The Highlanders' Museum - Fort George

MUSEUM MINI-BUS TOURS - WHERE AM I?

Not a great day for a photograph but the group had a great time and it was still light enough in the evening to nip in and get a Clava Cairns snap.

But where are we?

We are now providing mini-bus guided tours, please click the link below for further information”:

tinyurl.com/Highlandtours

We still have a few of the Queen's Own Highlander's statues, click on the link for more info on the statue in Inverness
https://shophldrs.com/product/qohldrs-statue-inverness/
and this link for the statue at Arboretum
https://shophldrs.com/product/qohldrs-statue-arboretum/ or phone the shop to arrange to come view the statues, 01667 457791
If you have Friends of the Museum membership you would get 5% off and free entry to Fort George for a year, click on the link below for more info
https://shophldrs.com/product-category/membership/

We are now providing mini-bus guided tours, Please click on the link below for further information
Tinyurl.com/Highlandtours

Don't forget to buy your Friends of the Highlanders' Museum membership before your visit and you will start saving money, click on the links for more info on benefits & prices, https://shophldrs.com/product-category/membership/

We are now providing mini-bus guided tours, Please click on the link below for further information
Tinyurl.com/Highlandtours

THIS WEEK 54 YEARS AGO

On 16th July 1970 the Regiment had the honour and privilege of providing the Guard of Honour, Bands, The Games Ceremonial Flag Bearer Party and much of the logistical support for the 19th British Commonwealth Games, held at Meadowbank Stadium, Edinburgh (the first time the word British had been used in the title).

The black and white picture shows Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II inspecting the front rank of 1st Bn Queen’s Own Highlanders Honour Guard at the closing ceremony. A few of us old and bold will recognise the late John Irwin, Barry Morgan, maybe Davey Grant in the front rank and I think I can see the late Sheddy Carr, Rab Dall and George Givens in the second rank. Feel free to add any more.

The coloured picture shows our late Colonel in Chief H.R.H. The Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh on the Royal Dais as he watches the Opening Ceremony led by the Pipes and Drums of the 1st Battalion.

We are now providing mini-bus guided tours, please click the link below for further information”:

tinyurl.com/Highlandtours

HIGHLANDERS MINI-BUS TOURS - WHERE AM I?

This part of our beautiful country has been used in many science fiction Movies and TV Shows but where?

If you provide the correct answer it will be published the following day so other people get the chance to try. Thanks.

We are now providing mini-bus guided tours, please click the link below for further information”:

tinyurl.com/Highlandtours

HIGHLANDERS MINI-BUS TOURS - WHERE AM I?

One of the most picturesque parts of our beautiful country but where?

We are now providing mini-bus guided tours, please click the link below for further information”:

tinyurl.com/Highlandtours

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HIGHLANDERS MINI-BUS TOURS - WHERE AM I?

An iconic part of Scotland down Lochaber way. Myself and Fiona enjoying a great day (which is unusual for the location).

You should still be able to guess?

We are now providing mini-bus guided tours, why not make a booking and take some of these wonderful images yourself.

Please click the link below for further information”:

tinyurl.com/Highlandtours

A scene from St.-Valery-En-Caux after liberation.

In 1940, the surrender at St Valery, Normandy, was a severe blow to many regiments such as the Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders, with many soldiers falling or being taken as prisoners of war. Years later in 1944 it was therefore celebrated when the Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders were among the first regiments to liberate the town.

Seen here are two Cameron pipers of the 5th Battalion with a local woman, commending her new Cameron kilt.

“We are now providing mini-bus guided tours, please click the link below for further information”:
Tinyurl.com/Highlandtours

HIGHLANDERS MINI-BUS TOURS - WHERE AM I?

The areas most famous resident but where are we?

We are now providing mini-bus guided tours, why not make a booking and take some of these wonderful images yourself.

Please click the link below for further information”:

tinyurl.com/Highlandtours

HIGHLANDERS MINI-BUS TOURS - WHERE AM I?

One of the most famous lighthouses in Scotland taken on a fantastic day.

We are now providing mini-bus guided tours, why not make a booking and take some of these wonderful images yourself.

Please click the link below for further information”:

tinyurl.com/Highlandtours

An excellent book for all the facts about Seaforth, Camerons & Queen's Own Highlanders, a great read during the holidays. £9.99 each, click on the link for more info https://shophldrs.com/product/book-queen-s-own-highlanders-seaforth-and-camerons-paperback/

'We are now providing mini-bus guided tours, Please click on the link below for further information
Tinyurl.com/Highlandtours

HIGHLANDERS MINI-BUS TOURS - WHERE AM I?

One of the saddest and most beatiful parts of our wonderful country, but where is it?

We are now providing mini-bus guided tours, please click the link below for further information”:

tinyurl.com/Highlandtours

ON THIS DAY......12 - 14 JULY 1912

The Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders held their Annual Inter Company Boxing Tournament over the 3 days period.

