The Royal Highland Fusiliers Museum

30/05/2021

The Royal Highland Fusiliers Museum updated their business hours.

The Royal Highland Fusiliers Museum updated their business hours.

30/05/2021

Looking for something fun and interesting to do this Bank Holiday Monday in Glasgow?

Why not spend some time at the RHF Museum (518 Sauchihall Street) - we are open and our lovely shop ladies are looking forward to seeing you.

Bugle the Assaye Elephant & Fusilier the White Horse of Hanover, our two mascots, are still looking for new recruits to join their companies in the RHF Museum Battalion - a certificate, Queen's Chocolate Shilling & badge for all new recruits!

Plus lots of quizzes and things to see.

Fun for all the family - come & join us.

Admission free.
Opening times: 10-12 and 1-3

#RHFMuseum #VisitRHFMuseum #GlasgowDaysOut #GlasgowMuseums

30/05/2021

We were privileged to attend the 102nd birthday of John Mackellar, a veteran of WWII, who served with 6th Battalion, The Highland Light Infantry (6 HLI).

John's actual birthday was on Wednesday 26 May; however, his family had arranged for a surprise party in Glasgow.

Sadly, the weather was not kind, but this did not dampen John's spirits and he was touched by the arrival of members of the Highland Light Infantry Association, complete with standard, pipers, and most important, a cake!

The Museum gave John a personalised slate to commemorate the big day.

John has impressive array of medals that reflect his six years of service in Europe during WWII with 6 HLI - a case of "First In, Last out"! A Territorial Efficiency Medal (TEM) marks his continuing service with 6 HLI after the war - 6 HLI was a Territorial Army (TA) unit based at Yorkhill in Glasgow. His Battalion landed in Normandy and fought through France, Belgium and into Holland, where they joined up with the 52nd Lowland Division, which included 5 HLI. November 1944 saw participation in Operation Infatuate and in the subsequent capture of Bremen in April 1945.

John is a remarkable man with a huge amount of the amazing stories to tell; I was extremely honoured to have been invited to join his 102nd birthday party - I am definitely looking forward to next year!

15/05/2021

Charles pays tribute to Royal British Legion as charity marks centenary | ITV News

Everyone at the Royal Highland Fusiliers Museum would like to wish The Royal British Legion a very Happy Birthday on the hundredth anniversary of the foundation of this amazing organisation.

This charity has provided financial, social and emotional support to members and veterans of the British Armed Forces, their families and dependents since its foundation on 15 May 2021.

Field Marshal The 1st Earl Haig, the WWI commander was one of the founders of the British Legion and served as the President until his death in 1928. A month later, during June 1921, Field Marshal Earl Haig formed the Royal British Legion Scotland (RBLS). Both charities were founded by bringing together several charities that had been established to assist those in returning from the horrors of WWI.

A royal charter was granted in 1925, accompanied by continuing invaluable patronage from the Royal Family, as can be seen by today's wreath-laying at the Cenotaph by HRH The Prince of Wales.

During the Second World War, the British Legion was active in civil defence, providing officers to the Home Guard. Its membership grew rapidly from veterans of the Second World War, reaching 3 million in 1950. Although, membership has declined in recent years

Most folk will probably know the British Legion for the annual Poppy Appeal around Armistice Day, when some 49 million poppies are sold throughout the UK raise money for their charity work of the British Legion and RBLS/PoppyScotland.

Poppies are worn to show support for the Armed Forces community. Poppies grew on the barren battlefields of the First World War where little else would grow. During the Spring of 1915, shortly after losing a friend at Ypres, Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae (a Canadian doctor) was inspired by these poppies to write the now-famous poem: "In Flanders Fields".

This poem inspired an American academic name Moina Michael to adopt the poppy in memory of those who had fallen in the War and campaigned to get it adopted as an official symbol of Remembrance across the United States and worked with others trying to do the same in the UK, Canada and Australia.

Anna Guerin, a French woman, was in London where she planned to sell poppies. Anna met Earl Haig and persuaded him to adopt the poppy as the emblem of the British Legion and RBLS, and order 9 million poppies that were sold on Armistice Day 1921. Amazed at how quickly the poppies had sold and wishing to ensure plenty of poppies for the 1922 appeal, Major George Howson set up the Poppy Factory to employ disabled ex-servicemen. Still open today, the factory and warehouse in Aylesford produces millions of poppies every year.

The demand for poppies in England continued unabated and was so high, in fact, that few poppies actually managed to reach Scotland. To address this and meet growing demand, Earl Haig's wife Dorothy established the 'Lady Haig Poppy Factory' in Edinburgh in 1926 to produce poppies exclusively for Scotland and are now sold in support of PoppyScotland.

Did you know that there is a difference between the English and Scottish poppies: Scottish poppies have 4 petals and no leaf, unlike the rest of the UK.

So, Happy Birthday, British Legion and may your good works continue for at least another hundred years!

https://www.itv.com/news/2021-05-15/prince-charles-pays-tribute-to-royal-british-legion-as-charity-marks-centenary

The Prince of Wales hailed the Royal British Legion's "constant" support of the Armed Forces community, as the charity marked is centenary.

