Kilted Regiments Conference 2026: Highlanders Gather in Toronto
May 2026 | Toronto Garrison
From 1–3 May 2026, the Toronto Garrison hosted the Kilted Regiments Conference — a gathering that brought together representatives from fourteen of Canada's Highland and Scottish-lineage regiments, along with distinguished guests from the United Kingdom. Organized under the lead of the Toronto Scottish Regiment, with essential support from the 48th Highlanders of Canada and the Lorne Scots, the conference was a weekend of professional development, regimental pride, and genuine camaraderie.
Who Was There
The conference drew representation from across the country: the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada, Lorne Scots, Toronto Scottish, Nova Scotia Highlanders, Canadian Scottish Regiment, Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa/SDG Highlanders, Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders, Calgary Highlanders, Irish Regiment of Canada, Essex and Kent Scottish, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada, Black Watch, 48th Highlanders of Canada, and the North Saskatchewan Regiment.
A Full Program
The three-day program struck a careful balance between the cultural and the operational — a balance that attendees recognized as one of the weekend's genuine strengths.
Highlights included unit SITREP briefings that gave every regiment a moment to share successes and challenges from the past year; a detailed overview of updated British Army Recruit Training (Regular and Reserve); and a reflection on the 20th Anniversary of the Royal Regiment of Scotland from its Colonel of the Regimen. The presence of these UK visitors was considered particularly valuable, lending an international perspective on the operational and cultural pressures facing Highland regiments on both sides of the Atlantic.
We received an update on upcoming Canadian Army Dress changes for both Combats and Service Dress. Breakout sessions for Commanding Officers, RSMs, and Pipe & Drum personnel gave space for frank, rank-appropriate conversation on topics including retention, joint exercises, and Reserve Force challenges. A lecture on Urban Operations rounded out the professional development component of the weekend.
The cultural dimension was equally prominent. The Pipes and Drums of all three host units paraded in Full Dress at various points throughout the weekend — a standard we in the Seaforth family very much aspire to uphold. A Piping and Drumming competition added a welcome spirit of friendly rivalry, and the weekend concluded with a Regimental Museum Tour covering the collections of the Toronto Scottish and Lorne Scots in Brampton.
The Mess Dinner, hosted by the 48th Highlanders at Moss Park Armoury, was a major event and well attended.
Highland Blitz Makes Waves
One of the most gratifying moments of the conference came when the Seaforth Highlanders' Exercise HIGHLAND BLITZ was highlighted before the assembled group. The exercise drew immediate attention and admiration. Both the Calgary Highlanders and the Canadian Scottish Regiment spoke to its significance, and there was considerable interest from other units in replicating the model in their own regions. It is a point of pride that an initiative born within our Regiment is now generating national conversation.
Tactical Groupings: A National Picture
A recurring theme across unit briefings was the reality of tactical groupings — the pairing of Reserve infantry regiments with other infantry or armoured units. The consensus was nuanced: increased exercise numbers and some broadened opportunities were noted as positives, but so too was the significantly expanded geographic responsibility placed on Command Teams. Most units were either already grouped or on the verge of it. The general disposition was pragmatic rather than alarmed, though it was noted that the Command Teams present were, by definition, those still in post — the fuller picture from those displaced by groupings remains to be heard. It was also understood that many units have been directed to grow, and that successful growth could eventually render these groupings unnecessary.
Vendors and Kit
Three sponsors were present throughout the weekend: L&M Highland, Brunettes and Strouth, and Ammo and Co. Their on-site presence proved genuinely useful, enabling direct conversations with representatives to confirm existing orders and explore new options for Regimental kit and accoutrements. This format — vendors integrated into the conference rather than simply exhibiting — is one worth preserving.
Looking Ahead
The conference affirmed the value of this gathering — not just as a celebration of Highland identity, but as a practical forum for the challenges facing Canada's Scottish-lineage regiments today. Points identified for future conferences include tightening the Mess Dinner format, dedicating more formal time to museum and heritage discussions, and broadening attendance to include a fuller cross-section of each regiment — Command Teams, Pipes & Drums, Museum staff, and Honoraries alike.
The Black Watch will host the 2027 Kilted Regiments Conference, with the Calgary Highlanders confirmed for 2028.
The RSM and Regimental Adjutant en route to the Working Group
Cuidich 'N Rìgh.