The Corps, a Saint, and a Royal Legacy

The Battle of Athelstaneford in the Scottish Highlands.

In 832 AD, an army under Angus Mac Fergus, High King of the Picts (Alba), and aided by a contingent of Gaels led by Eochaidh, King of Dál Riata, had been on a punitive raid into Northumbrian territory and were subsequently being pursued by a large force of Angles and Saxons under King Athelstan.

Within Mac Fergus’s ranks were two exploration scouts – Tor Youngst and Blayne Annador – who were sent ahead of the army in hopes of finding a path by which they might escape their menacing hunters.

To their dismay, they found only unforgiving terrain that would render no course to safety. However, what they did find was an area North of the village of Athelstaneford, within Markle, near East Lothian (which would come to be known as “The Bloody Lands”) where, with a wee bit of Devine intervention, the Pictish/Gaelic forces might find their best defensive posture. Hence Tor and Blayne returned to the King and gave their report and counsel. Angus Mac Fergus agreed with the two scouts, subsequently dug in at the location they recommended, and prepared to face Althelstan and his fearsome Angles Saxons forces.

Knowing they were soon to be surrounded by superior numbers and heeding the secondary advice of Tor and Blayne (to ask for divine intervention), the Picts and Dál Riatans prayed for assistance. That night Saint Andrew, who was martyred on a Saltire cross, appeared to King Angus and assured him of victory.

The next morning, as both armies prepared for battle, clouds in the sky above the field began to form and made the shape of a white cross….A  Saltire! - The Symbol of Saint Andrew!

The image and sign emboldened the Mac Fergus forces and frightened the Angles/Saxons who ultimately fled in panic. Thus it was, Angus and his army vanquished their foes!

Following the victory, out of veneration and gratitude, King Angus Mac Fergus vowed that Saint Andrew was to be the Patron Saint of Alba (later to be known as Scotland), and the Saint remains their patron to this day.

Crest of the “Legion Rannsachaidh Ridirean na h-Alba”

Tor Youngst, Blayne Annador, and The Royal Exploration Corps

While King Angus’s victory was rightly credited to Saint Andrew’s intervention, the two scouts were recognized and honored for their skilled explorative contribution. They were Knighted and went on to found the “Legion Rannsachaidh Ridirean na h-Alba” (Knights Alba)– a brotherhood that would remain in service to the Scottish crown until 1603 when King James VI ascended the English Thrown and united Scotland and England under one Monarchy (at that time, the “Knights Alba” were retired from Royal duty). 

Yet, while no longer serving any sovereign, the “Knights” remained an active order and continued to exist as a fellowship for centuries. They were renowned for their explorations across the Highlands, distinguished for their expeditions into the Nordic realms of Europe and the Atlantic, and in time, famed for their peregrinations throughout the world. 

Furthermore, their Gallantry, Bravery, and Vigor attained preeminent status, and their chivalric deeds became the aspiration of Adventurers across generations. 

In 1825 when the Royal Exploration Corps was in its formation, prominent founders recalled the “Legion Rannsachaidh Ridirean na h-Alba” (Knights Alba) and drew inspiration from their legend and lore, applying it to their charter and mission. Hence the name “Royal” was selected for their title (while not in actual service to any designated King or Queen), and the terms “Gallantry, Bravery, and Vigor” entered the lexicon of their creed.

Over the years, the R.E.C. has remained ever faithful to the legacy and heritage of the Knights Alba, recalling their Adventurous spirit and resolve and applying it to all their endeavors.

To this day, the Royal Exploration Corps honors their Albannach heritage and inspiration. Indeed, at formal gatherings, senior officers will often wear Kilts in honor of, and reverence to, the Knights Alba. And, the words “Gallantry, Bravery, and VIGOR” echo throughout the Corps’ halls.