Quote Originally Posted by Oldhiker View Post
found this a while back, not sure how true it is

The Black Watch
In 1725 six Independent Black Watch companies were formed. Three from Clan Campbell, one from Clan Fraser, one from Clan Munro and one from Clan Grant. These companies were known by the name Reicudan Dhu, or Black Watch. Taking advantage of the partisan nature and warrior instincts of the highlanders, these men were authorised to wear the kilt and to bear arms, thus it was not difficult to find recruits. The regiment was then officially known as the 42nd Regiment of Foot.
The regiment's name in the Gaelic is 'Am Freiceadan Dhu'.

The aforementioned article from the Scottish Military Historical Society is a better summary of the RHR's history, INMHO.

T.