04/05/2021

In spite of the terrible weather yesterday, the re-opening of the Royal Highland Fusiliers Museum was very successful and we welcomed lots of visitors.

In particular, Bugle and Fusilier, our mascots, recruited lots of youngsters into their respective Companies of the newly-formed Museum Battalion, The Royal Highland Fusiliers.

During the coming weeks, we hope to expand this with a Bugle & Fusilier page with lots of interesting things for members to do, so that it will be open to young people who are not able to come into the Museum.

So, watch this space, for further details.

In the meantime, Nikki and Hannah will continue to welcome visitors to the Museum and Bugle & Fusilier will be on hand to recruit new members to their companies!

However, please remember that, for the moment, we are not immediately returning to the old opening days & times - the new opening days/hours are:

Days: Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays
Hours: 10am - 12noon & 1pm - 3pm

03/05/2021

The Royal Highland Fusiliers Museum is now officially open again - hurray!

And, Bugle has gained his first recruit, Amii - poor old Fusilier is feeling a bit left out - so come and join his Company!

We are open this morning until 12 noon and then this afternoon from 1 pm to 3pm.

Looking forward to seeing you!

The Royal Highland Fusiliers Museum is now officially open again - hurray!

And, Bugle has gained his first recruit, Amii - poor old Fusilier is feeling a bit left out - so come and join his Company!

We are open this morning until 12 noon and then this afternoon from 1 pm to 3pm.

Looking forward to seeing you!

03/05/2021

The excitement is mounting at the Royal Highland Fusiliers Museum - just a little while to re-opening!

Don't forget: we re-open the Museum at 10 am and close at 3 pm; however, there will be an extended lunchbreak to allow Nikki and Hannah to deep-clean the Museum between 12 noon and 1 pm. This is in line with Scottish Government guidance.

Can I also remind you to please wear face-masks.

Bugle, Fusilier and everyone at the Museum is looking forward to seeing you all very soon.

02/05/2021

Tomorrow, Monday 3 May, is a big day at the Royal Highland Fusiliers Museum - not only are we re-opening the Museum after over a year in coronavirus lockdown - but, we are forming the Museum Battalion, The Royal Highland Fusiliers!

Our mascots, Bugle the Assaye Elephant & Fusilier the White Horse of Hanover, will be recruiting for young folk to become members of their Companies: Bugle's Company & Fusilier's Company!

All new recruits will receive a certificate, the Queen's Chocolate Shilling, a Museum badge and a special Museum Glengarry!

Don't worry if you cannot get to the Museum tomorrow; although of course, Bugle & Fusilier are hoping that to meet lots of new recruits!

Recruiting into the Museum Battalion will continue online as Bugle & Fusilier are setting up their own page - there will be newsletters, quizzes, competitions and lots of great things to do!

So, please come and see us at the Museum tomorrow, if you can - Bugle & Fusilier are waiting to welcome you and why not bring a furry friend to meet them!

Did I mention that we have a selfie frame, quizzes and lots of interesting things to see?

All you have to do is to decide whose Company to join and receive a smart Certificate like the ones below.

30/04/2021

Our shop ladies, Nikki & Hannah, have been working hard to get the Museum and shop ready for re-opening the Museum on Monday 3 May.

Amongst all the cleaning and sanitising in the building, they have found time to revamp the Shop window, which is now looking amazing!

We have all been told that we should meet in the fresh air and as the Summer appears to be on its way, our mascots, Bugle and Fusilier, have invited some of their friends to an Elephants' Picnic in the shop window!

Please note that the Elephants are wearing items that are on sale in the Museum Shop and I am sure that you will agree that they look pretty dashing!

Sadly, the three Elephants do not have names - any suggestions?

Our shop ladies, Nikki & Hannah, have been working hard to get the Museum and shop ready for re-opening the Museum on Monday 3 May.

Amongst all the cleaning and sanitising in the building, they have found time to revamp the Shop window, which is now looking amazing!

We have all been told that we should meet in the fresh air and as the Summer appears to be on its way, our mascots, Bugle and Fusilier, have invited some of their friends to an Elephants' Picnic in the shop window!

Please note that the Elephants are wearing items that are on sale in the Museum Shop and I am sure that you will agree that they look pretty dashing!

Sadly, the three Elephants do not have names - any suggestions?

29/04/2021

We thought that Bugle, our mascot, was feeling a bit lonely - so, we have found him a friend!

We are, therefore, delighted to introduce you to Fusilier the White Horse of Hanover!

Fusilier will be making his debut at the re-opening of the Museum on Monday 3 May - so come along and welcome him to the RHF Museum family!

Bugle is, of course, the elephant on the Assaye Colour, which was presented to the 74th Highlanders for their gallantry at the Battle of Assaye in 1803. The 74th Highlanders amalgamated with The 71st Highlanders to form The Highland Light Infantry (HLI) in 1881 - the HLI, in turn, amalgamating with The Royal Scots Fusiliers (RSF) to form The Royal Highland Fusiliers (RHF) in 1959.

