The Highlanders' Museum - Fort George

The Highlanders' Museum - Fort George web site: https://www.thehighlandersmuseum.com

Open 7 days a week all year round except 25 & 26 December and 1 & 2 January
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The Highlanders' Museum Limited is a Registered charity (SC042160), promoting the advancement of education, the arts, heritage and culture.

Here at the Highlanders Museum, we hold a great array of material in our archives, from regimental magazines to war diar...
25/06/2026

Here at the Highlanders Museum, we hold a great array of material in our archives, from regimental magazines to war diaries, from medal cards to photographs. This combined with our stellar team of highly knowledgeable research volunteers means we can assist you in your quest to learn more about the regiments we cover or a family member.

We cover the following regiments: 72nd "Duke of Albany's Own" Highlanders, 78th "Ross-shire Buff" Highlanders, 79th Cameron Highlanders, the Seaforth Highlanders, the Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders, Lovat Scouts, Liverpool Scottish, and the Queen's Own Highlanders.

Feel free to submit a research request to our team who will look through our archives and provide you all information they uncover, you can even book to come in and get access to the archives yourself for a day if you wish.

See our website for further details -
https://www.thehighlandersmuseum.com/newversion
You can also discuss things with our Research and Volunteer Coordinator by reaching out to them at

Telephone: 01667 457792
Email: [email protected]

Please note there is a charge of £24 for a research request and due to the frequency of requests, an around 8-week time period for a reply.

Also be advised that post WW2 service records of individual soldiers are not available to the general public yet and are still held by the MOD. Family can apply for these at Requests for personal data and service records: a detailed guide - GOV.UK

June 1944, during the Normandy Campaign of WW2, saw the British Army launch Operation Epsom. For the men of 7th Bn. (2nd...
25/06/2026

June 1944, during the Normandy Campaign of WW2, saw the British Army launch Operation Epsom. For the men of 7th Bn. (2nd Morayshire) Seaforth Highlanders, and their comrades of 15th Scottish Division, it was the moment they had been preparing for the last 4 years, their baptism of fire, their first time going into the hell of combat.

After its formation, 15th Scottish Division had been held back in Britain for home defence and for use in the coming assault on Fortress Europe. While other battalions of their regiment had been out battling hard across the world, the men of 7th Seaforth had stayed home training relentlessly, determined that when their time came, they would prove worthy of the Mackenzie tartan patches they wore on their sleeves and helmets.

Their time came on June 26th, 1944. The D-Day landings had secured a bridgehead for the Allies in Normandy in France, now they had to break out of it. Easier said than done, the German Army was fighting for every hedgerow, launching constant counter attacks to regain any lost ground. The Allies decided to use the German’s tenacity against them, on the eastern flank, the British and the Canadians set about launching attacks aimed at taking key positions, and them destroying the resulting counterattack with devasting artillery fire. The policy had two key aims, the gradual wearing down of German forces by attrition and the sucking in of German reserves, easing the pressure on the American sector in the west, in the hope of allowing an easier breakout for them.

Operation Epsom was the latest such attack, aimed at securing crossings over the River Odon and taking the vital Hill 112 beyond. Spearheading the assault was 15th Scottish Division, recently arrived in France and ready for their first taste of battle. 7th Seaforth was in reserve, ready to pick up the advance, once their comrades of 2nd Bn. Glasgow Highlanders and 9th Bn. Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) had craved a hole for them.

As they listened to the deafening sound of artillery and fighting ahead of them, the men of the Seaforth found their tension being replaced by adrenaline. This was it, their first time going into battle. All those years of preparation and training came down to this. Then came the word, they were going up. They would not be found wanting.

Across the 5-day battle, over what became known as the “Scottish Corridor”, 7th Seaforth and 15th Scottish Division penetrated 5 miles and repelled numerous counter attacks against the captured ground. The Allied policy was working, the Germans were being worn down, the breakout was coming.

If anyone has ancestors who served with 7th Bn. Seaforth Highlanders or with their Allied comrades in Normandy, please do share your stories in the comments.

Planning your 2026 trip to Scotland?Well already this year we have had some epic adventures with visitors to the Highlan...
24/06/2026

Planning your 2026 trip to Scotland?

Well already this year we have had some epic adventures with visitors to the Highlands, perhaps you would like to join us on one?

