The Scots Brigade: Scotland's Forgotten Army in Europe

Long before the Highland regiments of the British Empire, Scottish soldiers fought across Europe in the service of foreign kings. In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore the story of the Scots Brigade — the thousands of mercenaries who served the Dutch Republic from the 16th to the 18th century. They trace the brigade's origins in the Dutch Revolt, its battles against the Spanish and later the French, its unique Calvinist character, and the tight-knit Scottish communities that formed in cities like Utrecht and Leiden. Along the way, they discuss famous commanders like Sir William Balfour, the brigade's role in the Glorious Revolution, and how these soldiers influenced Scottish military culture at home. They also touch on the brigade's eventual disbandment in 1784, when the British government forbade its subjects from serving foreign powers. Drawing on letters, regimental records, and the stories of individual soldiers, this episode sheds light on a forgotten chapter of Scottish history — one where the Scots were not just fighting for their own independence, but shaping the battles of Europe. #ScotsBrigade #ScottishHistory #DutchRepublic #Mercenaries #EightyYearsWar #WilliamIII #GloriousRevolution #Utrecht #Leiden #ScottishDiaspora #Covenanters #StuartMonarchy #EarlyModernEurope #MilitaryHistory #Scotland #History #FexingoHistory #ScottishSoldiers Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo