OF HIGHLANDERS’ PROUD PAST

The newly-modernised attraction is expected to up annual visitor numbers – already sitting at 184,000 - by around 15 per cent, increase display space by a third, increase community and educational outreach and improve accessibility to local and national researchers by digitising the museum’s rich holdings of archived material. Plans are in hand to take the collections and archives out to the community through a range of initiatives including the provision of source and educational materials to schools, and local history heritage societies participation in the ARTiculation national arts projects, and using the collection to support the community through events and talks. The funding will allow a root-and- branch overhaul of the museum, which celebrates 220 years of The Argylls’ service and sacrifice to the nation and which has been located in its present site at the historic heart of Stirling Castle since 1985. The refurbished museum will use state-of- theart display techniques, updating the presentation of its unique collection of artefacts, improving access and widening its appeal to visitors and the local community in particular. A detailed feasibility study, led by Gareth Hoskins Architects together with other specialists, identified the redevelopment work required. The funding will enable structural changes to internal layout of the Grade 1-listed building, housed in the 15 th Century King’s Old Building in the Castle’s Inner Close. This will encompass opening up the ground floor to provide an orientation and access centre together with a gift shop. The redevelopment will improve the flow of visitors through a historical timeline encompassing the regiment’s roots in the Napoleonic Wars, the expansion of Empire, through the two World Wars, the Cold War and more recent conflicts. Space for education and holding events will be created. Plans to develop the museum as a premier attraction within a world-class heritage site at Stirling Castle were first unveiled in October on a visit to Stirling Castle by the appeal’s Patron, HRH The Earl of Strathearn, as Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge is known in Scotland. His grandmother HM The Queen is said to take a personal interest in what is happening with the Argylls, her oldest regiment. Colonel Miller said:“She probably knows more about this regiment than anyone.” Lucy Casot, Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund in Scotland, Lucy said:“Thanks to players of the National Lottery, we are able to support this wonderful regimental museum which tells the story of thousands of soldiers over 200 years of history. We are delighted that plans are being developed to replace current cramped conditions with bright, contemporary displays. Better access will allow many more people to visit ensuring a brighter future for the Argyll and Sutherland Museum and its collections.”