Trench exhibit drives grave impact of WW1
Exploring what life was like for soldiers on frontline
Visitors to the Black Watch Castle and Museum will be transported back 100 years with a newlyunveiled installation at the Perth attraction.
The cramped and basic environment of a First World War trench has been carefully recreated in the grounds of Balhousie Castle, giving people a closeto-home glimpse of what life was like for soldiers fighting in the fields of France and neighbouring countries.
Museum representatives called on independent military historian, author and broadcaster Andy Robertshaw, who has appeared on Channel 4’s Time Team, to design the trench.
Unlike the real versions, it is much more accessible, standing three metres above ground.
The structure was constructed over five days on site using timber frames and wire gambion with the exterior wrapped in hessian. It includes an observation post, dug out, shelter and firing step.
A museum spokesperson said: “The replica trench has been created to give an atmospheric, thought-provoking understanding of what everyday life was like for soldiers living and fighting in the trenches.”
Shonagh Lowerson-Head, learning and audience officer at the castle and museum, added: “This structure is an innovative way to bring the experience of the trenches to our audience. The trench will initially be accessed by school aged and adult learners to enhance their knowledge and understanding of the First World War. We will also design specific events around it. We are looking into ways to open the trench for all visitors, on selected days.”
The trench follows on from the successful Poppies: Weeping Window event at the museum which ended in September. Part of the continuing commemorations of WW1, the cascade of ceramic poppies attracted more than 100,000 visitors during its summer-long stay in Perth.
The castle and museum is hosting its own WW1 events including with the memorial wall where a cross is placed marking each Black Watch soldier who fell on the anniversary of their death. Is shown in a new exhibit at the Black Watch Castle and Museum