Scottish politicians have rushed to the defence of the Black Watch battalion after reports the historic fighting force could fall prey to a new round of cuts.
The famous regimental name is in danger of disappearing under army plans to cut troop numbers by a quarter.
The Black Watch was spared in the last round of defence cuts in 2012 after a huge backlash from veterans and supporters amid fears scrapping Scottish units would boost support for independence ahead of the 2104 referendum.
But the Black Watch, Highlanders and Royal Highland Fusiliers, all part of 3 Scots Regiment, have struggled to fill their ranks.
UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace, who served in the Scots Guards, is reported to have been told the Army can no longer justify 30 infantry battalions as resources are redirected into cyber-warfare, space and artificial intelligence.
But the SNP has said plans to disband the Black Watch would be a "serious betrayal of those who served".
Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross also rushed to the barricades.
Ross said: "The Black Watch is more than just a symbol of our shared history and traditions, it's a Scottish and British institution that continues to play a vital role in our armed services.
"These reports speculating about the future of the Black Watch are deeply unhelpful. I'm urgently seeking reassurances from the Ministry of Defence that this battalion will not be disbanded and we will continue to make the strong and compelling case that Scotland’s significant contribution to the UK Armed Forces is maintained."
Stewart McDonald MP, the SNP defence spokesman said: "It would be unconscionable for any government to scrap the historic Black Watch and it would fly in the face of the promises made to the Scottish people, and those Scots serving in the armed forces, during the independence referendum - a promise that the government is already falling far short of.
"No Defence Secretary worth their salt would even consider signing this off and I expect Ben Wallace to signal that at the earliest opportunity."
An Integrated Review, which is regarded as the biggest assessment of the UK’s foreign policy since the end of the Cold War, was due to be completed later this year, with far-reaching recommendations for defence and diplomatic policy.
An SNP document on the review is due to be published this week.
