BBC News
2 August 2005
Army chiefs have revealed details of the controversial cuts planned for Scotland's infantry regiments.
The reorganisation announced last year is designed to create the new Royal Regiment of Scotland from the six existing regiments.
The Trustees of the Scottish Regiments have now said this must be formed no later than March 2006.
The Royal Scots and the Kings Own Scottish Borderers will then merge into a single battalion in Autumn 2006.
The details emerged at a briefing held by Major General Euan Loudon, the Colonel Commandant of the Scottish Division.
Recruiting efforts
Topics covered included the new uniform, regimental headquarters, individual postings, recruiting and the timings for the formation of the Royal Regiment.
A statement on the plans said: "The new regiment has secured some of the best roles the infantry can offer (including air assault and armoured infantry) so this is an opportunity to re-invigorate our recruiting efforts whilst still retaining the local 'family' ethos and our military traditions of the Scottish Infantry."
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Under the plans, Scottish battalions will stop moving location and changing roles, as they have every three to five years.
There will now be an individual posting policy to make the most of personal skills, family and career aspirations.
Edinburgh base
The Council of Scottish Colonels has agreed almost all the details of the regiment's new uniform, which are due to be finalised this autumn.
The headquarters will be in Edinburgh Castle.
Scottish Division Lieutenant Colonel, Niall MacGregor-Smith, said: "This briefing is part of the Council of Scottish Colonels' desire to be as inclusive as possible in the deliberations over the formation of the new regiment.
"From the very start the working groups looking into the myriad of issues that must be covered have tried to involve as many people from the Scottish infantry community as possible."
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