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There are two Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Companies within the 51st Highland Regiment, the Volunteer infantry regiment in Scotland

History

The Volunteer Force, originally raised in 1853, was transformed into the Territorial Force in 1908. The 5th and 6th Battalions were raised in Renfrew, the 7th Battalion in Stirling and Clackmannan, the 8th Battalion in Argyll and the 9th Battalion in Dumbarton. These battalions saw service in France or the Middle East during the 1st World War. 

• The 7th and 8th Battalions continued as Infantry Battalions throughout the 2nd World War until they were disbanded in 1967. The 5th and 6th Battalions became Machine Gun Battalions prior to the war and were subsequently converted to Anti-Tank Regiments. The 9th Battalion had meanwhile become an Anti-Aircraft Regiment but whatever their role these battalions continued to wear the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Cap Badge. 

• They amalgamated in 1947 to form 402 Anti-Tank Regiment and the 9th Battalion became 554 Anti-Aircraft Regiment. Further amalgamations and changes in role occurred in 1955 and 1961, finally resulting in the formation of 277 (A&SH) Field Regiment RA. 

• The old Territorial Battalions were disbanded in 1967 when the Highland Volunteer Battalion was formed. The 3rd 51st Highland Volunteers (Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders) with its Headquarters in Stirling and its companies spread throughout the Regimental Area came into being in 1985 and changed its title to 7th/8th (Volunteer) Battalion The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders in 1995. 

• In 1999 there was a further re-organisation of the territorial Army and the 7th/8th battalion was reduced to 2 companies in a new 51st Highland Regiment. The 2 Companies are:

  • D (Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders) Company in Dumbarton and Dunoon

  • E (Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders) Company in Cumbernauld and Stirling.

Jobs

This Battalion has the specific role of Mountain Warfare. Many have served with the Regulars in recent years (in The Falklands and during the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq). Full training with pay is provided and there are many jobs to do

Action and Variety

There are lots of opportunities for action - physically and mentally - in a wide variety of challenges, mostly outdoors, by day and night. Travel in the UK and abroad, with plenty of adventure. In 2002 the 51st trained in Romania. 

Pay and Bounty

TA officers and soldiers are well paid. Rates of pay are comparable with those of the Regular Army, starting at £25 a day plus travel expenses.

In addition, an annual tax-free Bounty, according to rank, to anyone who

• is available for military service if needed

• completes at least 27 days including Annual Camp

• passes/completes tests of basic fitness, shooting, first aid and other skills

Vacancies

There are usually vacancies for new members to join the 51st Highland Regiment  Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Companies.

Anyone between 17 and 32 years of age (35 if ex-Service), who is medically healthy and of good character, is invited to apply to join. There is a special selection process for candidates who are potential officers

• For more information, consult the Army site (D & E Coys. 51st Highland Regiment) or contact these addresses

• Or use our Enquiry form