Museum devoted to the history of Glasgow and Ayrshire's local regiment and its people.
We are small, local museum devoted to passing on knowledge on The Royal Highland Fusiliers, its history (their predecessors Highland Light Infantry and Royal Scots Fusiliers), people and impact. As well as sustaining memory of British troops all over the world, including regiment successors 2nd Bn The Royal Regiment of Scotland.
Operating as usual
Sadly, due to essential maintenance at 518 Sauchiehall Street, the RHF Museum will be closed tomorrow (Wed 28 Sep 22) during working hours.
I am extremely sorry that this is such short notice but it is unavoidable.
If you require to contact someone urgently, please email the Curator: [email protected].
Opening will be as usual on Thu 29 Sep & Fri 30 Sep.
Once again, many apologies for any inconvenience caused.
The Staff & Volunteers of the Royal Highland Fusiliers Museum were deeply saddened by the death of our Monarch, Queen Elizabeth II.
And extend their sincere condolences to His Majesty,
King Charles III and the Royal Family.
We closed the Museum today as a mark of respect to Her Majesty.
A really good turnout at the Veterans' Monument at Knightswood, to commemorate Victory in Japan (VJ) Day, yesterday, despite the very warm weather!
Lots of Association Standards on parade - however, at the beginning of the short service at the Veterans' Monument, another Standard was blessed by Padre Phil Paterson and joined the parade. It was a new Standard for the Glasgow & Renfrewshire branch of SSAFA, The Armed Forces Charity.
When the Second Expeditionary Force set sail for Egypt in February 1885, Major (later Colonel Sir) James Gildea wrote a letter to The Times appealing for money and volunteers to help the military families left behind at home.
A fund was set up to provide allowances. Soon Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales (the future Queen Alexandra) became the first president of what was then called the Soldiers' and Sailors' Families Association (SSFA).
In 1919, SSFA becomes the Soldiers', Sailors' & Airmen's Families Association (SSAFA), following the founding of the Royal Air Force in 1918; and, SSAFA has continued to help the Armed Forces and their families during the years since.
The short service at the Veterans' Monument was followed by wreath-laying by Baillie Thomas Kerr, the Vice Dean of Guild, the Deacon Convenor of the Trades House of Glasgow and other veterans' Associations.
As always, the proceedings concluded with a parade down the Great Western Road to the Lincoln Inn for a reception.
And finally, thanks to Danny Macrae, ace photographer and one of our valued volunteers in the Museum, for his stunning photographs.
Seems impossible, I know, but tomorrow will be the 5th and final week of the Royal Highland Fusiliers Museum Kids' Club of Summer 2022 - doesn't time fly when you are having fun?
And what a treat you will have tomorrow, Kids!
The whole session will be based around a very special animal from a long time ago, who was a particular favourite of one of the Regiment's antecedent regiments: The Royal Scots Fusiliers (RSF).
So, gently persuade your parents to bring you along to the Museum tomorrow between 1030 and 12 noon, to find out all about this special beast!
And a few photos to remind you all of the fun to be had at the Kids' Club at the RHF Museum!
We welcomed two very special visitors to the Royal Highland Fusiliers Museum today: Ian Fenn and his amazing assistance cat, Chloe!
Chloe was a rescue cat before undergoing training to become Ian's assistance cat and our Museum staff were amazed at how well-trained and well-behaved she is.
So, Ian and Chloe, lovely to see you both in the Museum today and you are very welcome to come back at any time.
Also, big thank you to, Danny, one of our volunteers, who took the photographs.
Hard to believe that tomorrow, we will be on Week 3 of our Kids' Club and the Club's fame is beginning to spread far and wide; however, we still have plenty of room for more kids to come and enjoy the fun.
Not entirely sure what Lisa and Morgan have in store for the kids tomorrow - but, last week, the kids were doing interesting things with lolly-sticks! Who would have thunk it?
So, if you kids are at a loose end tomorrow (Wednesday 27 July) morning from 1030 to 1200 - persuade your adults to bring you along to the Royal Highland Fusiliers Museum, 518 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, G2 3LW.
Everyone is welcome!
Suddenly realised that I forgot to mention a recent visit to the Museum from members of The Royal Highland Fusiliers of Canada and members of 52 Lowland, 6th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland (6 SCOTS), who were hosting them for the day.
Our visitors were warmly welcomed by Major General Euan Loudon CBE, Chairman The Royal Highland Fusiliers Trust and a lively discussion was held about the long affiliations between the two regiments, before a tour around the Museum.
