Highlanders at Stirling

The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Regimental Museum at Stirling Castle has reopened following an ambitious renovation

Created in 1881, the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders were a British Army line infantry regiment. First seeing action during the Second Boer War, the regiment was expanded to a peak size of 15 battalions during WWI. It also served during the Irish War of Independence, WWII, the Korean War and Aden Emergency among several other conflicts. It was amalgamated with other Scottish infantry units in 2006 and is now part of the Royal Regiment of Scotland.

The Argyll and Sutherlands’ regimental museum is located within Stirling Castle. Housed in a building constructed in the 1490s, the museum was closed for a £4 million refurbishment in 2018 but it has now reopened. With over 5,000 objects in its collection, all renovation work has been carried out with meticulous care. Work has included opening up original vaults on the ground floor, creating new a floor to house displays and improved access.

The renovation project director, Colonel A K Miller, says: “This project has taken nine years to plan and deliver. With the loss of Scotland’s historic regiments, it is important to ensure this unique element of our history is not lost.” Richard Hickson, CEO of the museum, adds: “We approach an incredibly important achievement as we prepare to reopen our doors after almost three years of hard work. Setting itself against the broader history of Scotland, our museum tells a fascinating story covering significant periods in Scottish history.”

For more information visit: www.argylls.co.uk

The Argyll and Sutherland Boer War Memorial at Stirling Castle ABOVE: The museum is housed in the late-15th century ‘King’s House’ – a building that is thought to have been the private residence of King James IV of Scotland