The Atholl Highlanders have launched a recruitment drive ahead of the regiment’s annual gathering this weekend.
Five members of Europe’s last remaining private army are retiring after clocking up a combined 246 years of service. Now they are appealing to young Scots to join the ranks as preparations are finalised for Saturday’s event at Blair Castle.
The latest recruit, Alex Duncan, 19, will be inducted ahead of the parade.
He said: “It is a real privilege to be invited to join the Atholl Highlanders.
“It may only be a ceremonial regiment, but it is steeped in history and every member is proud to serve and play in the pipe band. I hope I can live up to the reputation and earn my place as a true Atholl Highlander.”
The 175-year-old regiment was formed after Lord Glenlyon first took a bodyguard of men to a medieval tournament at Eglinton in Ayrshire in 1839.
Five years later, the Atholl Highlanders mounted guard for Queen Victoria’s stay at Blair Castle and were granted the Queen’s colours and the right to legally bear arms as a private force an honour that remains in place today.
Graham Jack, who has served in the Atholl Highlanders for 36 years, said: “You can only become an Atholl Highlander by invitation. One of our key focuses over the coming months is to recruit new members for the regiment.
“Ultimately we need to continue the lifecycle of the army, which has been in existence since 1839, and the only way to do so is to bring in fresh blood.
“Alex’s arrival at the tender age of 19 shows that Scottish traditions such as this are still a draw for young people.”
Mr Duncan added: “It is sensible to invite younger people to join the regiment and it is a fantastic opportunity for those who are in a position to help continue this great tradition.”
Mr Duncan will join Saturday’s Highlanders’ Parade, which sees members of the Atholl Highlanders parade around the forecourt of Blair Castle, accompanied by the sound of their pipes and drums.
Duncan McDiarmid, 82, the Atholl Highlanders’ president and oldest serving member, said: “I joined the Atholl Highlanders in 1952 and it is as much an honour to be invited into this unique family now as it was then. Joining the regiment was a proud moment for me and I am delighted to see the new, younger members getting involved.”
A day of tradition on Saturday will be followed by a day of sport on Sunday as the Atholl Highlanders officially open the Highland Games to massed pipes and drums.
Events include solo piping, tossing the caber, throwing the hammer, highland dancing and the heavy weights competition.
Mike Dukes, head of visitor services at Atholl Estates, said: “We expect a record crowd this weekend to help us celebrate one of Scotland’s oldest and most unique traditions.”