Prior to the formation of The Royal Highland Fusiliers (RHF); The Royal Scots Fusiliers (RSF) and The Highland Light Infantry (HLI) were each affiliated with a regiment of Canadian Militia - respectively, The Scots Fusiliers of Canada and The Highland Light Infantry of Canada.
Both of these regiments continued their affiliation after 1959 and on 1 March 1965, they were also amalgamated as a result of a reorganisation of the militia, adopting the title of The Royal Highland Fusiliers of Canada.
The older of the two regiments was the HLI of Canada, which began as the Galt Rifle Company in 1837 and "regimented" as the 29th Waterloo Regiment in 1866, receiving its first set of Colours two years later.
The Scots Fusiliers of Canada date from immediately after the Great War and were affiliated with the RSF in 1928.
Hi, Kids, bored with the holidays already?
Then, why not come to Kids' Club Week 2 on Wednesday 20 July - lots of interesting stuff to do!
Last week, Lisa & Morgan told the Kids all about the three World War 1 medals: 1914/1915 Star, British War Medal and Allied Victory - did you know that millions were awarded to our soldiers and that they gave them nicknames - look at the photographs and find out what they were.
Not only that the Kids made their own medal ribbons to take home!
Oh, did I mention that there were Jelly Babies - find out why in the photographs!
Of course, that was last Wednesday - who knows what they will do this Wednesday? But you will guarantee that it will be Fun!
So, nag those grown-ups to bring you along to the RHF Museum on Wednesday 20 July from 1030 am to 12 noon!
As promised, further details of the Royal Highland Fusiliers Museum Summer Kids' Club:
It will be held ever Wednesday morning (10.30 -12.00) at the Museum, 518 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, G2 3LW, for 5 weeks, beginning on Wednesday 13 July 2022.
All children are welcome and it is absolutely FREE!
I understand from Lisa, who will be in charge, that this week, one of the activities will involve something that soldiers proudly wear on their jackets!
Bugle the Assaye Elephant and Fusilier the White Horse of Hanover will also be around to help with the fun!
So, hope to see you all at the Museum on Wednesday and thank you all for continuing to support the RHF Museum!🙃
Sadly, we have to close the Museum tomorrow in order to carry out some essential maintenance - we will be open again on Wednesday as usual.
Many apologies for the lack of warning, but this was unforeseen.
The good news that Kid's Club will be open again on Wednesdays for 5 whole weeks during the Summer Holidays - beginning next week: Wednesday 13 July - more information to follow.
Please spread the word: Lisa, Morgan & Nikki will be welcoming children to Kid's Club in the RHF Museum on Wed 13 Jul and for the following 4 Wednesdays.
All absolutely FREE and lots of exciting surprises - watch this space!
Last Saturday, RHF veterans, members of 2 SCOTS and assorted guests witnessed the Presentation of the 7th Assaye Colour to the Royal Highland Fusiliers, 2nd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland (2 SCOTS).
A truly amazing spectacle that has only happened on five other occasions since the presentation of the original Assaye Colour by the Honourable East India Company to the 74th Highlanders following their spirit and bravery during the battle of Assaye (23 September 1803).
Following the formation of The Royal Regiment of Scotland in 2006, 2 SCOTS is responsible for maintaining the golden thread of regimental history of The Royal Highland Fusiliers (RHF) and antecedent regiments, The Highland Light Infantry (HLI) and 74th Highlanders, by carrying the Assaye Colour - now the only third Colour to be carried in the British Army.
The parade was splendid and, despite their busy military schedule, the soldiers of 2 SCOTS were a credit to the memory of the soldiers of the illustrious forebears, the 74th Highlanders; as can be seen in the attached photographs and video (https://youtu.be/Uqfovh4WsTc).
And the whole day was completed with lunch and a family fun day - a super day, which not be seen again for several decades!
Photographs courtesy of Danny MacRae, a volunteer at the Museum and a Glasgow Highlanders veteran.
Closure of Museum (Tuesday 22 - Friday 24 June 2022):
Sadly, due to circumstances beyond our control, the Museum will be closed from Tue 22 - Fri 24 Jun inclusive.
We will be open again as usual on Tue 29 Jun.
However, on a more positive note, we will be running our Kid's Club during the Summer holidays!
For more information: Watch This Space!
The Royal Highland Fusiliers Museum updated their business hours.
The Royal Highland Fusiliers Museum updated their business hours.
The Royal Highland Fusiliers Museum updated their business hours.
The Royal Highland Fusiliers Museum updated their business hours.
