The Scottish Transport Regiment
Encyclopedia
The Scottish Transport Regiment, The Royal Logistic Corps
Royal Logistic Corps
The Royal Logistic Corps provides logistic support functions to the British Army. It is the largest Corps in the Army, comprising around 17% of its strength...

 (V), is a regiment of the Territorial Army in the United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...

. The Scottish Transport Regiment is the only regiment of the RLC based in Scotland. It role is to provide general transport support at 'third line' for the British Army. In addition it is paired ('twinned') with 7 Regiment RLC and provides trained manpower to support them in conducting current operations around the world. In recent years it has deployed personnel and formed units to both Op TELIC in Iraq and Op HERRICK in Afghanistan
Afghanistan
Afghanistan , officially the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, is a landlocked country located in the centre of Asia, forming South Asia, Central Asia and the Middle East. With a population of about 29 million, it has an area of , making it the 42nd most populous and 41st largest nation in the world...

 and with the UN on Op TOSCA in Cyprus.

Organisation

The Regiment is under Operational Command (OPCOM) of 51 (Scottish) Brigade within the Army's 2nd Division.

It is part of the Royal Logistic Corps and consists of an RHQ and four squadrons:
  • RHQ The Scottish Transport Regiment based in Dunfermline
    Dunfermline
    Dunfermline is a town and former Royal Burgh in Fife, Scotland, on high ground from the northern shore of the Firth of Forth. According to a 2008 estimate, Dunfermline has a population of 46,430, making it the second-biggest settlement in Fife. Part of the town's name comes from the Gaelic word...

  • 527 Headquarters Squadron based in Dunfermline
    Dunfermline
    Dunfermline is a town and former Royal Burgh in Fife, Scotland, on high ground from the northern shore of the Firth of Forth. According to a 2008 estimate, Dunfermline has a population of 46,430, making it the second-biggest settlement in Fife. Part of the town's name comes from the Gaelic word...

  • 221 Transport Squadron based in Glasgow
    Glasgow
    Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland and third most populous in the United Kingdom. The city is situated on the River Clyde in the country's west central lowlands...

  • 230 Transport Squadron based in Edinburgh
    Edinburgh
    Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland, the second largest city in Scotland, and the eighth most populous in the United Kingdom. The City of Edinburgh Council governs one of Scotland's 32 local government council areas. The council area includes urban Edinburgh and a rural area...

  • 251 Transport Squadron based in Irvine
    Irvine, North Ayrshire
    Irvine is a new town on the coast of the Firth of Clyde in North Ayrshire, Scotland. According to 2007 population estimates, the town is home to 39,527 inhabitants, making it the biggest settlement in North Ayrshire....



The Scottish Transport Regiment is 'twinned' with 7 Regiment RLC, based in Bielefeld
Bielefeld
Bielefeld is an independent city in the Ostwestfalen-Lippe Region in the north-east of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. With a population of 323,000, it is also the most populous city in the Regierungsbezirk Detmold...

 in Germany. 7 Regiment RLC are a regular 'third line' regiment and part of 102 Logistic Brigade.

Primary Equipment

Each of the task squadrons are equipped with the Leyland-DAF Demountable Rack Off Load and Pick up System (DROPS) which is a Medium Mobility Load Carrier (MMLC). It is capable of carrying 15 tonnes of stocks or equipment cross country, either in an ISO container or loaded directly onto its demountable flat rack. This capacity can be doubled by the coupling of a King trailer.

In addition to the DROPS vehicle, the Squadrons are also equipped with the JCB 525 rough terrain fork lift truck; a number of different types of Landrover for both general use and acting as communications vehicles; field catering equipment; and modern weapon systems including the 5.56mm Rifle (SA80 A2).

From 2011 the STR's domestic vehicles (currently Leyland DAF 4T and 8T variants) will be replaced with 6T and 9T variants of the MAN Support Vehicle (MAN SV) (the military version of the MAN SX
MAN SX
The MAN SX is a family of high-mobility off-road trucks made by MAN SE, derived from the MAN KAT1. MAN claims it is the most mobile and reliable truck on earth.There are 8x8, 6x6, and 4x4 variants. All are air-transportable by C-130 Hercules...

).

Soldier Trades

To enable the Squadron to operate their vehicles and equipment, its soldiers are highly trained and skilled in a wide variety of trades, these include: Drivers, Communication Specialists, Chefs, Military Clerks and Combat Medical Technicians.

