HC Deb 18 April 1893 vol 11 cc553-4
MR. WILLIAM WIIITELAW (Perth)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether the 1st Battalion Royal Scots is going to be shortly stationed at Fort George; if so, will he re-consider this decision, in view of the great desirability of having a kilted regiment at this station, in order to encourage the enlistment of Highlanders into Highland regiments?

*THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WAR (Mr. CAMPBELL.-BANNERMAN,&c.) Stirling,

The 1st Battalion Royal Scots will shortly proceed to Fort George. Such movements have to be regulated by the position of regiments on the roster. There are two kilted regiments serving in Great Britain, and both are in Scotland. Fort George being the head-quarters of the Seaforth Highlanders regimental district, there is abundant opportunity and inducement for Highlanders to enlist in a Highland regiment.

DR. MACGREGOR (Inverness-shire)

I beg to ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he is aware that the great objection Highlanders have to enlisting is that when they have contributed to the glory and renown of this Kingdom and return to their former homes they find access to the soil of their native land denied them: in other words, that their only reward for serving their country is eviction and extermination?

MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

I should be very sorry that they should be exterminated.