The Royal Highland Fusiliers Museum updated their business hours.
https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/ayrshire/kilmarnock-wwi-soldier-finally-laid-26974006
Private (Pte) William Johnston died on September 26, 1915 during the Battle of Loos and he was laid to rest with full military honours a century after he died.
Hopefully, the Museum will be back to normal following the Easter break; plus, the Scottish government will have lifted coronavirus restrictions - so, all good!
So, the Museum will open 4 days a week: Tuesdays-Fridays: 1000-1530.
As always, you can expect a warm welcome from Nikki, Lisa and the veterans who are helping in the shop.
May we take this opportunity to wish you a very Happy and Peaceful Easter and we look forward to seeing you in the Museum or hearing from you online.
Sadly, once again, we will have to close the Museum again tomorrow (Friday); but, normal service should be resumed soon.
However, we have had quite a good week in the Museum with quite a few visitors; although Sauchiehall Street is still very quiet.
And, the good news is that we are planning a rather interesting new temporary exhibition in the shop area - so watch this space!
Once again, I have to apologise for the closure of the Museum for the rest of this week; however, I am sure that you will all understand when you hear the reasons.
Sadly, not only was Lisa, one of our museum attendants was rushed to hospital and will undergo an operation for gall-stones; but, Nikki, our other museum attendant, is on leave celebrating her wedding anniversary - you really could not make it up!
We hope to be open with the new 4-day opening format next week - so fingers & toes crossed by everyone, please!
In the meantime, I am sure that you will all join me in wishing Lisa a very speedy recovery and many congratulations to Nikki (and Joe) on their wedding anniversary.
Last weekend, we were honoured to attend the commemoration services for those unfortunate people, mainly civilians, who were casualties of the Clydebank Blitz, which took place during the nights of 13/14 March and 14/15 March 1941.
The Luftwaffe bombers raided Clydeside and inflicted casualties in several industrial centres. Glasgow suffered the highest number of fatalities (about 650), but in proportion to its population of about 50,000, the burgh of Clydebank suffered the worst.
According to an official count in 1942, the Clydebank raids killed 528 people and seriously injured 617, compared to totals of 1,200 people, and 1,100 in the whole of Clydeside.
The main targets in Clydebank were the armaments factory in the Singer Sering Maching works, John Brown & Company’s shipyard, and Beadmore’s engine works. The bombs inflicted limited damage on the industrial area, although, the engine works of Aitchison Blair were completely destroyed.
A report claimed that following “first aid” repairs, production returned to near normal levels by the beginning of April. Production was, however, affected by the severe casualties and the evacuation of the town after the raids, causing difficulties in getting the workforce to the workplace. On 17 March 1941, the number of homeless stood at 11,350.
Almost every street in Clydebank had a fatal casualty; however, Second Avenue (known as Holy City) with flat roofs and light colouring had the most: more than 80 fatalities, including 10 members of one family. At 78 Jellicoe Street in Dalmuir, 3 generations of the Rock family, aged from 1 to 54 years – 15 members in all – were killed.
The Polish destroyer, ORP Piorun, was in John Brown’s Yard for repair and they fired their anti-aircraft at the bombers. So, forging a lasting friendship between Clydebank ant the Polish people and to this day the Polish Consul attends the service of remembrance. The second service of the commemoration takes place in the square opposite Clydebank Town Hall, renamed Solidarity Plaza, where plaques tell the story of the ORP Piorun.
The first commemoration service is held at the Dunnotar Cemetery in Clydebank.
There were many acts of bravery during these two horrific raids in 1941, in particular, among the member of the Clydebank Police Force and Fire Brigade, despite 48 hours of continuous duty. However, the actions of Sergeant John Macleod must be singled out. On his way to work, when the bombs started falling, he went into a demolished building and rescued two children; followed by another, where he saved a mother and four children, one of which sadly died. The second night, while the bombs were falling once more, he went into a house and dug out a trapped man, knowing that there was an unexploded bomb nearby. For these actions, Sergeant John Macleod was awarded the George Medal for his bravery.
Due to circumstances completely beyond our control, we have regretfully decided that opening times at the Museum may have to be reduced to 4 days per week.
So, we are going to trial closing on Mondays for a few weeks; and opening from Tuesday to Friday, inclusive, with immediate effect: Monday 21 March 2022.
For the moment, hours will remain the same (1000-1200 & 1300-1500); however, assuming that the Scottish Government guidance is further relaxed in the near future, we hope to extend our daily opening hours soon.
