Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Regimental Museum

Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Regimental Museum

Housed within the walls of historic Stirling Castle, this fascinating regimental museum traces 200 years of regiment history through Battle Honours, colours, medals, uniforms, documents and photos. The highlight is an outstanding collection of regimental silver.

The museum follows the history of the Regiment, from the origins of the 91st Argyllshire Highlanders and the 93rd Sutherland Highlanders from their foundations to their merger in 1881 to form the 1st and 2nd Battalions of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. and from there up to the present day.

The Thin Red Line

The Regiment is best remembered perhaps for its involvement in the Battle of Balaclava during the Crimean War when they inspired a war correspondent to describe them as a 'thin red streak tipped with a line of steel', which was later condensed in the public imagination into 'the thin red line'. The phrase is now commonly used to describe the Regiment.

When the Regiment was formed in 1881 its home was established at Stirling Castle. However, it was only in 1988 that the historical collections amassed by the Regiment over the centuries were gathered together to create the museum, which was opened in the King's Old Building within the castle walls. The exhibits are arranged to tell the story of the soldiers, officers, and their families through personal objects.

The Museum

The museum is arranged on 2 floors, over 6 galleries. Each gallery is designed chronologically, so you can follow the history of the Regiment as it evolved, covering not only important events such as campaigns and battles, but personal stories that help bring the history of the Regiment to life, with a huge array of artefacts such as letters, musical instruments, and weapons. The stories are brought to life through dioramas and story boards.

What makes the Argyll and Sutherlands Regimental Museum fascinating is that it does not just attempt to tell the story of the Regiment's involvement in famous battles, but to tell the story of the people involved, including not just the soldiers but their families.

That story begins with the foundation of the 98th Argyllshire Highlanders (later renumbered to become the 91st) in 1794, with men drawn mostly from Argyll, and mostly from Clan Campbell. The 93rd Sutherland Highlanders was raised just 5 years later, in 1799, with men drawn almost entirely from estates owned by the Countess of Sutherland.