You thinking about it? Seeing the glens? Learning about our amazing history and culture? Having a day of song and cheer? Making memoires? You know you are.
Well then, book a Highlanders and Jacobite Tour and step aboard our minibus. Explore the glens and ancient ruins, as our incredible guides regale you with stories of the Jacobites, Bonnie Prince Charles, the Frasers of Lovat and the might bastion of Fort George, just to name a few. You will even join us on a cruise down the waters of the stunning Loch Ness.

The Highlanders Museum covers the history and legacy of the Seaforth, Camerons, Queen’s Own Highlanders and Lovat Scouts. Born in the aftermath of the Battle of Culloden and fostering the Highland warrior sprit, these Regiments have served as part of the British Army for over 240 years.

By booking on tour, not only will you explore the incredible and stunning homeland of these Regiments, you will learn the history of it’s people, and will play a major role in keeping their legacy alive. You may even spot Nessie.

An epic day of song, story and adventure awaits. We will see you on the bus.

For more information or to book, please visit our website
The Highlanders Musuem.com


Photos from our archives – OTD, 27th June 1929, the men of 1st Bn. (72nd) Seaforth Highlanders, trooped their Regimental...
24/06/2026

Photos from our archives –

OTD, 27th June 1929, the men of 1st Bn. (72nd) Seaforth Highlanders, trooped their Regimental Colours before their Colonel in Chief, HRH The Prince of Wales, the future King Edward VIII.

The battalion had been stationed in Dover since November 1928 and the local population marked the occasion by turning out in great numbers, an estimated 16,000 people watched the parade and ceremony.

If anyone has ancestors who served with 1st Seaforth at this time, please do share your stories in the comments.

Our Lego Highlander museum trail is proving very popular with children visiting the museum this year giving them a great...
23/06/2026

Our Lego Highlander museum trail is proving very popular with children visiting the museum this year giving them a great chance to get engaged and learn about Highland soldiers all while having a little adventure.

Indeed, it is popular, that you may think you all have it worked out, know every hiding place like the back of your hand. Well think again, it's a new month which means it a new trail, all new hiding places, think you can find the missing Highlanders all over again?

Why not and come along to see if you can track them down. The trail is not just for children, adults can go looking too.

Indeed so many of you have purchased you own Lego Highlander and taken them all across the world, from Canada to Japan. One of our Lego Highlander recently went out for a wee tour of the ramparts of Fort George. Let us know what yours's has gotten up to, send in your photos of the adventures of your Lego Highlanders.

Want to purchase one yourself? Then head on over to our online shop at the Highlanders Museum.com

June 1916, during WW1, saw the 2nd Bn. Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders serving on an oft forgotten front of the war, Sal...
23/06/2026

June 1916, during WW1, saw the 2nd Bn. Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders serving on an oft forgotten front of the war, Salonika

The catalyst of the war had been the dispute between the Austria-Hungary Empire and Serbia, over the latter’s supposed involvement in the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. Despite being not only cut off and isolated from their allies, but also significantly outnumbered, the Serbs managed to successfully repel the Austrian efforts to overrun their country following the outbreak of war in August 1914. However, in October 1915, the situation changed when Bulgaria entered the war on the Austrian side. Struck in the rear by the Bulgarians and faced with a renewed Austrian assault, reinforced by German troops, the Serbs were overwhelmed and retreated.

Help was on the way. A mixed British – French force, had landed at Salonika in neutral Greece. While neutral, Greece was in political turmoil. King Constantine was pro-Central Powers, while his prime minister, Eleutherios Venizelos, supported the Allies. The Allied force were allowed to land to use Greece as a transit to reach the Serbs. Expect there was a problem, they were too late. The Serbs had been driven westward away from the Greek border and the Bulgarians now blocked the way. With their original mission having failed, it was decided to keep the force at Salonika both to tie down Central Power forces, and to influence the Greeks to the Allied side.

The 27th Division, including 2nd Camerons was brought in as reinforcements. The first few months of this new front was a welcome change to the hell they had experienced in Flanders. The Allies had dug in around Salonika, yet the Bulgarians were refusing to cross the frontier, not that the Camerons were complaining. It meant they had the time to bathe in the lakes and waters near Salonika, they were in no hurry to resume the horror of trench warfare.

