The Highlanders' Museum - Fort George

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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.

Soldier’s Story – Francis Humberston MacKenzie, The Man Who Raised The 78th HighlandersThe late 1700’s was a time of gre...
16/10/2026

Soldier’s Story – Francis Humberston MacKenzie, The Man Who Raised The 78th Highlanders

The late 1700’s was a time of great tension and hostility between Britain and France. The French Revolution, which would lead to the abolishment of their monarchy and the Napoleonic Wars, had broken out in 1789. In Britain's eyes, France had fallen to fanaticism and madness and was intent of consuming of all of Europe in revolutionary fervour. To France, Britian was a reactionary threat intent on crushing its revolution and preventing its new liberties.

Such a climate meant an increase in the strength of the British Army. Indeed, during this time, many Highland regiments would be raised. One man who wished to play a part in this was Francis Humberston MacKenzie, 1st Baron Seaforth, the then Chief of Clan MacKenzie. Francis made offers to raise a regiment from his clansmen to the government in both 1787 and 1790. Both occasions saw MacKenzie Clansmen providing manpower for other Highland regiments but did not result in Francis having his own regiment. It was not until 1793, with war with France now having broken out, that Francis finally got his regiment, the 78th Highlanders.

The 78th would be comprised mostly of men raised in the historic lands of Clan MacKenzie, Ross-Shire, the Black Isle and Lewis. In addition to providing the basis for future historic ties between regiment and region, one of Francis’s lasting legacies would be the uniform of the 78th. At the time Highland regiments wore the Government or “Black Watch” Tartan. The 78th would be one of the first to stray from this path. Using the “Black Watch” Tartan as a basis, additions were made. Red and white over stripes were added, forming what is now known as the MacKenzie Tartan. The 78th would wear this tartan throughout their history and it would later be worn by their successors, the Seaforth Highlanders and in turn the Queen’s Own Highlanders.

Francis served as the commanding officer of the new 78th for the first three years of its existence. Then, having handed over the command to his brother-in-law, he continued his military service by raising a 2nd battalion for the regiment and commanding the Ross-shire Militia at home. Francis was appointed governor of Barbados in 1801. As governor he did much to improve the working conditions of the enslaved peoples of Africa forced to work on the sugar plantations, implemented a prohibition on the killing of slaves, and reduced official discrimination against free former slaves, often at great personal expense. This brought him financial ruin, and he was obliged to sell most of the family estates in the Highlands.

Although he had four sons, they all pre-deceased him and the male line of the family ended when he died in 1815. The regiment he founded however, lived on, the 78th becoming the 2nd Bn. Seaforth Highlanders in 1881 following its merger with the other “Mackenzie” regiment, the 72nd.

To learn more about these “MacKenzie” regiments and their early years, do visit us at the Highlanders Museum at Fort George.

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We continue our examination of the Liberation of the Southern Netherlands in October 1944, during WW2, by looking at the...
15/10/2026

We continue our examination of the Liberation of the Southern Netherlands in October 1944, during WW2, by looking at the experiences of 7th Bn. Seaforth Highlanders of the 15th Scottish Division.

Pushing out from the narrow corridor gained during the recent Operation Market Garden, the objective of the 15th Scottish was the city of Tilburg. To get there, they would have to battle their way through a maze of canals, d***s, flooded fields and deep mud, with rain their constant companion. It was a great environment for a defender, especially one a skilled as the Germans and they made the Highlanders of the Seaforth pay for every step. Craftily placed minefields, the booby-trapping of building and bridges, the ever-constant snipers just waiting for a fresh-faced replacement to make a mistake, all served to slow the Highlanders down. Yet still they pushed on, after all their reward for enduring such misery made it all worth it.

Every town, every street, every house, they took back from the Germans was one more they could return to the Dutch people. The Dutch were everywhere, cheering their liberators onward. Oirschot, Moergestel, Oisterwijk, the names of such towns would forever be entrenched in the minds of the men of 7th Seaforth, their populations forming deep and lasting bonds with the Highlanders, even teaching the pipers of battalion how to play the Dutch national anthem. Not that they needed to, many Highlanders recalling that the anthem could always be heard on the wind whenever they went forward, such was the frequency of it being sung, steeling the Highlanders on to the next town, to set those people singing too.

Pushing into Tilburg from the east, the Highlanders discovered a canal. A patrol was to be sent across to determine if the buildings lining the opposite shore was occupied by Germans, a covering party ready to open fire, should the patrol need to scamper back. Instead, the covering party watched in amazement as upon leaving their boats, the patrol was swallowed by a wave of humanity, the Dutch of Tilburg descending on them and lifting them into the air. The rest of the battalion crossed over, the sound of their oars drowned out by singing. The Dutch were celebrating and rightly so, four and half long years of occupation was coming to an end.

If anyone has ancestors who served with 7th Seaforth or with their Allied comrades the Netherlands during WW2, please do share your stories in the comments.