Each Squadron also has a Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
The Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers is a corps of the British Army that has responsibility for the maintenance, servicing and inspection of almost every electrical and mechanical piece of equipment within the British Army from Challenger II main battle tanks and WAH64 Apache...

 (REME) Workshop Section who provide the trained Vehicle Mechanics, Electricians, Metal Smiths and Recovery Mechanics with skills and expertise in the repair and recover all of all the Squadron's equipment.

RHQ

The Scottish Transport Regiment is commanded from the Regimental Headquarters (RHQ), which is based in Dunfermline
Dunfermline
Dunfermline is a town and former Royal Burgh in Fife, Scotland, on high ground from the northern shore of the Firth of Forth. According to a 2008 estimate, Dunfermline has a population of 46,430, making it the second-biggest settlement in Fife. Part of the town's name comes from the Gaelic word...



RHQ
The Scottish Transport Regiment
Bothwell House
Elgin Street
DUNFERMLINE
KY12 7SB

Location Map

Squadrons

Each Squadron has 3 Troops and Squadron Headquarters (SHQ). Initially all recruits join X Ray Troop (which is named MacKay Troop in 230 Sqn, after Colonel David MacKay the Honorary Colonel to the STR from April 2004 to April 2011). They remain there until they complete their basic trade qualifications (B3) and for driver trades this also means they must obtain category B (Car) and C (HGV 2) licences. Once they have their B3 qualification trained soldiers move into one of the 2 task troops (A and B Troops) or the SHQ. At this stage driver trade can opt to train as a communications specialist.

527 Headquarters Squadron

TA Centre
Bruce House
Elgin Street
DUNFERMLINE
KY12 7SA

Tel: 01383 723615

Location Map

221 (Glasgow) Transport Squadron

TA Centre
84 Clydesmill Drive
Carmyle
GLASGOW
G32 8RG

Tel: 0141 641 9593

Location Map

230 (Edinburgh) Transport Squadron

TA Centre
126 Alnwickhill Road
EDINBURGH
EH16 6NQ

Tel: 0131 664 3454

Location Map

251 (Ayrshire) Transport Squadron

TA Centre
Corsehill Mount Road
Dreghorn
IRVINE
Ayrshire
KA11 4JZ

Tel: 01294 211963

Location Map

Sports and Competitions

The Scottish Transport Regiment have a long tradition of success at team sports and competitions and are currently the:
  • TA Scottish Football Champions
  • RLC TA Nordic Skiing Champions
  • RLC TA Alpine Skiing Champions
  • 51(Scottish) Brigade Shooting Champions and Runners Up (OPCOM Units)
  • RLC Gore Trophy (Military Skills) Veterans (1st overall) and Mixed (2nd Overall)


The Scottish Transport Regiment also have the Army Rally Champion who is Sgt Ewan Christie.

Regimental History

The regiment was formed on 1 April 1993 by the amalgamation of 153rd (Highland) Regiment and 154th (Lowland) Regiment of the Royal Corps of Transport
Royal Corps of Transport
The Royal Corps of Transport was a British Army Corps formed in 1965 from the transport elements of the Royal Army Service Corps and the movement control element of the Royal Engineers . The depot was Buller Barracks in Aldershot...

, with four transport squadrons and a headquarters squadron. An additional rations squadron was established in 1999, but has since been transferred to 159 Supply Regiment RLC(V).

