Major the Marquis of Tullibardine, MVO, DSO, in the written statement furnished by him to the War Commission and in his evidence gives an admirably clear yet modest account of the organisation, composition, and work of the two regiments of the Scottish Horse, each of which earned great distinction by exceptionally fine work.

In November 1900, Lord Kitchener sanctioned the raising of a regiment to be known as the Scottish Horse. Lord Tullibardine soon started recruiting from Scotsmen, or men of Scottish descent, in South Africa, chiefly in Natal; and on 4th February 1901 he took the field with three squadrons. To these other squadrons were soon added. The Volunteer Service Companies of Scottish regiments furnished no less than 200 men. To these their leader gave the highest possible praise. "One hundred of them were the best body of men in every way that I saw in South Africa. This particular squadron had a reputation which extended far beyond the column with which it was trekking".

Recruiting was not confined to South Africa. Great Britain and the other Colonies were appealed to, and the Caledonian Societies in London and overseas did grand work. Many Australians of Scottish ancestry must have felt more connected to their ancestors than their fellow countrymen. Caledonian societies within Australia recruited actively for the Scottish Horse. The Highland Society of London sent out 386 officers and men, who sailed in February and March 1901; and the Marquis's father, the Duke of Atholl, personally raised 831 men before the war was over. The Society in Melbourne took up the matter with enthusiasm, and "about 300 men joined me on 8th March. These were a splendid draft, very fine riders, and all Victorians". Later on more men joined from Australia, recruiting having been attended with success. The first regiment was soon six squadrons strong, and a second of five squadrons also took the field. In no way did Lord Tullibardine show his organising power to greater advantage than in the setting up of depots for his force for both men and horses. A central headquarters depot for both regiments, with a convalescent camp for sick men and overworked horses, was at Johannesburg, and there were advance depots for each regiment near the railway in the district in which each might be trekking. At these advance depots were remount establishments. Thus sick men could go to the regimental camp, and so not get lost in the great army hospitals. Horses needing a rest could be sent in to the rest-camp at the depot, and come out as well as ever. In selecting his officers his lordship showed the same wisdom, and in that all-important respect no corps was more fortunately situated. The commander, second in command, and adjutant of each regiment were all regulars of experience. "From first to last I had 157 officers: 14 were killed or died; 7 were invalided; 11 were removed or resigned at my request; 107 served to the end of the war, and the remainder resigned for private reasons. The officers were - Supplied from regular army, 22; appointed in South Africa outside the regiment, 78; through the ranks of the regiment, 46; and at home, 11". At another part Lord Tullibardine said: "Some of the most reliable officers I had were appointed through the ranks. They were of all classes, and were promoted principally on their merits". This coming from an officer of the Royal Horse Guards who had seen much active service, apart from South Africa, is surely a sufficient reply to the old-fashioned people who insist with tiresome reiteration that an officer must be selected for his pedigree.