 I should like to make some suggestions concerning the new uniform 13 February 2006 William L McCaughey Los Angeles, California . . more Dear Sir, The future Scottish Division will have only one regiment? The old connection with Hong Kong will go? Cameronians (Scottish Rifles), Royal Scots & Black Watch? Regards, Victor Lau HONG KONG 26 December 2005 Sir or madam, I will be short and to the point. I find the actions of the government towards the historic Scottish Regiments disgusting, dictatorial and not what the people of the UK want. We must engage the government in "Brisleach"(Celtic) over this. Yours, Richard Leach Kent 18 December 2005 I am 15, from Dundee 23 January 2006 Jack Farquharson . . more Have just read and heartily agree with 2 December 2005 Robert S. BERRY . . more As a retiree from the Royal Canadian Army 1 December 2005 Robert S. BERRY . . more First of all, I would like to thank you 30 November 2005 Mitchell McDowell . . more The article entitled "Death Of Our Regiments" Sunday Times, Scotland 18th September, 2005 is absolutely spot on. I couldn't possibly agree more with the author's views as expressed, and I am truly sorry for the Scottish people. I understand what you are in the process of losing. As a Canadian, I can tell you that everything your regiments are currently going through, ours already have. Now they're gone, or may just as well be. Best of luck to you all, 24 November 2005 Mitchell McDowell Canada It strikes me that the central issue here is the 'overview' 1 October 2005 Lachlan Gow . . more The fine and proud Motto 'NEMO ME IMPUNE LACESSIT' 27 August 2005 Major (Retd), Duncan 'Steve' Simson . . more I too have seen the new cap badge 19 August 2005 ADAM L. SMITH . . more PENNSYLVANIA, U.S.A Lieutenant-Colonel Stuart Crawford reacts to the new common cap badge for the amalgamated Royal Regiment of Scotland. “A better and more appropriate badge might be a dagger in the back, superimposed on a white flag.” 21 August 2005 Lieutenant-Colonel Stuart Crawford The Sunday Times - Scotland Ref Pipe Tunes for the new Royal Regiment of Scotland What about the 6/8 March "The Scottish Division". This tune was written by a Gordon Highlander back in the 1980s. This tune would at least help keep some of the memory of the OLD Scottish Division alive. 19 August 2005 John Johnstone Edinburgh I have today seen the new proposed Cap Badge 16 August 2005 Major (Retd), Duncan 'Steve' Simson . . more Not only is Morale low but also Recruiting 27 July 2005 Major (Retd), Duncan 'Steve' Simson . . more Save The Scottish Regiments 19th July 2005 Mitchell McDowell . . more Canada The Royal Scots - "Come and meet your Local Regiment" 6th July 2005 Major (Retd) D 'Steve' Simson, . . more Scotland ONE Pipes & Drums band for the five battalions? 29th June 2005 Joe S MacDonald . . more Scotland Amalgamations have gone ahead: a big mistake! 26th June 2005 Ewen Miller . . more Scotland Restructuring the British Army 29th April 2005 Peter Marshall . . more Wellington, New Zealand An open letter to the commanders of the SIX Scottish Infantry Regiments. 20th April 2005 Kathleen Weetman, (and Donald Weetman) . . more A quote from the Emperor Constantine Kathleen Weetman . . more Keeping the Watch Owen Humphrys . . more Regiments Forever! a former soldier . . more SAVE ALL THE INFANTRY REGIMENTS Major (Retd), Duncan 'Steve' Simson . . more |
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