SCOTCH GUARDS, a celebrated band which formed the first company of the ancient Gardes du Corps of France. In the ancient intercourse between the two countries, the natives of Scotland had often distinguished themselves in
the service of France. On this foundation the company of Scotch Guards, and the company of Scotch Gendarmes, were instituted; both of them owed their institution to Charles VII. of France, by whom the first standing army in Europe was formed, in the year 1454.
The ancient rights and privileges of the Scottish Life Guards were most honourable. The author of the Ancient Alliance between France and Britain says, "On high holidays, at the ceremony of the royal touch, the erection of knights of the king's order, the reception of extraordinary ambassadors, and the public entries of cities, there must be six of their number next to the king's person, three on each side; and the body of the king must be carried by these only, whosoever ceremony requires. They have the keeping of the keys of the king's lodging at night, the keeping of the choir of the chapel, the keeping the boats where the king passes the rivers; and they have the honour of bearing the white silk fringe in their arms, which in France is the coronne couleur. The keys of all the cities where the king makes his entry are given to their captain in waiting or out of waiting. He has the privilege, in waiting or out of waiting, at ceremonies—such as coronations, marriages, and funerals of the kings, and at the baptism and marriage of their children—to take duty upon him. The coronation robe belongs to him; and this company, by the death or change of a captain, never changes its rank, as do the three others."
This company's first commander, who is recorded as a person of great valour and military accomplishments, was Robert Patullock, or Patullo, a native of Dundee; and the corps, ever ardent to distinguish itself, continued in great reputation until the year 1578. From that period the Scotch Guards were less attended to, and their privileges came to be invaded. In 1612 they presented a remonstrance to Louis XIII. on the injustice they had suffered, and placed before him the services they had rendered to the crown of France. Attempts were then made to re-establish them on their ancient foundation; but the negotiation for this purpose proved ineffectual. The troops of France became jealous of the honours paid to them; the death of Francis II., and the return of Mary to Scotland, at a time when they had much to hope for, were unfavourable to their pretensions; the change of religion in Scotland, and the accession of James VI. to the throne of England, altogether disunited the interests of France and Scotland. The Scotch Guards of France had therefore latterly no connection with Scotland except in name.