The French and Indian War from Scottish Sources

Although the oldest regiment in the British Army is the 1st Royal regiment of Foot, usually known as the Royal Scots, it was not until the French and Indian War (known in Europe as the Seven Years War) that Scottish regiments played a significant role in the Army. In fact, between 1756 and 1763, Britain raised 10 regiments of Scots Highlanders to fight in the European and American theaters of that conflict.

Many Scottish veterans of this conflict chose to stay in the colonies (sometimes returning to Scotland to bring families and friends back with them). The personal papers of various Scottish combatants, reflecting their nation’s participation in or the perspective on that famous conflict, can be found at the National Archives of Scotland in Edinburgh.