Sadly, we will also have more immediate staffing difficulties during the next few weeks and it may be necessary to close for an occasional extra day. However, we will only do this if absolutely necessary and will endeavour to give everyone as much warning as possible.
On Friday, the RHF Museum said goodbye to Steven Jackson, the Admin Officer for The Royal Regiment of Scotland, who has gone on to pastures new within the Civil Service.
Steven worked for RHQ SCOTS (West), which was co-located at 518 Sauchiehall Street with the Museum; however, he gave us and the Museum a great deal of help, particularly when we needed a strong arm to lift and carry heavy loads!
The Shop Ladies and I will definitely miss Steven, as I am sure will our veterans and volunteers: he was always around to lend a hand or find time for a chat and a war story! Also, not entirely sure who is going to help with the dreaded computers or know where to find anything!
We got Steven a wee something to help him in his new job, so that he will look smart and maybe have something with which to pen those office memoranda for which the Civil Service is so famous!
So, Steven, good luck in your new job, thank you for all your help over the years and please do not be a stranger - please feel free to drop in for a cuppa and you can be the one to tell us your new war stories!
A very merry St David’s Day to all our readers.
I have to admit that getting a military dimension to this peace-loving, tee-totaller saint, who refused to eat meat preferring leeks, drank only water and would not use oxen to plough the fields was difficult – but I have found one, although, you will need to read to the end to find out if it was worth the effort!
St David, the grandson of the King of Ceredigion, was born in 500 and, according to legend, his mother (St Non) gave birth to him on a Pembrokeshire clifftop during a raging storm – the spot marked by the ruins of Non’s Chapel and a holy well believed to have healing powers.
St David became a renowned preacher, founding a monastic order and founded settlements and churches in Wales, Brittany and southwest England – even, reputedly, visiting Jerusalem, from which he brought a stone that sits in an altar in St David’s Cathedral, built on the site of this original monastery.
His most famous miracle associated with St David occurred when he was preaching to a large crowd in Llanddewi Brefi and those at the back complained that they could not hear him. So, the ground on which he stood rose up to form a hill and a white dove, sent by God, settled on his shoulder – a white dove became his sign.
St David died on 1 March 589 and is buried at St David’s Cathedral – his shrine was a popular place of pilgrimage during the Middle Ages. His shrine was restored and rededicated in 2012, with the addictions of five icons in the shrine niches.
St David’s last words: “Be joyful, keep the faith, and do the little things that you have heard and seen me do.” are remembered in a well-known maxim in Wales: “Do the little things in life.”
And, at last, the somewhat tenuous military connection concerns the Flag of St David – the history of which is somewhat obscure and is possibly from the early 20th century. However, as recent as 2007, the leader of the Welsh Christian Party campaigned for St David’s Flag to replace the red dragon as the national flag which he claimed was “nothing less than the sign of Satan.”
St David’s Flag has been incorporated into various football club badges, the colours of Lampeter College and the colours were used by the crew of the Pembroke-built Royal Navy cruiser HMS Flora in 1903, when they played a local team from Coquimbo, when docked in Chile. The local team won and were given the jerseys, so Coquimbo Unido continues to play in the colours of St David in the Chilean First Division.
And, the military connection? A stylised version of St David’s Flag was used as the shoulder badge of the 38th (Welsh) Infantry Division during WW2.
Well who would have thunk it?
We have completely sold out of our trial order of RHF car badges, in about 24 hours - could that be a record?
However, we have ordered more, so no need to be disappointed!
If you would like to pre-order to ensure that you do not miss out on the second batch - please drop into the shop to see our lovely shop ladies or send them an email at [email protected].
Just to remind you, the badges cost £21 each. If you want to make a order by post, we send out all orders 1st class signed for.
So, thank you all for your support and hopefully, our suppliers will send us our new order soon.
Incidentally, I also suggested that they might consider RSF, HLI & Royal Regiment of Scotland versions - assuming there might some interest - so let us know if you would be interested in buying one.
Ladies & Gentlemen
I am afraid that we have had to close the Museum & Shop for the rest of today (Tue 15 Feb), for which I apologise, but it for reasons entirely beyond our control.
We have a lone working policy in the Museum and the shop ladies are not allowed to work if there is no-one else in the building - this is obviously for their personal safety.
Today, Lisa and Hannah were on duty in the shop and Hannah was pinged by Track & Trace, which meant that she had go home immediately to self-isolate - clearly, Lisa could not stay in the Museum by herself and I made the decision to close the Museum & shop.