The year may be drawing to a close but our adventures aren't over just yet. Many more still to come. Perhaps you would l...
14/10/2026

The year may be drawing to a close but our adventures aren't over just yet. Many more still to come. Perhaps you would like to join us on one? Well 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
https://www.thehighlandersmuseum.com/?page_id=32134

October 1810, saw the 79th “Cameron” Highlanders manning the Lines of Torres Vedras during the Peninsular War of the Nap...
14/10/2026

October 1810, saw the 79th “Cameron” Highlanders manning the Lines of Torres Vedras during the Peninsular War of the Napoleonic Wars, as the Army of Arthur Wellesley, Duke of Wellington, blocked the French Army’s advance on the Portuguese Capital of Lisbon.

Having previously fought the French in the vicinity of Lisbon as few years prior, Wellington had become familiar with the ground on the approaches to the capital and its defensive advantages. With Portugal remaining under the shadow of another French invasion, Wellington set up the construction of the Lines of Torres Vedras to maximise those advantages to their fullest. From Torres Vedras southward, Portugal narrows to 30 miles across from the Atlantic in the west to the Bay of Tagus in the east. This narrow terrain would naturally funnel any attacking army, and when combined with the hilly and ridge like environment would make any advance even more challenging.

To these defences granted by nature, came the ones granted by man. Under the direction of Wellington’s chief engineer, Lieutenant-Colonel Richard Fletcher, the Portuguese population constructed a multitude of mutually supporting entrenchments and forts spread across three defence lines arrayed in depth. The plan was following the Lines construction for Wellington and his army to retire behind them. As his army retired, they were to carry out a scorched earth policy of the land before the Lines, leaving the French little in the ways of food or shelter.
As the Lines were being constructed, the Camerons and their comrades went forward towards the border slowing down and harrying the advance of the French Marshall Andre Massena. Alongside the 42nd “Black Watch” Highlanders, the Camerons played a role in Wellington’s defensive victory at Bussaco stalling and frustrating Massena even more.

The success of their delaying actions allowed Wellington’s army to pull back behind the Lines intact. Massena’s pursued and upon beholding the Lines, he was aghast. There was no way through that he could see, and with the surrounding area destroyed by Wellington’s scorched earth policy, the French would face starvation if they stayed put. An attempt was made to breakthrough at Sobral by was repelled by a skilled British – Portuguese defence in which the Camerons were involved. Massena lamented yet gambling that Wellington’s army was suffering as bad his own, he stayed outside the Lines for a month before finally admitting defeat and retreating, 25,000 of his men having been lost to starvation and disease.

The Line of Torres Vedras had served their purpose well; the French Invasion of Portugal was broken. Wellington could now go on the offensive, the Camerons, ever eager, would be alongside him. Today in Portugal, the remains of much of the famous Lines where the Camerons and their comrades played a part in repelling the French can still be seen.

If you are interested in learning more about the 79th “Cameron” Highlanders’ time in the Napoleonic Wars, then do visit us at the Highlanders Museum, Fort George.

October 1916, during WW1, saw the men of 7th Bn. Seaforth Highlanders and 5th Bn. Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders of the...
13/10/2026

October 1916, during WW1, saw the men of 7th Bn. Seaforth Highlanders and 5th Bn. Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders of the 9th Scottish Division return to the hell of the Battle of Somme.

It was rude awaking from the recent slice of heaven they had been enjoying in a rest area far behind the line. There on the banks of the River Somme, they had been able to swim and bathe in the water, enjoy good food and bask in the warm sun shining on the Picardy fields. That idealic image was shattered within moments of their return to the front, it was utterly unrecognizable from their last visit. The surrounding ground was a barren nothingness, with naught but waterlogged shell holes, scattered remains of bodies long past decayed, and everywhere was the mud. It was more an alien landscape from another world than the lush green fields it has once been. The land had been murdered. As the Highlanders moved up to the front through the ground they had recently bled to win, they must have wondered if they would soon be joining the land in death.

Ahead looming above the blasted landscape was the 50ft high Butte de Warlencourt, an ancient burial mound which was now marking the extent of the Allied advance. Months of grinding attritional effort had brought them here. Beyond it, the terrain began to dip down. If they could take the Butte, the Allies could at last drive the Germans off the plateau, and then with the high ground lost to them, the Germans would be in a horrible position when the offensive resumed come the New Year. Little wonder the Germans were clinging onto the Butte with such a terrifying ferocity. Taking it was going to be a challenge.

Then again, even getting into position to attack was a challenge. The trenches were not worthy of the name, they were blown to bits, caved in, full of mud up to the waist in many places. Highlanders who tripped or stumbled were drowning in this cesspool before they even had a chance to fight. Many Highlanders took their kilts off to deal with the weight of the mud on them. Yet such was the level of mud that covered them, it was in some cases hard to tell who was even still wearing his kilt. It was an utter nightmare. Worse was to follow.

