The Earl of Leven is depicted in armour, mounted on a grey horse as names are written down by the light of lanterns, on the night of 18 March 1689. An aged veteran ties a ribbon on the arm of a recruit to signify his joining the new regiment, and confirm his oath of allegiance to the Protestant cause. Legend has it that almost 800 men had joined up by ‘beat of drum’ within two hours, although four hours is more likely. They assembled at the ruins of the Abbey Church at Holyrood.
