No. 70 Highland Armed Association

In the late 1700s, in response to the outbreak of yet another war with France and the constant threat of possible invasion, many, mostly autonomous, Armed Associations or Volunteer Corps units were formed, often without official sanction. The first Scottish volunteer forces were formed during this invasion panic of the Napoleonic era.  The Highland Armed Association (renamed the Royal Highland Volunteers), were formed in 1797. They preceeded the formation in 1803 of the Loyal North Britons and it is in 1803 that the first ever documented evidence of pipes and drums playing together on the march is found.  This marks the birth of pipe band history.  The Highland Armed Association of London and The Loyal North Britons would later become the 14th (County of London) Battalion, The London Regiment (London Scottish) and the 23rd Battalion London Regiment originated as the Newington Surry [sic] Volunteers before 1799 when it was one of 65 volunteer corps units reviewed by George III.