Until their amalgamation in the above Regiment in 1881 the 1st and 2nd Battalions were respectively the 72nd and 78th Regiments of Foot. The 72nd Regiment was raised by the Earl of Seaforth in 1777. In 1823, as a special mark of Royal favour it received the title of ‘The Duke of Albany’s Own Highlanders’. The 78th Regiment, or ‘Ross-shire Buffs’ was raised at Fort St. George, Inverness-shire in 1793.