Attention! Military Museum celebrates
Another fantastic milestone is approaching in the life of Military Museum Scotland as it gets ready to celebrate its fifth birthday next week.
To mark the event next Thursday (March 3), the museum in Wilkieston will return to normal opening hours from March 4.
It will be open to the public every day except for Mondays and Thursdays.
In its five years in existence, the museum has achieved no less than six awards, including Museum of the Year, Visitor Attraction of the year and Tourist attraction of the year – a fantastic record for a 100 per cent voluntary organisation.
Throughout the past five years, Military Museum Scotland has continued to grow, not just in size but in popularity.
Visitors from all around the globe visit and follow the museum via social media.
During the past two years the museum has more than doubled in size, offering as much outside as is on display inside.
A visit to Military Museum Scotland is a whole day visit.
Manager/curator Ian Inglis said: “The Military Museum Scotland is the jewel in the West Lothian Crown, offering a fantastic visitor experience, a unique educational experience and a much needed refuge and safe haven for veterans across the county and beyond.
“During the first lockdown, the trustees formed Veterans Hub Scotland, based within the museum.
“VHS is aiming to be a veterans first point of contact for any help and support needed. Whether it’s just somewhere to go for a brew and a chat with fellow veterans, or more specific help, Military Museum Scotland can make contact with the relevant organisation on their behalf.
“Comradeship is probably first and foremost what any veteran needs. Military Museum Scotland offers that and more, via the various clubs and groups that meet every week at Military Museum Scotland.
“A twice monthly breakfast club meet on the second and last Sunday of the month; a new scale model group meet on the last Sunday of the month
after the breakfast club; the Veterans Metal Detecting group meet on the last Thursday of the month; the newly-formed Veterans Shed meet on the second Thursday of the month and the Veterans Restoration Group meet every Thursday and Sunday.
“That’s not all though. There are a number of evening groups – the Linburn branch of Legion Scotland meet on the second Wednesday of the month; the West Lothian Branch of the Royal Artillery Association meet on the first Tuesday of the month; the ‘O’ Group meet on a Monday evening twice a month (a bit like the breakfast club but in the evening) and last, but not least, is Friday Night at the Museum.
“To find out more of what goes on at Military Museum Scotland, why not pop along for a look and a chat, you won’t be
disappointed. Or check out the museum’s facebook page.” More recently, Ian has been tirelessly creating fantastic new displays both inside and outdoors.
He continued: “Being a veteran helps me to understand what other veterans need and gives me the inspiration to do what I do for the veterans that come in to Military Museum Scotland.
“Too many veterans need help and support but don’t know where to go. That’s why we set up Veterans Hub Scotland, so we can address this issue.
“If you are a veteran and need a brew and a chat, Military Museum Scotland is the place to be. The kettle is always on.
“Who knows what the future holds for Military Museum Scotland? One thing for sure though, it will continue to go from strength to strength thanks to all the hard work from the trustees and the volunteers who give up their free time to make the museum what it is. Military Museum Scotland is still on the lookout for a suitable permanent location to house the ever increasing collection and archive. Military Museum Scotland relies on visitors coming through the door more than anything to help us pay the bills and keep going.
“The generosity of people and well wishers from all over the world who donate or get involved through our fundraising initiatives is fantastic.
“Despite covid, Military Museum Scotland continues to thrive and has planned a year of events, displays and exhibitions. To pull this off they may need help. All this helps us to help others.
“If you are able and willing to help, get in touch either through social media or by email to milmussco@yahoo.com.”