Training
Operational Readiness
Soldiers develop the tactical, physical and leadership skills required to serve.
The Black Watch • Montréal • Since 1862
A Living Regiment.
For more than 160 years, The Black Watch has served Canada while remaining firmly rooted in Montréal and the communities from which its soldiers come.
1862
Founded
Montréal
Home
Infantry
Role
Primary Reserve
Component
Who we are
Service. Identity. Belonging.
The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) of Canada is an infantry regiment of the Canadian Army’s Primary Reserve. The Regiment brings together serving soldiers, veterans, families and supporters through a shared commitment to service, leadership and Regimental tradition.
Our story
More Than a Century and a Half of Service.
Founded in Montréal in 1862, the Regiment has served through two world wars, Korea, Afghanistan, domestic operations and generations of peacetime service.
Its history is carried not only through battle honours and traditions, but by every soldier who has worn the badge.
The Regiment today
Ready to Serve.
Today’s Black Watch soldiers balance military service with careers, education and family life while preparing to support Canadian Armed Forces operations.
Service
At Home and Abroad
Members contribute to domestic operations, major exercises and international commitments.
Community
Rooted in Montréal
The Regiment remains closely connected to the city and communities it has served since 1862.
The Regimental family
Connected Across Generations.
The Regiment extends beyond its serving battalion. Veterans, cadets, families, honorary appointments, associations and charitable organizations all help sustain the Black Watch community.
01
Serving Members
The soldiers and leaders serving in the Regiment today.
02
Veterans and Regimental Associations
Maintaining lifelong connections across generations of service.
03
Cadets
Supporting youth development, leadership and community service.
04
Officers’ Mess
Preserving fellowship, hospitality and Regimental tradition.
05
Foundation
Supporting heritage, education and the future of the Regiment.
Regimental leadership
Leading the Regiment.
The Regiment is led by its Command Team and supported by its Honorary appointments, who strengthen its connection to the community and its history.
COLONEL-IN-CHIEF
His Majesty King Charles III
Commanding Officer
LCol David Serapins
Regimental Sergeant-Major
RSM Alexander Cyr
Honorary Colonel
HCol Bruce Bolton
Traditions and identity
Symbols That Carry Meaning.
The Regiment’s dress, music, customs and symbols connect today’s soldiers with those who came before them.
The Red Hackle
A distinctive symbol of Black Watch identity recognized around the world.
Government Tartan
The historic tartan worn by generations of Black Watch soldiers.
Pipes and Drums
Music that has accompanied the Regiment through ceremony, service and remembrance.
The Regimental Badge
A symbol connecting every member to the Regiment’s history, service and identity.
Explore further
Discover the Black Watch.
Across generations
A Regiment Built to Endure.
Whether through service, remembrance, participation or support, every generation has a role in carrying the Regiment forward.