The early history begins with the outbreak of the American War, when the Earl of Seaforth raised the regiment, on his own estates. The "Mackenzies", the family name of the Earl, were also known as the "Caber Feidhs", the Gaelic name of the stag's antler, which belong to the Seaforth arms.

Its first official title was the Seaforth Highlanders, and its first active duty was to resist an attempted French landing in Jersey; but it soon saw more important service in India. In the war with France and Holland later on they were present at the capture of Pondicherry from the former, and Ceylon from the latter, and for their services were permitted to carry "Hindostan" on their colours. In 1782 the Regiment was in India assisting the Army of the East India Company in its campaign against Tipoo, Sultan of Mysore and later it helped capture the Cape of Good Hope from the Dutch in 1806

They redesignated the 72nd Duke of Albany's Own Highlanders in 1823. Instead of the kilt, it wore trews of Royal Stuart tartan, and allowed to resume wearing highland dress such as the feather bonnet. They then became the 1st Battalion Seaforth Highlanders in the Army Reforms of 1881, amalgamating with the Ross-shire Buffs which had also been raised by the "MacKenzie of Seaforth" family. The 78th Highlanders (Ross-shire Buffs), were raised by Colonel Francis Humberston MacKenzie in 1793, were to be known as the 2nd Battalion. Both Battalions were then amalgamated at the Cape and the Regiment went to Bengal , where it distinguished itself in Sir Arthur Wellesley's campaign against the Mahrattas from 1803-1804, gaining the Honour Assaye. In recognition, the East India Company presented the regiment with a third, or honorary colour, bearing an Elephant superscribed Assaye.

The Seaforth Highlanders had a territorial district that included the counties of Ross & Cromarty, Sutherland, Caithness, the Orkney Islands and Moray. They also had a Regimental Depot at Fort George, by Inverness, making their recruiting area one of the largest in the British Army.

During the First World War the Regiment expanded with its regular and territorial battalions being supplemented with the raising of reserve and service battalions,. Its 18 battalions fought in most theatres of operations and were awarded a further 76 Battle Honours .end seven Victoria Crosses. After the war the 1st Battalion returned home and served in England , while the 2nd Battalion went to India . In 1930 they were on the North West Frontier. During the Second World War the Regiment was again expanded with the raising of further battalions. Between them they fought across the world in North Africa , Sicily , Italy , Burma and North-West Europe.

Amalgamated with The Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders in 1961 to form the Queen's Own Highlanders.

On 17 September, 1994, an amalgamation was effected between the Gordon Highlanders & The Queen's Own (Cameron & Seaforth), which had amalgamated just over 20 years previously. This was affected in a simple ceremony at Dreghorn Barracks just outside of Edinburgh. Now known as "the 1st Battalion The Highlanders (Seaforth, Gordons and Camerons)"