Controversial cost-cutting measures could see The Black Watch being merged with a historic Highland infantry regiment.
Sources close to the UK Government have confirmed that defence chiefs are poised to axe The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. Troops from the battalion could be moved to The Black Watch, based at Fort George, or the north and north-east’s famous Highlanders unit.
It is understood that a merger with The Black Watch is more likely because The Highlanders is already an amalgamation of the Seaforth, Camerons and Gordons.
The move could lead to The Black Watch 3rd Battalion the Royal Regiment of Scotland, also known as 3 Scots, being controversially renamed The Black Watch and Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders.
As anger at the threat increases, the Prime Minister is to become personally involved in the issue just 24 hours after The Courier highlighted the new threat to the battalion.
Scottish Tory leader Ruth Davidson has pledged to use her close relationship with David Cameron to ensure he understands the ”huge emotional investment” the people of Tayside and Fife have in The Black Watch.
”I will not hesitate to raise this issue with the Prime Minister and firmly put forward Scotland’s case,” said Ms Davidson.
Under other changes said to be under active consideration, the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards tank regiment, based in Germany which provides support to The Highlanders could also be axed under the plans, according to sources.
Any proposal to abolish The Argylls, currently 5th Battalion the Royal Regiment of Scotland, or 5 Scots, based at Canterbury, would provoke opposition.
The Sutherland Highlanders branch of the battalion is famous for being the out-numbered ”thin red line” which held firm against Russian attacks at the 1854 Battle of Balaclava, during the Crimean War.
A row erupted this week after Defence Secretary Philip Hammond admitted that entire infantry and armoured groups could be lost after a cost-cutting review.
The coalition Government at Westminster wants to cut the army from 102,000 soldiers to 82,000, with detailed proposals expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
Angus Robertson, Moray MP and SNP defence spokesman, said: “It is becoming ever clearer that the UK Government is intent on continuing its desperate defence cuts in Scotland.
“This would be an intolerable betrayal after the assurances which were given during the last round of regimental reorganisation.”
The Royal Regiment of Scotland, formed in 2006, currently consists of five regular battalions which were each previously regiments and two territorial units.
The Ministry of Defence has insisted that no decisions have yet been taken.