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  • A life less ordinary since 1642

The Scots Guards

Since our formation more than 375 years ago, the Scots Guards has forged a reputation as one of the toughest fighting units in the British Army. As a Light Mechanised regiment, we use the Foxhound armoured vehicle to deploy rapidly and engage enemy troops.

The Scots Guards are an infantry regiment steeped in history, with soldiers renowned for their discipline and courage in battle. We are Mechanised Infantry and train to use speed to cross the battlefield quickly and launch onto difficult objectives. Recognised as innovators, we are due to be one of the first strike 

In addition to our combat role, our ceremonial company has the special honour of acting as guards at royal residences such as Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace. Our traditional uniform – a red tunic and bearskin cap – is famous the world over.

Active from

16 March 1642

Role

Infantry

Specialism

Light Mechanised Infantry

As well as general infantry skills such as reconnaissance, tactical communications and engaging enemy troops, soldiers in the Scots Guards are experts in mechanised vehicles. They also have the honour of guarding the Royal Family at Buckingham Palace.

  • Combat Soldiers – At readiness to deploy anywhere
  • Guardians - The protectors of the Monarchy for 375 years
  • Family - Loyal and committed to our soldiers
  • Specialists – Using the latest weapons and vehicles
  • Innovators – Leading military thought with new ideas
  • Agility – Versatile in operations and training
  • Fitness - Progressive training to prepare for combat
  • Tradition – A war-fighting pedigree since 1642

The Scots Guards is currently training while maintaining a high state of readiness – we could be deployed across the world at a moment’s notice.

Past Deployments: 

  • Operation Granby (Kuwait/Iraq 1991)
  • Operation Telic (Iraq 2004, 2008)
  • Operation Herrick (Afghanistan 2007, 2010)
  • Operation Tosca (Cyprus 2018-2019)
  • Operation Elgin (Kosovo 2021)
  • Operation Shader (Iraq 2021)
  • Operation Orbital (Ukraine 2021)
  • Operation Cabrit (Estonia 2022)

The Scots Guards are a close family, recruited from Scotland, the North of England and across the UK. We pride ourselves on our people and their families, providing personal and professional development and an exciting, varied and balanced lifestyle.

The Scots Guards are based at Somme Barracks in Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire.

View in maps

  • 1st Battalion Scots Guards

    Somme Barracks, Catterick Garrison DL9 4LD

  • F Company Scots Guards

    Wellington Barracks, London, SW1E 6HQ Contact: 020 7414 5120

Past to present

Over the course of its long and illustrious history, the Scots Guards has fought in every major conflict with distinction. During that time, the regiment has won an outstanding 93 battle honours and 11 Victoria Crosses.

The regiment is created as a personal ‘Lyfe Guard’ for Charles I.

1815 - The regiment plays a key role at the Battle of Waterloo.

The regiment faces some of the heaviest fighting in both World Wars.

The 2nd Battalion plays a key role in the Falklands War.

As part of Options for Change the 2nd Battalion was placed in permanent suspended animation.

F Company, formerly of the 2nd Battalion acted as the custodians of the colours and traditions of the 2nd Battalion, based in Wellington Barracks, London on public duties.

F Company Scots Guards Troop their Colour in front of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, for what would be the final time and during an adapted Covid-19 compliant parade.

Join us

Find out more about Full-time and Part-time roles in the Infantry

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Contact us

Tel: 020 7414 5120

Email: [email protected]

Address: Somme Barracks, Catterick, Catterick Garrison, DL9 4LD