Raised in 1678. It was one of the brave battalions which steadily marched to the attack on the village of Blenheim until the palisades were reached, without firing a shot in reply to the tempest of shot which greeted them. At Ramillies, at Oudenarde, on the red field of Malplaquet, the most fiercely fought of Marlborough's victories, and in numerous minor engagements, its conduct was ever conspicuous. Under the brave "Sheriff" Agnew,—the Sir Andrew Agnew whose name is familiar to readers of Scott,—it fought at Dettingen. The regiment delivered a volley, and charged the cavalry with the bayonet, nearly annihilating a French corps. King George II. witnessed the movement and its result, and praised all ranks for their great gallantry. The regiment has fought in all parts of the world since, and with equal distinction.

Nicknamed: "Earl of Mar's Grey Breeks," from the colour of the men's breeches at the time the regiment was raised (1678).