The Army of the King of Scots 1688

Scotland in 1688 still had its own military establishment.  Beyond that the Highland Clans were armed to the best of their ability. With judicious political management it was possible for the King of Scots to bring together most or all of Scotland’s military resources.  The circumstances that permitted judicious political management were oft in short supply.

Here is my Scottish Collection for 1688. First the Regulars. Armour was issued to the Scots Cavalry in 1688.

Above the cavalry, below the Dragoons on foot.

The Dragoons mounted.

To the infantry.  

We begin with Dumbarton’s Regiment. Wauchope’s regiment apparently carried the same flags and wore the same uniform.

Now, to the Scots Brigade in Dutch Service.  They could be recalled at will by the King of Scots. Indeed, they were during Monmouth’s Rebellion.

 MacKay’s Regiment.

  Ramsay’s Regiment.

Balfour's Regiment.

A militia Battalion.  Aberdeen Colours for this one.  I may well do another.  If so they could appear in blue coats faced white.  That may have been standard for Scots militia.

The artillery.  A light gun first.  I'll likely add another.

Note the gunners are in their undress coats, grey faced black.  The officer is in full fig, below a Frame Gun. I'll be doing another two of these.

 

Frames were used at Killiekrankie. Anything on wheels could not have got there. Frames could be dismantled and put on pack ponies.  One of those at Killiekrankie promptly collapsed when fired.  The frame was rotten.  Never the less new frames were easily povided and in difficult terrain it is easy to see their utility.  A more portable form of the Battalion Gun in reality.

The Highland Clans make for an interesting game component.  Here are 7 such units.  They could fight on either side.

 

I find the Beneath the Lily Banners treatment of Highlanders to be pleasing.

 

It neatly reflects their strengths and weaknesses.

A Clan unit on the attack was a fearsome thing.  It moved fast and hit hard.

Conversely, when on the defensive lack of firepower rendered them easy meat for most regular forces.

 

I've used figures from Essex, Khurasan, Matchlock, Minifigs, and a smattering of others for my Highland units.

 

The fine Clan flags are mainly from Ray at Don't Throw a 1.