Field officer's full dress coatee, North Lowland Fencibles, worn by Lieutenant-Colonel William Simson, 1794-1802

Scarlet wool cloth coatee with long tail and cut-away front, white piping, green wool cloth cuffs and collar, and gilt metal buttons, each with a thistle flower and the unit's initials, 'N', ''L' and 'F', surmounted by a monarchial crown.

William Simson is thought to have served previously with the 21st Light Dragoons as a captain, but is recorded as becoming Lieutenant-Colonel of the North Lowland Fencibles on 15 November 1794.

The Fencible regiments were raised for home service so that regular Army units could be released for service abroad during the Wars of the French Revolution (1793-1802). Alongside the Militia, they would defend the country against the threat of invasion by the French.