The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment)

Historic Scottish Military Regiment

The Scottish Black Watch Regiment, not to be confused with the Canadians which can be found here: The Black Watch (RHR) Of Canada. Known as: The Black Watch (Royal Highlanders) 1881-1931, The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) 1931-2006, The Black Watch, 3rd Battalion, Royal Regiment of Scotland (3 SCOTS) from 2006. Administered by The Scottish Division from 1967 and by The Scottish, Welsh and Irish Division from 2017. The majority of the musical recording activity appears to have involved the 1st Battalion, the Military Band of which was led among others by notable Bandmasters Laurence Henry Hicks (1949-51), Duncan Beat (1959-65) and Norman Rogerson (1973-84). Under Rogerson's leadership the Band of 1st Battalion released 24 Albums, the most popular being The Band Of The Black Watch - Scotch On The Rocks the title track of which entered the UK Singles Chart in 1975. The majority of the recordings appear here under The Band Of The Black Watch a simplified title which appeared on many releases. The 2nd Battalion also had a military band, the Battalion was disbanded however between 1949-52 and its musicians joined the 1st, only to have another brief period of activity between 1952-56 under Walter Babbs before ceasing again. Both the 1st and 2nd Battalions also had Pipe Bands and a Corps of Drums, these being different entities usually formed of fighting men who also played instruments as opposed to the full time musicians of the military bands. For Pipe and Drum credits please use: The Pipes And Drums Of The Black Watch or Pipes And Drums Of The 1st Battalion The Black Watch