Scots Guards

A life less ordinary since 1642

Since its 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 mechanised regiment, it uses Mastiff and Jackal 2 armoured vehicles to engage enemy troops

ACTIVE FROM

16 March 1642

ROLE

Infantry

SPECIALISM

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 – it 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.

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Lance Sergeant McMillan: "The people I've met and worked with are more like a family than just work colleagues."

Guardsman Billington: "Since joining I have become qualified up to level 1 in both Maths and English as well as obtaining my Cat B and C driving licences."

Somme Barracks

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

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The Scots Guards

I joined to make something of myself Ally, 24

Our Role

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 Mechanised Infantry units with a new fleet of impressive vehicles at the forefront of British Army capability.

In addition to our combat role, the regiment’s 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.

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.

1642

The regiment is created as a personal ‘Lyfe Guard’ for Charles I.
1815

1815 - The regiment plays a key role at the Battle of Waterloo.
1914-1945

The regiment faces some of the heaviest fighting in both World Wars.
1982

The 2nd Battalion plays a key role in the Falklands War.
1993

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.
2021

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.

Our Locations

1st Battalion Scots Guards

Somme Barracks, Catterick Garrison DL9 4LD
F Company Scots Guards

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