Cameronian Regiment

Cameronian Regiment, since 1881 Cameronians (Scottish Rifles), long the 26th infantry Regiment, had its origin in a body of Cameronians (1689). Taking advantage of their zeal and courage, the Convention which sat at Edinburgh induced a number of them to assist in the Revolution, which it was imagined by some was to re-establish the reign of the Covenant. They were induced to enlist on the understanding that the special object of the corps was 'to recover and establish the work of Reformation in Scotland, in opposition to popery, prelacy, and arbitrary power, in all the branches and steps thereof, till the government in church and state be brought to that lustre and integrity which it had in the best of times.' Thus was formed the celebrated Cameronian Regiment, with the youthful Lord Angus as colonel, and for lieutenant-colonel and actual commander, William Cleland, the poet, by whom, ten years before, Drumclog had been mainly won. Under him, not yet in his 30th year, the regiment was sent northwards to quell the insurrection, after the fall of Claverhouse at Killiecrankie. Surrounded by 5000 Highlanders, the Cameronians, only 1200 strong, gallantly defended themselves during a whole day in Dunkeld, 21st August 1689. Cleland fell early in the fight, but his work was accomplished, for, in Macaulay's words, 'the Cameronians had finished the war.' The regiment has ever done credit to its origin, being distinguished alike for gallantry and for good conduct.—The Cameron Highlanders, long known as the 79th Foot, are of course a distinct regiment.