The Highland Light Infantry was formed in 1881 as part of the Childers Reforms and was created by the amalgamation of the 71st (Highland) Light Infantry and the 74th (Highland) Regiment of Foot. Despite its highland designation, it was not a kilted regiment and recruited mainly from Lowland Glasgow. The regiment wore dark green glengarry caps and a white metal badge was worn on these which we are looking at today:

As a Scottish regiment, the cross of St Andrew, or Saltire, appears prominently in the badge design, with the bugle of a light infantry regiment. In the centre of the bugle are the intertwined initials of ‘HLI’ for the Highland Light Infantry. A King’s crown is at the top and at the bottom can be seen an elephant and the battle honour ‘Assaye’. Assaye was commemorated by the Regiment on its anniversary on September 23rd, this being the date of the Battle in 1803 when the future Duke of Wellington secured his first Victory.

The HLI was merged with the Royal Scots Fusiliers in 1959 and this badge ceased to be used, however the entwined initials were carried forward onto the cap badge of the new unit.