Scottish army badges 'to be saved' in cuts

BBC Scotland has been told that the cap badges and names of the five battalions within the Royal Regiment of Scotland are to be retained.

Their identities had been under threat as the UK government reduces the number of armed forces personnel from 102,000 to 82,000.

The most significant change will be in the status of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders.

It will be reduced to company strength and will undertake "public duties".

This could involve guarding high-profile locations such as Edinburgh's Holyrood Palace.

The four other battalions are expected to remain intact.

They are: the Royal Scots Borderers; the Black Watch; the Royal Highland Fusiliers; and the Highlanders.

Government sources have indicated that the Royal and Sutherland Highlanders will remain a stand-alone company and will not merge with another battalion.

It is believed to be the first time such an arrangement has been used in Scotland.

In the past, such companies have been restored to battalion status at a later date.

A formal announcement on the Defence Review is expected on Thursday.