Final Results:

E Coy 145 points Champion Company
H Coy 141 points
C Coy 86 points
G Coy 51 points

As a wee after note, In 1974 I found myself in this exact same position as depicted in the cartoon after 3 exhausting rounds against Andy Mullen in the Super Fly Weight division representing the Clan. We found out much later that he in fact boxed whilst a civilian and therefore was not a true novice. Unfortunately for me it didn't change the result but I still came runner-up.

HIGHLANDERS MINI-BUS TOURS - WHERE AM I TODAY?

Couldn't be in the photo because I took the picture.

So, where am I?

If you want to see more of our wonderful country why not book one of our tours and take your own pictures.

Click here:

tinyurl.com/highlandtours

HIGHLANDERS TOURS - WHERE AM I?

This should be an easy one.

Why not come and see for yourself by booking a tour with us?

To see more click the link below:

tinyurl.com/Highlandtours

Being a soldier is hard work, so keeping in shape is the natural thing to do.

The Seaforth Highlanders Display Team, from both Fort George and Cairo, early 20th century, presented themselves in the best shapes.

tinyurl.com/Highlandtours

HIGHLAND MIN-BUS TOURS - WHERE AM I?

A well known place in the Highlands but where am I with this lovely group of some of our friends from across the pond?

If you want to find out more then why not take one of our wonderful tours and see for yourself!

Click the link below:

tinyurl.com/Highlandtours

HIGHLANDERS MINIBUS TOURS........Where am I?

If you want to see and know more why not take one of our tours.

Visit our website to see the complete itinerary of your wonderful day out.

Click the link below to find out more:

tinyurl.com/Highlandtours

For the folks in the Inverness area who are looking after their children, grandchildren etc during the school holidays, that's 1 week down, 6 more to go......... treat yourself to a bottle of Whisky or Gin, click on the links for more info
https://shophldrs.com/product/the-highlanders-museum-single-malt-scotch-whisky/ or
https://shophldrs.com/product/the-highlanders-museum-gin/

Our statues are now selling for £110 each, postage will be added on at checkout. Click on the first link for details about the statue at Inverness
https://shophldrs.com/product/qohldrs-statue-inverness/
and click on the link below for more details about the statue at the Arboretum
https://shophldrs.com/product/qohldrs-statue-arboretum/
also if you bought a Friends of the Museum membership for £10 you would get an extra 5% off and Free entry into Fort George as many times as you like for the whole year.

ON THIS DAY - 5th JULY 1986

In November 1985 the Queen’s Own Highlanders returned to the regimental area when it moved into Fort George.

During 1983-1985 the Fort had been extensively modernised, and the Queen’s Own Highlanders were the first Battalion to enjoy the new facilities.

On 5th July 1986 a guard of the 1st battalion paraded at Wick when the regiment received the Freedom of the Caithness District. The battalion later carried out a month’s field training in Kenya.

The picture shows the Colonel of the Regiment inspecting the Guard provided by 2/51 Highland. A Coy 1st Bn Queen's Own Highlanders also provided a contimngent for the parade.

THE HIGHLANDERS' MUSEUM MINI-BUS TOURS

Just one of the attractions you will be able to get up close and personal with and take that memorable photograph.

Below are Left to Right:

Katie Morag, Heather and Jamie Fraser. Jamie is a wee bit bigger now!

Just for clarity this is not a “push me pull you” two headed version of a Hielan’ Coo it is a clever optical illusion taken by yours truly!😊

To book a tour just click the link below:

https://www.thehighlandersmuseum.com/?page_id=32134

Back in Stock - The Moidart Sniper - the story of John (Ton) MacDonald written by Fergie MacDonald MBE with Alan Henderson.
https://shophldrs.com/product/the-moidart-sniper/

World Social Media Day 2024 and what is it?
Social Media Day has been taking place since the 30th June 2010. It was created by Mashable as a way of recognizing the impact that social Media has had on communications around the world, as well as bringing people together to celebrate. Social media is used by most people on a daily basis, and now some interesting facts there are 4.8 billion social media users worldwide, representing 59.9%of the global population and 92.7% of all internet users. Worldwide, people spend an average of 2 hours and 28 minutes per day on social media, and over 75% of the worlds population aged 13+ uses social media.

Thank you to all our service men & women in this country and overseas

ON THIS DAY

On 28th June 1909 the 3rd Battalion was presented with new Colours by Colonel The Mackintosh of Mackintosh while at camp at Fort George3rd (Militia) Battalion The Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders.

In 1897, on the formation of a 2nd Regular battalion of The Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders, the 2nd (Militia) Battalion was renumbered as the 3rd (Militia) Battalion.

During the South African war, while the 1st Camerons was on active service in South Africa and the 2nd Camerons in garrison at Gibralter, the 3rd (Militia) Battalion was embodied. It served in Aldershot and then moved to Ireland, where it was stationed at Mullingar.

