Piper, Highland Light Infantry, in full dress, 1900 (c)

Watercolour by Percy William Reynolds, 1900 (c).

The Highland Light Infantry was formed in the 1881 Army reforms by merging the 71st (Highland) Regiment of Foot (Light Infantry) and the 74th (Highland) Regiment of Foot. These became its 1st and 2nd Battalions respectively. The new unit recruited in Glasgow, so it became the only highland regiment given the lowland uniform of trews (trousers) instead of kilts. This decision was not reversed until 1947.

During the 1880s and 1890s, the regiment undertook garrison duties across the British Empire. On the outbreak of the Boer War (1899-1902), 1st Battalion was sent to South Africa and fought throughout the conflict.

From a series of 70 watercolours, 1900 (c).