The Atholl Highlanders | |
---|---|
Active | 1839–present |
Country | Scotland |
Type | Infantry |
Role | Personal bodyguard |
Size | One company |
Part of | Private army |
Garrison/HQ | Blair Atholl |
Motto(s) | Furth Fortune and Fill the Fetters |
March | The Atholl Highlanders |
Commanders | |
Current commander | Lieutenant Colonel The Earl of Kinnoull |
Colonel-in-Chief | The Duke of Atholl |
Insignia | |
Tartan | Murray of Atholl |
The Atholl Highlanders is a Scottish private infantry regiment. A ceremonial unit, it acts as the personal bodyguard to the Duke of Atholl, chieftain of the Clan Murray, a family that has lived in Perthshire for roughly seven centuries.[1] Although it has no official military role, this hand-picked body of local men are armed with Lee–Metford rifles, and the regiment includes a pipe band. Joining the Highlanders is by invitation-only from the Duke, who specially selects men with ties to the estate or the local area. The regiment is not part of the British Armed Forces but under the command of the Duke of Atholl, and based at Blair Castle, Blair Atholl.[2]