Regimental Lineage

Forming Regiments The Royal Corps of Transport The Royal Logistic Corps Remarks
Formed on 5 Apr 93 from the 153rd (Highland) and 154th (Lowland) Regiments RCT (TA) The Scottish Transport Regiment RLC(V)
Formed 1 Apr 67 at Dunfermline from 433 (Forth) Regiment RCT (TA) 153rd (Highland) Artillery Support Regiment
Formed from 51 Highland Division Regiment RCT (TA) 212 Amb Sqn (Perth, Aberdeen and Dunblane)
Formed from 52 (Lowland) Division and 69 (East Lowlands) Regiment RCT (TA) 230 (Edinburgh) Tpt Sqn 230 (Edinburgh) Tpt Sqn
Formed from 433 (Forth) Regiment RCT (TA) 231 Tpt Sqn (Dunfermline until 98 then Glenrothes) Reroled as 231 (Evacuation) Squadron in 225 General Support Medical Regiment RAMC, 1 Jul 99
Formed from The Fife and Forfar Yeomanry/Scottish Horse (T) 239 (Highland Yeomanry) Tpt Sqn (Cupar, Kirkcaldy and Leven) Reroled as C (Fife and Forfar/Scottish Horse) Squadron, The Scottish Yeomanry, 1 Nov 92 Amalgamated with the Queen's Own Yeomanry in 96
Formed 1 Apr 67 from 52 Lowland Division Regiment RCT (TA) 154th (Lowland) Transport Regiment
Formed from 528, 530 and 574 Squadrons RCT (TA) 221 (Glasgow) Tpt Sqn 221 (Glasgow) Tpt Sqn
Formed from 264 (Scottish) Regiment RCT (TA) 222 Tpt Sqn (East Kilbride) Reroled as B (Lanarkshire and Queen's Own Royal Glasgow Yeomanry) Squadron, The Scottish Yeomanry, 1 Nov 92 Amalgamated with the Queen's Own Yeomanry in 96
Formed from Queens Own Lowland Yeomanry (QOLY) 225 (QOLY) Tpt Sqn (Edinburgh) Reroled as 'HQ' (Lothians and Border Horse) Squadron, The Scottish Yeomanry, 1 Nov 92 Amalgamated with the Queen's Own Yeomanry in 96
Formed at from Cadre The Ayrshire Yeomanry 251 (Ayrshire) Tpt Sqn 251 (Ayrshire) Tpt Sqn
Formed 1 Apr 93 by redesignation of 94 (Scottish) Ordnance Squadron RAOC (V) 125 Rations Sqn Moved to 159 Support Regt RLC(V) 1 Apr 07
527 Company RASC part of the 51st Highland Division Regiment RCT (TA) based in Perth Renamed 212 Sqn RCT 527 HQ Sqn

Commanding Officers

Commanding Officers From / To
Lt Col AM Matthew Apr 93 - Nov 94
Lt Col RC Hambleton RLC(V) Nov 94-May 97
Lt Col AJ Parrot May 97 - Aug 99
Lt Col T Couch Aug 99 - Nov 01
Lt Col CJ Wensley Jan 02 - Apr 04
Lt Col PR Couser MBE May 4 - Dec 06
Lt Col LJ Maclean MBE Jan 07 - Jun 09
Lt Col JW Galloway Jul 09 - Dec 11
Lt Col PA Holder Dec 11 - Present

Regimental Sergeant Majors

Regimental Sergeant Majors From / To
WO1(RSM) TS Raven Jun 93 - Mar 96
WO1(RSM) MG Shipman Apr 96 - Apr 98
WO1(RSM) PS Eaton May 98 - May 00
WO1(RSM) D McBride Jun 00 - Feb 02
WO1(RSM) GK Watson Mar 02 - Oct 03
WO1(RSM) A Honeyman Nov 03 - Mar 06
WO1(RSM) DP Foster Mar 06 - May 8
WO1(RSM) AM Dunwell Jun 08 - Present

Regimental Hymn

The Regimental Hymn was written by Major Jim Smith MBE, the Padre to the Scottish Transport Regiment from 1999 to 2010.

(Sung to the tune of Onward Christian Soldiers)
  • Onward we will travel
  • Scottish Transport Reg.
  • And all those who join us
  • On the road ahead
  • As we drive on forward
  • To support the need
  • Lord we ask your blessing
  • Help us to succeed

  • Onward then we soldiers
  • To defend the peace
  • In this land and others
  • We will never cease

  • When we travel onwards
  • Hold our loved ones tight
  • In thy mighty hand lord
  • As we face the fight
  • We are not divided
  • All one family we
  • Thistle is our emblem
  • Proud for all to see

  • Onward then we soldiers
  • To defend the peace
  • In this land and others
  • We will never cease

Regimental Pipes and Drums

The Scottish Transport Regiment currently has no formed Pipes and Drums although it formed an affiliation with the Dunfermline and District Pipe Band which has become known as the Dunfermline District & Scottish Transport Regiment Pipe Band who practice at the TA Centre in Dunfermline on Monday and Thursday Nights between 19.00 - 21.00hrs under the direction of their Pipe Major, Mr David Johnson.

Tartan

From the formation of The Highland Divisional Transport and Supply Column ASC (TA) in 1908, the antecedents of the STR did not have an official Regimental Tartan. Indeed, it was not until 1937, when 51st Highland Divisional RASC (TA) formed the Regiment’s first Pipes and Drums, that this lack of a Regimental Tartan became an issue. In 1937 the CO, Lt Col T Harris Hunter OBE, gained the consent of Princess Arthur of Connaught
Princess Alexandra, Duchess of Fife
Princess Alexandra, 2nd Duchess of Fife was a member of the British Royal Family, a granddaughter of King Edward VII...

 for the Pipes and Drums to wear the Red MacDuff Tartan. Princess Arthur was Duchess of Fife – where the RHQ was based and remains to this day – and her husband, Prince Arthur of Connaught
Prince Arthur of Connaught
Prince Arthur of Connaught and Strathearn was a member of the British Royal Family, a grandson of Queen Victoria. Prince Arthur held the title of a British prince with the style His Royal Highness...

