"Wi' a feather in your bonnet, and an Kilt abune yer knee; Enlist ye, bonnie laddie, and cam' awa' wi' me...."

Period song, "Twa Recruiting Sergeants"

This group started as a one-man unit, by someone who portrayed other periods of 42nd history for 35 years before putting together a Napoleonic Uniform for use at Timelines and Living History Displays. While it was always a dream to be part of a Company of 1815-era Royal Highlanders, it was never the original intention to form a new re-enacting unit

As I started doing the required research, I was lucky enough to be directed to Alistair Fraser, who, it turned out, had the same desire to kit out as a Soldier of the 42nd from the time of Waterloo.

We decided to throw in our lots together... which meant that now two uniforms, two sets of equipment, and two minds needed to be molded towards the Early 1800's. Again luckily, it was not as hard to outfit two as it would have been to make just one set of kit, as each of us brought different talents to the table and we were able to divide the work between us.

Still not expecting to grow, we were surprised to start running into more and more people who also had the secret desire to be one of Wellington's Highlanders. So we figured that it was time to start getting organized!

We both agreed that we wanted to do the best impression of the 42nd as is possible. This means that we will try to use the best materials, patterns and research available in order to do justice to this Ancient and Illustrious Regiment.

What does this mean to the propective recruit? Well, unfortunately it means that No 3 Company of The Royal Highland Regiment will not be an in-expensive impression to do. It will take some dedication to do things as correctly as possible, and it will require a fair amount of work to maintain the Stature of a Highlander. Current members of the Regiment will be there to help you; to direct you to the proper sources, and advise you on the order in which to accumulate your kit so that you can be out in the field as quickly as possible. Although the impression is not a cheap one, we can help you to get the most efficient use of you money so that the expense is stretched out over a longer period of time.

We can also help you to use your own time and talents so that you can do as much of construction of your uniform as you are comfortable in doing, in order to put sweat equity into your kit and save you some sil'er.

Our requirements are:

1. You must be able to legally purchase and own; and safely operate the weapons necessary for your impression.

2. You must be able to meet the physical requirements necessary to conduct yourself as a Soldier during tactical events.

3. You must be able to learn to perform musket and marching drill to the standards of the group.

4. You must observe the regulations set and traditions followed by the 42nd Royal Highland Regiment during the Napoleonic period regarding your uniform, appearance and deportment.

5. You must acquire the Required Kit within a reasonable time, and maintain your Uniforms and Equipment in a manner consistent with the turn out of a Highland Soldier.

6. You must have a natural appreciation of the humour of Monty Python, Rowan Atkinson, and other British and American comedians of their genre'. It also helps to be able to quote military-themed movies by heart... (see note at bottom of page)

The reward for that work will be a unit that you can be proud to be a part of, and a group of people that you will look forward to being with at events.

If you are interested in learning more about becoming a member of No. 3 Company of the 42nd, please contact Iain Burns. Better yet, stop by and talk to one of us at an event... you might even get a dram out of it...

NOTE: OK, so we are not TOTALLY serious about number 6, but having a good sense of humour makes just about everything more enjoyable, does it no'?