Argylls’ museum collection wins national recognition

A UNIQUE collection under the care of one military regiment has achieved recognition as being Nationally Significant to Scotland.

The collection of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders museum at Stirling Castle, which commemorates the service of Campbeltown and Kintyre-born soldiers since the 18th century was recognised re- cently. The Argylls’ museum is among 10 regimental museums around the country to have collectively won National Signficance status.

The highly-prized recognition of the combined collection’s importance was awarded by Museums Galleries Scotland (MGS), the national development body, on behalf of the Scottish Government. The award provides a major boost to the profile of the much-loved museum, which is embarking on a £2.6 million development project following a fundraising drive under the patronage of HRH Prince William, The Earl of Strathearn.

The award’s announcement marking the 10th year of the MGS scheme, was made by Fiona Hyslop MSP, cabinet secretary for culture, tourism and external affairs and Joanne Orr, chief executive of MGS.

Award

Rob Layden, the chief executive of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Museum said: ‘This award provides the museum with national accreditation status that will help secure its sustainable future.

‘National Significance status also underlines the historical and cultural value of the collection here at Stirling Castle, reinforcing our case that the regiment’s story is closely intertwined with the history of Scotland.’

The collection tells a crucial part of Scotland’s sto- ry, one that is central to the nations’ identity, since before the Act of Union up until the present day.

Joanne Orr, CEO of MGS, said: ‘Scotland’s Recognised Collections represent some of the country’s most diverse and fascinating collections, and reflect centuries of commitment to conserving and interpreting our past.’