That changed in June 1916 when the Bulgarian started probing over the frontier. The Allies, 2nd Camerons included, moved forward in anticipation of an attack. The destination for the Camerons was Stavros, marches taking place at night on account of the heat. In the darkness some units lost their way and men fell out. Upon their own arrival at Stavros, the Camerons were keen to boast that only one Cameron had fell out in comparison to the hundreds of men in other units. Despite the boasts, the Camerons too were feeling the pressure with temperatures reaching 45 degrees, with heat stroke and malaria claiming men. Worse was the snakes and the scorpions, which due to their Kilts, the Camerons were extremely keen to stay away from.

Ahead was the Struma Valley, and the Bulgarians.

If anyone has ancestors who served with 2nd Camerons in WW1, please do share your stories in the comments.

Want to see the very best our collection has to offer? Want to know what day to day life was like for a Highland soldier...
22/06/2026

Want to see the very best our collection has to offer? Want to know what day to day life was like for a Highland soldier? Curious why they wore Kilts? How the 79th “Cameron” Highlanders faced down Napoleon at Waterloo? The connections between Clan Mackenzie and the Seaforth Highlanders? Then come and be regaled by one of our expert guides on an amazing tour of the gallery. Just what little gem of history will you discover?

Guided Tours run midday on Tuesday to Saturday. Just ask our front of house team for more info when you arrive.


June 1985 saw the 1st Bn. Queen’s Own Highlanders stationed in Alexander Barracks, near Belfast, as part on the then ong...
22/06/2026

June 1985 saw the 1st Bn. Queen’s Own Highlanders stationed in Alexander Barracks, near Belfast, as part on the then ongoing Operation Banner.

The primary task of the battalion was to maintain a company sized detachment at all times ready to support the 4th Battalion Ulster Defence Regiment., with the primary operational area being Fermanagh. Full of hedgerows and tight narrow country roads, compared by many to the “bocage” of Normandy faced by soldiers of WW2, the region was a tough to patrol and with its proximity to the border with the Republic, Provisional Irish Republican Army activity was high.

The challenges were many, yet the soldiers of the battalion took them on and overcame, adapting to their environment, moving cross country and camping in the field.

By such soldering, were illegal cars caught, weapon stockpiles found and bombs located, and thankfully for the battalion, achieved with zero casualties.

Anyone who has memories of, or who had family who was, serving with the Queen’s Own Highlanders at this time, then please do share your stories in the comments.

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In June 1948, after 51 years of service, the 2nd Bn. Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders was officially disbanded. Raised at...
21/06/2026

In June 1948, after 51 years of service, the 2nd Bn. Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders was officially disbanded.

Raised at Fort George in 1897, the 2nd Battalion had distinguished itself throughout its history becoming what was described as “one of the finest battalions of the British Army.” The Pre WW1 period had seen the battalion preform garrison duty in Malta and Gibraltar before tours of China and India. Initially brought back to serve on the Western Front in WW1, the battalion would be devastated by the 2nd Battle of Ypres in April 1915. Rebuild the battalion was shipped out to the Salonika front in Greece to fight against the Bulgarians for the remainder of the war.

The inter-war period saw the battalion undertake hard pressed peace-keeping tours of Ireland and Palestine. Then came WW2, where the battalion battled the Italians in the deserts of North Africa and the highlands of Ethiopia and Eritrea. Their darkest moment had come during the fall of Tobruk in June 1942, when the majority of the battalion was taken captive. Reformed the battalion had gone on to fight its way through the mountains of Italy, before ending its war in Greece.

A distinguished history indeed. To honour their legacy and to mark the coming end of their time as a unit, in March 1948, the 2nd Battalion paraded one last time at Cameron Barracks in Inverness, in front of the then Colonel of the Regiment, Major-General Sir James Syme Drew. There was no one more fitting to take their final salute, Drew had begun his military career as a junior officer in the 2nd Battalion and fought with them through WW1.

An end perhaps, but an end full of pride at the battalion accomplishments. In the words of Drew, the battalion had “honoured the name of the 79th, indeed you have enhanced it. You will forever be legends.”

If anyone has ancestors who served with 2nd Camerons at their end, please do share your stories in the comments.

Address

Fort George, Ardersier
Inverness
IV27TD

Opening Hours

Monday 9:30am - 5:15pm
Tuesday 9:30am - 5:15pm
Wednesday 9:30am - 5:15pm
Thursday 9:30am - 5:15pm
Friday 9:30am - 5:15pm
Saturday 9:30am - 5:15pm
Sunday 9:30am - 5:15pm

Telephone

+441667457791

Website

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