, was the first Colonel in Chief of the Royal Army Service Corps (RASC) the forerunner of the RCT and thence the RLC. The official designation of the Regiment’s Tartan is No16 Red MacDuff (Ancient).

The name MacDuff means 'son of the dark one' (MacDhuibh in the Gaelic) and the MacDuffs are descended from the same ancient royal house as Shakespeare's Macbeth
Macbeth
The Tragedy of Macbeth is a play by William Shakespeare about a regicide and its aftermath. It is Shakespeare's shortest tragedy and is believed to have been written sometime between 1603 and 1607...

. Traditionally, MacDuff was the first Earl if Fife
Fife
Fife is a council area and former county of Scotland. It is situated between the Firth of Tay and the Firth of Forth, with inland boundaries to Perth and Kinross and Clackmannanshire...

, who opposed Macbeth and helped Malcolm to the Throne. Fife is, of course, the home of the Regimental HQ which is based in Dunfermline
Dunfermline
Dunfermline is a town and former Royal Burgh in Fife, Scotland, on high ground from the northern shore of the Firth of Forth. According to a 2008 estimate, Dunfermline has a population of 46,430, making it the second-biggest settlement in Fife. Part of the town's name comes from the Gaelic word...

. The MacDuffs, under their earl, had the privilege of crowning the king and of always being in the front ranks of his army - a position of great honour. In 1306 Robert the Bruce had Duncan MacDuff, Earl of Fife, imprisoned for 7 years, as he had been a supporter of the Comyns. The motto of the MacDuff clan is Deus Juvet: God Assists.

Head Dress and Cap Badge

From 1937 until 1978 the Red MacDuff tartan was worn only by the Regiment’s Pipes and Drums. On 9 Jan 78 authorisation for the wearing of the wearing of a diamond shaped 1 inch Red MacDuff backing to the cap-badge was granted by the Army Dress Committee to both 153 (Highland) Artillery Support Regiment RCT and 154 (Lowland) Transport Regiment RCT. This was ratified by the Corps Dress Committee (RCT) on 9 Feb 78. The change in dress was unfunded (and remains unfunded) and took some time to complete, with 221 (Glasgow)Sqn RCT being the last to change on 29 Jan 79.

In Jul 09 a request was made to the Corps Dress Committee to allow the STR to adopt the Tam O'Shanter (TOS) to reinforce the Scottish Identity of the STR, support unit ethos and support unit recruiting and retention. This change was agreed at the 334th Meeting of the RLC Dress Committee and the Scottish Transport Regiment now wear the TOS rather than the dark blue beret of the Royal Logistic Corps. While the cap badge
Cap badge
A cap badge, also known as head badge or hat badge, is a badge worn on uniform headgear and distinguishes the wearer's nationality and/or organisation. The wearing of cap badges is a convention commonly found among military and police forces, as well as uniformed civilian groups such as the Boy...

 of the STR is the same as that of the Royal Logistic Corps
Royal Logistic Corps
The Royal Logistic Corps provides logistic support functions to the British Army. It is the largest Corps in the Army, comprising around 17% of its strength...

all ranks wear a diamond shaped patch of MacDuff Tartan behind the cap badge.

Formed in 1967 from the Fife and Forfar Yoemanry, 239 (Highland) Tpt Sqn - within 153 Highland Artillery Support Regiment, a forming regiment of the Scottish Transport Regiment - were allowed to retain the Atholl Bonnet as their head dress. However, this tradition was not retained when the squadron reroled as C (Fife and Forfar / Scottish Horse) Squadron, The Scottish Yeomanry, 1 Nov 92 (later to be amalgamated with the Queen's Own Yeomanry in 1996).

Tactical Recognition Flash (TRF)

As a regiment in the Royal Logisitc Corps, the Scottish Transport Regiment wear the TRF of the Royal Logistic Corps.

Footwear

Unlike the remainder of the Royal Logistic Corps the Officers and Warrant Officers all wear highland brogues when parading in No 2 Dress.