7th Seaforth had the first crack at the Butte, yet they had barely gone 100 yards forward, when shells from their own artillery falling short, right-on top of them , shattered their assault. Trapped in no man’s land by German machine gun fire, survivors had to endure the long painful hours until the cover of night could see them to safety.

5th Camerons were next up. Attacking during the darkness of the early morning of the 18th October, they made it to the German positions known as the Snag Trench and in brutal close combat cleared it. Well versed by now to the tactics of their foe, the Camerons dug in a quickly as possible for the coming counterattack. It was upon them a mere 10 minutes later.

More horrific hand to hand fighting took place amongst the narrow trenches as Cameron and German wrestled in the knee-deep mud. Another attack came during the night by which point ri**es clogged with mud could not be fired, by the bayonet and the first did the Camerons now hold the line. Yet another attack came in the morning, this time standing alongside the Camerons were the reinforcements of the 8th Black Watch. Together the Highlanders stood firm as the Germans unleashed Flamethrowers upon them, the jets of flame wreaking havoc in the tight trenches.

After two horrifying days of combat, the exhausted and shattered Camerons came off the line. They had taken Snag Trench and held it against all odds, yet the Butte remained agonizingly out of reach. As the Camerons joined the Seaforth in a rest area behind the line, this one comprised of naught but sludge, the dreams of the warm waters they had once bathed in can’t have been far from the mind.

If anyone has ancestors who served with 7th Seaforth, 5th Camerons or their Allied comrades on the Somme during WW1, please do share your stories in the comments.

Here at the Highlanders Museum, Fort George, we offer an array of school programs centred around the experiences of the ...
12/10/2026

Here at the Highlanders Museum, Fort George, we offer an array of school programs centred around the experiences of the Highland soldier during the era of the British Empire, WW1 and WW2, alongside the stories of their families on the home front.

With workshops built around the Scottish Curriculum for excellence, designed with interactive learning and handling collections in mind, the Highlanders Museum is an excellent destination for educational visits if your school pupils are studying WW1, WW2 or the British Empire, to further enhance their knowledge and understanding of these complex topics and the individual experience of Highland soldiers during these time periods.

We can even come to you. Our Education team can visit your school and deliver workshop/object-handling sessions on either WW1 or WW2 to enhance your pupils studies.

For more information or to discuss booking, please visit our website at
About Us | The Highlanders' Museum (thehighlandersmuseum.com)
give the team here at Highlanders a ring on 01667 457789
or email [email protected].
We hope to see you soon.

October 1978 saw the bicentenary celebrations of the formation of the 72nd “Duke of Albany’s” Highlanders, one of the fo...
12/10/2026

October 1978 saw the bicentenary celebrations of the formation of the 72nd “Duke of Albany’s” Highlanders, one of the forebear regiments of the Queens Own Highlanders. The 72nd were technically raised in May 1778, but with the Queen’s Own Highlanders on operational duty in Northern Ireland at the time, celebrations were delayed until the end of their tour and subsequent return home.

The bicentenary was celebrated in Elgin close to where the 72nd has first gathered for inspection 200 years prior. In honour of the regiment’s achievements and sacrifices over that 200-year period, the men of the Queens Own Highlanders were granted the freedom of the Moray District, before parading through the town. Parading alongside them were detachments of the 51st Highland Volunteers, the Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa, the Cameron Highlanders of Canada, Seaforth Highlanders of Canada and members of the Regimental Association.

The celebration was conducted amidst heavy rain, not that it stopped great revelry from being had, there was even a demonstration by the Scottish Division Free Fall Parachute Team.

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

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October 1858, saw the 72nd “Duke of Albany’s Own” Highlanders pushing themselves hard through blistering heats to relief...
11/10/2026

October 1858, saw the 72nd “Duke of Albany’s Own” Highlanders pushing themselves hard through blistering heats to relief the siege of Bhopal.

The great swathe of violence which had consumed Northern India in 1857 seemed to be coming to an end. While initially caught off balance by the great rising against their rule, the British East India Company (EIC) had rallied, held on and with an insurge of reinforcements had broken the back of the revolt. Delhi, Lucknow, Cawnpore, names of cities that had come to define the fighting, all were back in the hands of the company. Yet there was still much of the region that needed to be dealt with, thousands of the Sepoys which had mutinied were still in arms and still striking targets. In addition, many of the Indian States themselves were in turmoil, their populations fighting each other over the issue of joining or opposing the rising. Others had simply wanted to settle old scores. So, while, many British troops were going home, the Highlanders of the 72nd were staying. Their mission lay to the south in Bhopal.

Bhopal had been a Princely State and Ally of the EIC since 1818 and in that time had been ruled by a succession of female rulers, the latest Sikander Begum had opted to remain allied to the EIC as Northern India erupted into chaos. Not all her people agreed with her decision, and many rose against her. These initials revolts were crushed by Begum, supported in her efforts by other local rulers. