The 4th Battalion lost at least 3 men prior to their departure for France. These are detailed here.

There was an outbreak of Measels amongst the Highland Brigade troops stationed in and around Bedford in late 1914 and early 1915. The numbers of men affected is somewhat unclear however, according to records held in the archive of the Bedford Scots Society, the following are the numbers. These tally with other sources (McConachie - see source pages). At the time this outbreak provoked some concern in the local press. Details will be added below,

It should not be assumed that all of the fatalities were the result of Measles, other illnesses such as pneumonia as well as other causes contributed to the totals.