Chapter 4 THE KING’S OWN SCOTTISH BORDERERS The Regiment was formed in the space of two hours on 18th March 1689 in Edinburgh by David Leslie, 3rd Earl of Leven in support of the Scottish Parliament (The Convention). In July 1689 at the Battle of Killiecrankie, Leven’s Regiment had its baptism of fire and, though on the losing side, stood its ground until ordered to withdraw. The opponents were the Highlanders under Bonnie Dundee, who died of wounds received in the Battle. Recognition of the fighting spirit of Leven’s Regiment came at once in the spontaneous conferment by the Provost and magistrates of Edinburgh, of the Regiments exclusive privilege to recruit by Beat of Drum in the City any day, except Sunday, without asking the permission of the Lord Provost. A right that has been exercised regularly ever since.
Over the next 317 years The King’s Own Scottish Borderers have been engaged in many parts of the world serving with great distinction as soldiers of the Crown. Namur, Fontenoy, The West Indies, Afghanistan, Hong Kong, Burma, Borneo, Canada, Egypt, France, Germany, Gibralter, Holland, Hong Kong, India, Jordan, Korea, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Libya, Malaysia, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Singapore, South Africa, Turkey, USA, Zimbabwe to name but a few countries. Perhaps the Regiment’s proudest battle honour was gained on 1st August 1759 at the Battle of Minden. It was here that the British Infantry won immortal glory and world renown. The battle is celebrated every year with the traditional presentation of a rose to each soldier. Roses were plucked from the gardens of Minden by the men of the Regiment as they went forward and were then worn in their bonnets throughout the battle.