Overview, 1970 - 2006
On returning to England the astonishing decision to disband the Argylls came as sad and unwelcome news, however, thanks to the "Save the Argylls" campaign, which received world wide support, the decision was rescinded. The Battalion was reduced to Company strength but in 1972 was re-formed. The re-formation took place at Kirknewton, since when the Battalion has seen service in Northern Ireland on a large number of occasions, Osnabruck, Catterick, Ballykelly, Cyprus, Edinburgh, the Falkland Islands, Colchester and once again BAOR, this time Minden, Folkestone and Edinburgh where Her Majesty presented new colours to the Battalion in 1996.
In addition various training exercises have also been carried out in Canada, Kenya, the Falklands and Belize. The beginning of the 21st century saw the Battalion's contribution to the Northern Ireland peace process being recognised by the award of the Wilkinson Sword of Peace, as well as a change of role.
The Battalion has become an integral part of 16 Air Assault Brigade and has seen service in Iraq where it helped recruit, train and deploy units of the new Iraqi Civil Defence Corps and to assist in bringing security and stability to the area north of Basra under extremely dangerous conditions. As part of the process of being accredited as a fully trained Air Assault Battalion the Argylls took part in a large scale Air Assault Exercise in October 2004. The Battalion is now 'Fit for Role' undertaking a tour in Bosnia between March and September 2005.
Continued: 5 SCOTS, 2006 - Today
