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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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First published 1956 (SND Vol. IV).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

GORDON HIGHLANDER, n.comb. A soldier in the Gordon Highlanders, the regiment raised by the fourth Duke of Gordon in 1794, orig. the 100th and later the 92nd Foot, and amalgamated in 1881 with the 75th Highlanders, raised in 1787. Now. gen. abbreviated to Gordon, the Gordons.Sc. 1794 C. G. Gardyne Life of a Regiment (1929) I. 21:
The title “Gordon Highlanders” was continued along with the number in all regimental Orders and Returns, but in Horse Guards or General Orders and in the Army List it was not used — simply 100th Regiment.Sc. 1846 J. Grant Romance of War I. iii.:
His son was appointed to an ensigncy in the 92nd regiment, or Gordon Highlanders, commanded by the Marquis of Huntly.Sc. 1904 J. Barron N. Highl. in 19th c. I. 47:
In 1794 the Duchess raised the Gordon Highlanders for her son, the Marquis of Huntly, the two recruiting at every fair in the countryside. Tradition has it that when other arguments failed, a kiss from the Duchess won the recruit.Bnff. 1933 M. Symon Deveron Days 15:
Fa's neist? The Gaup — A Gordon wi' the “Bydand” on his broo.Abd. 1954 Abd. Press and Jnl. (27 April):
The 1st Battalion of the Gordons will have the honour of providing the Queen's guard at Balmoral this summer.