3rd (Special Reserve) Battalion The Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders. 1908 - 1914

Under the Haldane reforms of the Army in 1908, the 3rd (militia) Battalion became the 3rd (Special Reserve) Battalion of The Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders. At the same time the permanent staff of the 3rd Camerons and the Depot were merged into one establishment with the role of providing reinforcements for the Regular battalions in wartime.

In1908 the headquarters of the battalion moved from Telford Street Barracks in Inverness to Cameron Barracks, with a contingency plan to move to Invergordon on the outbreak of war to form part of the defences of the naval base in the Cromarty Firth.

Pat, the Seaforth's most decorated dog.
(Records are conflicting whether he was an Irish Terrier or a Pug. Possibly a mix of both.)

Animal mascots are a common occurrence in the military, and for obvious reasons dogs are a very popular choice.

One such mascot was Pat the Dog, originally belonging to a young officer in the 72nd Regiment of Foot. He accompanied the regiment to Afghanistan. It was during the Afghan War in 1879 that the regiment attacked a large Afghan position on the Asmai Heights outside Kabul. During the battle, a Gunner position was in danger of being overrun by an enemy sally force, so a company of the 72nd and Sikh infantry hurried to the Gunners' aid, charging with bayonets. Being accompanied by Pat all the while.
Observed by General Roberts through his field glass, Lance Corporal George Seller was the first man to reach the enemy, Pat beside him. Reportedly, while the Corporal fought with rifle and bayonet, Pat sunk his teeth into an enemy's leg. Both man and dog were wounded in the fighting.

Later George Seller received the Victoria Cross for his actions. It was stipulated that the dog Pat, for his valuable assistance, was to be allowed to wear the Victoria Cross for the first 12 hours after it was issued.
Later, after the 72nd amalgamated with the 78th to form the Seaforth Highlanders, Pat further accompanied them to India and Egypt, reportedly taking part in the battle of Tel-el-Kebir. To commemorate his part in the Afghan War, George Seller's Victoria Cross was attached to his collar once a year.

Pat died in 1888, as the only dog known to have worn the Victoria cross. He was buried in the Dog Cemetery which lay beneath the Mon's Meg Battery in Edinburgh Castle.

OUR TOUR MINI-BUS - READY TO ROCK AND ROLL!!!

The Museum Tour mini-bus is now ready to go on the road and start taking our clients on a guaranteed wonderful day out. I am sure everyone will agree it looks terrific. The tour Itinerary includes Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle, Beauly Priory, Fort George, the Highlanders' Museum, Culloden Moor and Clava Cairns. If you are interested in taking one of our tours please visit the website for booking information or call 01667 457794. We are taking bookings now prior to our Official Launch Date of 1st July 2024.

With the summer holidays just around the corner and you are planning coming to The Highlanders' Museum (Queen's Own Highlanders Collection) have a look at our Friends of the Museum, buy the membership before you arrive to get you free entry into the Fort, membership lasts the year and visit as many times as you like, visit just once and you have paid for the card.
Phone 01667 457791 for more info or click on the link and start saving money on Entry to the Fort https://shophldrs.com/product-category/membership/

ON THIS DAY - 21st June 1942

The 21st June 1942 not only marked the mid-summer solstice but also, as it turned out, the mid-point of WWII and whilst it was the longest day of the year for those at home, it proved to be one of the bleakest days for the 2nd Battalion Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders in Tobruk, Libya.

Early on the morning of 20th June the Germans made a concerted assault on the south eastern outer defences. Smashing their way past the 2/5th Mahrattas in the centre and leaving the 2nd Camerons and 2/7th Gurkhas isolated on the right and left respectively, the German panzers were in the centre of Tobruk by early evening.
Lt-Colonel Colin Duncan, commanding 2nd Camerons did not receive word of the surrender until 10am, and refused to believe it as they had barely had contact with the enemy at that point. Without specific orders to the contrary, the Camerons fought on until after dark, knocking out several Italian tanks, until a German officer came forward under a white flag to inform them that they were the only battalion still fighting, and to insist on their immediate surrender or face annihilation.

“It was mid-day when we heard it. Faintly at first and then louder it came, a rhythmic swinging sound, unexpected but unmistakable – the skirl of pipes. We scrambled out of our shelters to look, and saw, swinging along bravely as though they were marching to a ceremonial parade, a tiny column of men, led by the pipes and a drum, with the Drum-Major striding ahead. Silence fell as they came, and the drum tapped the pace for a moment as the pipers gathered their breath. Then, as they wheeled in towards us, they broke into Pitbroch o’Donuil Dhu with all the gay lilt of the Highlands and all the defiance and feeling any Scot can call out on his pipes. Smartly they march to attention, and halted as if on parade. To the strains of their regimental march the Camerons had come in to surrender”.