Fear of a French invasion arose in the spring of 1858 and intensified in 1859. This was partly due to a deterioration in Anglo-French relations, including an assassination attempt on Napoleon III by a group of revolutionaries that included British citizens, and the French emperor's subsequent invasion of Italy.
As well as a volunteer Movement as a
response to the perceived threat, including artillery and rifle corps, composed of civilians who would supplement the regular army in case of an invasion.
1st (Stornoway) Ross-shire Artillery Volunteers:
The 1st (Stornoway) Ross-shire Artillery Volunteers were established on February 16, 1860, as a direct result of this invasion scare.
Coastal Defenses were also reviewed and increased with the construction of new fortifications and the deployment of artillery.