Tri-Service

2 SCOTS Retrace The Steps Of Fallen WW1 Heroes

From Dreghorn Woods, over the Pentland hills to Castlelaw. Soldiers from 2 SCOTS, based at nearby Penicuik are retracing the steps of their antecedent regiment – the 16th Royal Scots. They were raised during the First World War, a volunteer battalion made up of many famous footballers and fans.

They were known as McCrae's battalion after their Commanding Officer Colonel Sir George McCrae. He inspired hundreds of men to join him in the space of a few days in 1914 and they spent much of 1915 preparing for war. That included training here just outside of Edinburgh.

The challenges the men faced were different to those faced by soldiers today, and they trained in itchy woolen uniforms, with bulky webbing and heavy boots.

Also on this march is Ivor Ramsay, nephew of Lance Corporal John Cleghorn, a boy soldier who lied about his age and signed up at 15. Before the war he was a gamekeeper in Penicuik and on the 11th February 1915 his local knowledge of the Pentland hills saved lives.

By the end of the First World War 800 men in McCrae's Battalion had made the ultimate sacrifice. Through their story we learn of a battalion of friends, who lived, trained and fought together – and today that spirit continues.

More: Wounded - The Medical Equipment Of The First World War