Campaigners took their fight to MPS

During a debate in the Commons they branded the proposals an example of ''disloyal backstabbing''.

But despite hinting that individual regiments may maintain their identities, Geoff Hoon has reaffirmed the cuts will go ahead.

The plans, part of a UK review, will see one or two Scots "super-regiments".

A group of former soldiers took their protest to Westminster as MPs discussed the proposals.

Major Peter Watson MC, a former Black Watch officer, said: "It's getting worse and worse."

The case for these changes in undeniable and is absolutely compelling Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon

In the debate, Mr Hoon came under fire from both political foes and allies.

Scottish National Party (SNP) leader Alex Salmond said: "Whatever the rights and wrongs of the secretary of state's proposals, there is something deeply unpleasant, indeed unacceptable, in effectively eliminating regiments when they're in the line of fire into which the prime minister has placed them in Iraq."

All of Scotland's six infantry regiments are single-battalion regiments, with planned cutbacks raising concerns over the future of the Black Watch and the Highlanders in particular.

Rachel Squire, Labour MP for Dunfermline, accused the government of striking at the heart of Scottish communities.

She said: "That government proposal, particularly linked as it is to the removal of four regiments, is seen by service personnel, families and communities, as bluntly an act of disloyal backstabbing."

'Crass and ill-judged'

Peter Duncan MP, the Tory shadow Scottish secretary, said: "For the government to put the regiments in jeopardy when their skills, their determination to serve and their historic allegiance are most in demand, is nothing less than crass and ill-judged."

The defence secretary praised the role played by Scottish troops, but gave no indication of a rethink.

Mr Hoon said: "A period of considerable change is inevitable, but the case for these changes in undeniable and is absolutely compelling.

"It represents the best future for the Army and for individuals in it."