Highlander: The True Story Behind a Military Legend

From the fields of Waterloo to the deserts of Sudan, from the Plains of Abraham to the mountains of Dargai, from the trenches of Flanders to the jungles of Burma—the Highlander has made his mark. But how was it that an 18th century outlaw and rebel should become transformed into an international hero?

Highlander is the first book to tell the complete story of how the Highlander rose from humble roots in the mountains of Scotland to become a dynamic figure of universal appeal. It tells the story through the words of the soldiers themselves, from their diaries, letters and journals—uncovered from the archives of Highland regiments in Scotland and around the world. Sometimes the stories reveal shocking truths long buried.

Scandal in the Desert:

In an unpublished soldier’s letter lays a very personal account of a campaign in the desert of North Africa. Highlander reveals how the lives of Black Watch Highlanders were sacrificed in battle as a punishment for their perceived disobedience. For the first time, this military crime is exposed.

Highlanders Betrayed:

Private documents uncovered at the National Archives reveal an early government threat to the Highland regiments. Highlander shines a light on secret plans to end the Black Watch and their comrades.

Highlanders Abused:

Hidden in a soldier’s private diary is the horrifying tale of their abuse by Muslim captors. Highlander reveals for the first time the terrible fate that awaited a Highland regiment captured in India two centuries ago.

Above all, this is not just a Scots story—but a world story. English, Irish, Welsh, Canadians, Australians, South Africans, and Americans have all served as Highlanders.

Book Author

Tim-newark Tim Newark is the author of several well-received crime and military history books. In 2007, he published The Mafia at War/Mafia Allies (Greenhill/Zenith), which involved extensive archival research in London, New York, Washington, and Sicily. It was very well reviewed by Mafia authorities and praised for its depth of research. This was followed by his myth-busting biography of legendary gangster Lucky Luciano (St Martin’s Press/Mainstream), now published in paperback in US as Boardwalk Gangster to coincide with the second season of the hit HBO TV series Boardwalk Empire. Most rec...
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Book Reviews

  • Professor Gary Sheffield
    "The Highland soldier is a wonderful theme, and Tim Newark does it full justice. This is a very readable book, full of colour and fascinating anecdotes."
  • Bernard Cornwell, best-selling author of Sharpe
    "Highlanders have long been among the most feared soldiers in Britain's army and Tim Newark's book admirably tells their stirring tale. A great read!"
  • Stuart Reid, author of Culloden 1746 and The Scottish Jacobite Army
    "No dry-as-dust regimental history but an impressively researched and immensely readable celebration of the Highland soldier.”"
  • Donald Trump
    "Tim Newark is one of the most pre-eminent historians in Scotland…"
  • Andrew Roberts
    "At last, the Highland soldier has the history he richly deserves. Tim Newark tells the dramatic tale with some startling new stories and superbly researched detail."
  • The Scotsman
    " Tim Newark is a remarkably gifted storyteller, and in ‘Highlander’ he really brings these proud soldiers to life."
  • Soldier
    "This stirring history chronicles the rise of the Highland soldier from the 16th century to modern day. Newark makes extensive use of diaries, letters and journals to furnish his book with rich personal accounts and perspectives."
  • Standard Books of the Year
    "…Tim Newark's fine book ‘Highlander’ (Constable, £20), a history of the Highland regiments of the British Army over the centuries."
  • Charles Messenger, British Commission for Military History
    "In this tribute to [the Highland soldier] Tim Newark has explored regimental and other archives to produce a lively and interesting account… All in all, this is a very readable book and a fitting tribute.  "
  • Camden New Journal
    "excellent new book."
  • Wargames Illustrated
    "  Newark’s great strength is his ability to recreate historical events with an infectious clarity of vision. This gift is very much in evidence here, making Highlander an enjoyable, action-packed and informative read right from the start… It is a book which should be compulsory reading for anyone ignorant of the crucial role Highland Scots have played time and time again in wars across the globe.  "
  • Aberdeen Press & Journal
    "   This is an excellent book, written with vigour and passion, and constantly displaying a fine appreciation of history and context.  "
  • Publishers Weekly
    "...this appealing history… a powerful portrait of ferocity and courage."