I am extremely sorry, but I think that we have managed to put cover in place for the rest of the week; so, hopefully we will not have to close at short notice again.
Sadly, we have a very small staff and it is not always possible to be as agile as we would like - thank you all for your patience & understanding.
Brand new addition to our shop stock this morning - every car should have one!
A Royal Highland Fusiliers car badge (+ fixings) - a snip at £21!
Now for the boring bit: badge is is 64mm in height and width +
the reverse side, with working parts and recess is 80mm in height and width.
These will be for sale in our shop as of tomorrow (Tue 15 Feb). Sadly, as you will be aware our online shop is out of commission at the moment; however, if you email [email protected] - our lovely shop ladies will get back to you.
But, we may soon have exciting news about our online shop - so watch this space!
Our clever shop ladies have done it again!
They have not only created a shop window to mark St Valentine’s Day on 14 February 2022; but they have also designed a small, but beautifully formed display to complement it.
You may recall that for last year for Remembrance Day, we looked at Walter Rumph of The Royal Scots Fusiliers (RSF), who served in the Middle East and the Western Front before and during WWI. Walter went through without a scratch but was sadly killed in action just eleven days before Armistice Day.
The Museum has an amazing collection of the loving postcards and presents sent by Walter to his beloved wife Helen and their daughter, Gracie. Some years ago, Gracie, donated the collection to the Museum; although, sadly, we are rarely able to show many of the objects – so, the shop ladies have remedied this by creating a super display telling the story of Walter’s life and love for his “Girls” using much of the collection.
The exhibition will be in place for the next few weeks and we hope that objects which are usually in storage due to the lack of space in the main galleries will feature in future temporary displays in the shop area.
So, if you are passing, you will be warmly welcomed into the Museum to meet Walter, Helen and Gracie.
Only two days to go before folk all over the world celebrate Scotland's national bard, Rabbie Burns.
Our clever shop ladies at the Museum have made our shop window into our salute to Robert Burns!
It is often forgotten that Rabbie, an Ayrshire man, was actually a soldier in the Militia and that one of his most famous poems was "The Soldier's Return", which he penned in 1793. In this poem, he portrays his thoughts towards the mistreatment of soldiers - the speaker is a former soldier, who implies that he has little money and possessions through his declaration of his maintaining of a "light purse"!
Of course, The Royal Scots Fusiliers (the 21st of Foot) one of our antecedent Regiments, formed in 1678, was designated the county regiment of Ayrshire during the 1881 Caldwell Reforms - so, virtually one of our own!
The Staff of the Royal Highland Fusiliers Museum are delighted to announce that the Museum & shop will reopen tomorrow (Monday 17 January 2022) following our extended Christmas/New Year break, due to the Scottish Government Covid-19 guidance.
We will, however, be retaining restricted opening hours until guidance is further relaxed i.e.:
Monday-Friday: 1000-1200 & 1300-1500
[Please note we close for an hour at lunchtime for a deep clean
of the Museum facilities]
We very much look forward to seeing you all in the Museum.
Our mascots, Bugle & Fusilier, and everyone at the Royal Highland Fusiliers' Museum wishes you all a much happier, healthier and more prosperous New Year!
Sadly, Covid-19 and restrictions are still in force; however, we are ever hopeful that we will be nearing getting back to normal in 2022.
The Museum staff have not been idle during the lockdown and restricted re-opening, we hope to have exciting new initiatives while building on initiatives of 2021 such as expanding Kids' Club and we have exciting plans for our online shop - so watch this space!
Thank you all for the huge support and patience that you have given us during the problems of 2020 and 2021 and we look forward to a brighter and more exciting future in 2022.
518 Sauchiehall Street
Glasgow
G23LW
| Tuesday | 10am - 3:30pm |
| Wednesday | 10am - 3:30pm |
| Thursday | 10am - 3:30pm |
| Friday | 10am - 3:30pm |
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Our mascots, Bugle & Fusilier, and everyone at the Royal Highland Fusiliers' Museum wishes you all a much happier, healthier and more prosperous New Year! Sadly, Covid-19 and restrictions are still in force; however, we are ever hopeful that we will be nearing getting back to normal in 2022. The Museum staff have not been idle during the lockdown and restricted re-opening, we hope to have exciting new initiatives while building on initiatives of 2021 such as expanding Kids' Club and we have exciting plans for our online shop - so watch this space! Thank you all for the huge support and patience that you have given us during the problems of 2020 and 2021 and we look forward to a brighter and more exciting future in 2022.
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