Page "Atholl Highlanders" Paragraph 1

The name Atholl Highlanders dates to the formation of the 77th Regiment of Foot by the 4th Duke in 1777.

The regiment was formed as a relief for other regiments serving in North America, and spent most of its existence in Ireland.

The terms upon which the regiment was raised stated that the men were to be employed for either three years or the duration of the war in America.

In 1781, the original three-year term ended, and the men expected the regiment to be disbanded.

However, the regiment was transported to England and marched to Portsmouth to be embarked for service in the East Indies.

Upon learning of this, the men mutinied, and the embarkation orders were countermanded.

The regiment was marched to Berwick, where it disbanded in 1783.