So, as Bugle is essentially HLI, we thought it only fair that we should also have a mascot from the RSF - hence Fusilier!

The Royal Scots Fusiliers (RSF) were raised as The 21st (Mar's Regiment) of Foot in 1768, a century before the 71st and 74th Highlanders. The 21st fought in the Netherlands (1689-96), but it was in the Wars of Spanish Succession (1702-12) that they became known as "Marlborough's Own" due to their fighting prowess - at such battles of Blenheim (1704), Ramillies (1706) & Malplaquet (1709). They were also granted the prefix of "Royal" and the honour of the White Horse of Hanover on their Colours.

The 21st was designated a Fusilier regiment c1689-90 - the name from the Fusil or light-weight flintlock musket that was new and only issued to certain regiments.

So, our new mascot could only be called Fusilier the White Horse of Hanover!

28/04/2021

Bugle the Assaye Elephant, our mascot, is getting all dressed up in smart new livery in preparation for the re-opening of the Royal Highland Fusiliers Museum on Monday 3 May at 10 am.

Only 5 days to go!

Bugle is looking forward to meeting everyone at the re-opening - but, there is another reason why Bugle wants to look his best for the re-opening - watch this space tomorrow and find out why!

Bugle the Assaye Elephant, our mascot, is getting all dressed up in smart new livery in preparation for the re-opening of the Royal Highland Fusiliers Museum on Monday 3 May at 10 am.

Only 5 days to go!

Bugle is looking forward to meeting everyone at the re-opening - but, there is another reason why Bugle wants to look his best for the re-opening - watch this space tomorrow and find out why!

27/04/2021

25/04/2021

The Ulster Branch of the Royal Highland Fusiliers Regimental Association recently funded and unveiled this lovely Regimental Stone in the Memorial Garden of Palace Barracks, Belfast.

The stone commemorates all members of The Royal Highland Fusiliers, who served in Northern Ireland during the so-called "Troubles" or, perhaps more properly, OP BANNER from 1969-2007.

It was not easy to get the approval for this simple, dignified stone to be added to the Memorial Garden - William Brown and the members of his branch are to be congratulated for their persistence - it was certainly worth the hassle!

The Ulster Branch of the Royal Highland Fusiliers Regimental Association recently funded and unveiled this lovely Regimental Stone in the Memorial Garden of Palace Barracks, Belfast.

The stone commemorates all members of The Royal Highland Fusiliers, who served in Northern Ireland during the so-called "Troubles" or, perhaps more properly, OP BANNER from 1969-2007.

It was not easy to get the approval for this simple, dignified stone to be added to the Memorial Garden - William Brown and the members of his branch are to be congratulated for their persistence - it was certainly worth the hassle!

23/04/2021

A very merry St George’s Day from all at the Royal Highland Fusiliers Museum.

St George is perhaps the most appropriate saint for us to commemorate as he is the patron saint of soldiers. However, he is also the patron saint of England and St George’s Cross forms part of our Union Flag.

St George is possibly one of the most venerated saints after the Virgin Mary – he is celebrated in both Western and Eastern Christian churches: from Russia to Ethiopia, Malta, Egypt, Greece, India, Portugal, Spain and the list goes on … he is even mentioned in some Muslim texts as a prophetic figure and martyr.

I should imagine that everyone knows the story of George and the Dragon, but this is quite a late legend, reaching Catholic Europe in the 12th Century.

Although there is little information on the early life of George, it seems likely that he existed and early dedications of churches to him go back to the 4th century. It is usually assumed that George was martyred under the Diocletian persecution (AD303) as it was aimed at Christian soldiers serving in the Roman army. Certainly, his widespread veneration as a soldier saint had its centre at Diospolis (Palestine) now Lydda – he was probably martyred there at the end of the 3rd century. George is sometimes mistaken for George of Cappadocia, a 4th century bishop, murdered for imposing high taxes!

The legend of St George and his dragon was brought back to England by returning crusaders and he caught the imagination of the English people. So much so that in the 14th Century, he became the patron saint of England and protector of the royal family. In 1348, King Edward founded the Order of the Garter, Britain’s highest civic or military honour.

Famously, William Shakespeare was born and died on St George’s Day – which is possibly taking patriotism a bit far!

And, finally, St George’s lance, with which he slew the dragon, was called “Ascalon” – this was used by Sir Winston Churchill to name his personal aircraft during World War II!

19/04/2021

14/04/2021

10/04/2021

The staff and volunteers at the Royal Highland Fusiliers Museum are deeply saddened by the news of the death of His Royal Highness, The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, yesterday.

Prince Philip was a great man, whose sense of duty, honour and public service were second to none - he will be sorely missed.

We offer our sincere condolences and our deepest sympathy to Her Majesty, The Queen, and her family in this time of sorrow.

Public condolences can be posted at www.royal.uk