Scots Brigade

The Scots Brigade was a brigade of three infantry regiments, in service of the Dutch Republic. During the 80-Years War (1568-1648) in which the newly formed Dutch Republic gained its independence from Spain, the Dutch States-General hired several foreign regiments to build up an army. Amongst these were English and Scottish regiments as well. After the war, most regiments were disbanded, except three Scottish regiments. They were brigaded into a separate unit.

During the 18th century, the regiments served mostly as garrison units. Part of the Scots Brigade was in garrison in the city of Bergen op Zoom in 1747 when a French army besieged the city. What started as a diversion to draw away the British, Austrian and Dutch troops from the main attack on Maastricht, became a lengthy siege that ended in tragedy when French troops stormed and captured the city. The battalions of the Scots Brigade counterattacked several times, until forced to withdraw to the nearby fortification at Steenbergen, which they would defend successfully in the days to come. By then, only 200 officers and men of an original number of 800 remained.

After the War of Austrian Succession, the Dutch Republic lost its status as a major European power. It did not take part in the Seven Years War that followed. The men of the Scots Brigade were still recruited, until tensions between Great Britain and the Dutch Republic grew. Anti-British sentiments led to open support for the American colonists that rebelled. A request from Britain to send the Scots Brigade back to Britain was declined after resistance from the opposition in the States-General; they would not send the Scots Brigade back to "help oppress a people that fought to gain its freedom". When the Dutch Republic sent weapons and supplies to the Continental Army, Britain declared war in 1780. The "Fourth English War" ended in 1784 and wrecked the Dutch Republic.

Meanwhile, the Scots Brigade was taken into the Dutch line as infantry regiments nrs. 22, 23 and 24. This meant the typical red uniforms, British colours and the special "Scottish March" were abolished. Most officers of the Scots Brigade refused to take an oath to the 'Stadhouder' and returned to Britain, taking the regimental colours with them. The NCOs and privates, of whom most were not of Scottish origin any more, were incorporated into the Dutch army.

In Britain, the officers were reformed into a new regiment, for which they requested a guard status, since it was older than any other British regiment. Instead, they were taken up into the British line as the 94th Foot, and were later added to the 88th Foot as its 2nd Battalion. The traditions and history of the Scots Brigade had come to an end.

The colours of the Scots Brigade are still in St. Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh. Copies of these colours were made in the Netherlands.