SCOT FREE'
Sir, —In answer to the query raised in Monday's paper as to "the origin of the expression 'Scot-free,' I! Avas al-ways given to understand that it dated back to the time of, the early Scottish regiments when first they were recruited for service in the English army. These wild Highlanders were brought to London to fight in the army of the early Georges, but they were so turbulent and undisciplined that they would * not lolerate the rather stern army measures of that time. There were so many desertions and "so much discord that the authorities decided to grant certain concessions whicht i would make army life for these independent less irksome. The . .. i result was that whereas the British i'Av soldier was held rigidly to the code, the Scots were often permitted a freedom of actioji. Though it was first resented by the Tommies of the time, they quicklj'- patented a wore! , to cover these liberties which they l themselves were refused and thusthe word 'Scot-free' was born. . ■ / Yours etc., "A HUMBLE S ASS AN ACH."
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/BPB19401106.2.21.2
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Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 2, Issue 234, 6 November 1940, Page 4
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178SCOT FREE' Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 2, Issue 234, 6 November 1940, Page 4
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