Stable Belt Colours

Officers and Warrant Officers of the Scottish Transport Regiment wear a side fastening stable belt of MacDuff Tartan.

Pipes and Drums

The Regiment's Pipes and Drums wear the MacDuff Ancient Tartan and doublets of piper green with white facings. Their feather bonnets carry a red, white and blue hackle denoting the colours of the Royal Corps of Transport. To denote their fully combatant status pipers and drummers are armed with the Highland Dirk with senior ranks carrying the Sqian Dubh (Black Knife) which is worn in their hose. The Pipe Major carries a banner affixed to the drone of his pipes, bearing the device - or cypher - of the Regimental Honorary Colonel. The baldrik, worn by the Drum Major is a ceremonial item which originates in the drummers sash in which drummers used to carry their drumsticks. A pair of miniature silver drumsticks is still fitted to the baldrik.

A Career With the Scottish Transport Regiment

If you are thinking about joining the Scottish Transport Regiment as a Territorial Soldier you will need to consider what you want to get out of your part-time career.

First and foremost if you would like to get a driving licence up to Cat C+E and fancy some physically and mentally demanding training in your spare time then the Scottish Transport Regiment is for you! You get paid while you train and pay is very good. For those that meet their minimum annual training commitment you can also qualify for a tax free annual bonus. However, the real benefits of being in the Scottish Transport Regiment are gained through the structured personal development training that is conducted which can have a very beneficial effect on your civilian career. Finally we always aim to have fun, as well as providing real capability to support the Regular Army on operations.

All Territorial Soldiers sign-up for an initial 12 year engagement on enlistment although you may apply to leave at any time after enlistment. The annual minimum training commitment to the Scottish Transport Regiment is 27 days. This will normally consist of a training evening once each week, one weekend each month and a 15 day training 'event' which could be a camp in the UK or overseas, or a course. It's always possible to do more than the minimum however, and as the basic military skills training package takes 27 days the regiment prefers its soldiers to undertake this number of days in their first year. For new recruits this enables you to qualify for a tax-free bounty payment in year one and to begin your trade training at the start of year two.

Joining The Scottish Transport Regiment

There are six simple steps to become a TA Soldier with the Scottish Transport Regiment:
  • Step One - Select a location. The Scottish Transport Regiment has Squadrons in Dunfermline, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Irvine.

  • Step Two - Give a Squadron a call and arrange a no obligation interview or just visit the barracks during our training evenings which are every Wednesday 7.30 - 9.00 pm.

  • Step Three - Attend an informal interview with one of our recruiting staff. During the first visit you will be given further information about the TA and some forms to complete.

  • Step Four - Return the completed paperwork to the Squadron which will be checked and then processed and if you are successful at this stage a medical examination will be arranged for you. On completion of your medical you will be asked to return for a further interview.

  • Step Five - You will then attend a Recruit Selection Weekend. The aim of this weekend is to give you a chance to take a look at life in the TA life, find out what the training will be like and also it is a chance for the regiment to have a look at you and gauge your potential. Transport, accommodation and food are provided free for this weekend.

  • Step Six - Provided that your paperwork is complete; you meet the specified criteria; and you've passed your medical and selection weekend you will be given the opportunity to be attested - take an oath - to join the TA. You will be paid from your day of attestation.

Pay and allowances

The following pay and allowances are available to soldiers and officers of The Scottish Transport Regiment:
Rank Indicative Daily Rate of Pay
Junior Ranks
New Recruit £34.41
Private Soldier from £42.91
JNCOs
Lance Corporal from £51.90
Corporal from £66.58
SNCOs
Sergeant from £75.68
Staff Sergeant from £83.78
Warrant Officer Class II from £90.90
Officers
Officer Cadet from £39.27
Second Lieutenant from £ 62.07
Lieutenant from £ 74.61
Captain from £ 95.61
Major from £120.44


Pay is subject to tax and to the deduction of National Insurance contributions which, under certain circumstances, may be reclaimed.

Annual Training Bounty

All soldiers and officers within the Scottish Transport Regiment can also qualify for an annual tax free training bounty as a reward for volunteering, which rises with number of years satisfactory service and on completion of minimum training requirement.
Year Amount
1st Year £424
2nd Year £934
3rd & 4th Year £1443
5th Year £1674

Training Nights

Attendance on training nights is paid at the rate of one quarter of a day's pay for each training night attended.

Expenses

Travel expenses may be paid for travel to and from the TA Centre or other place of duty.

External links

The source of this article is wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.  The text of this article is licensed under the GFDL.
 
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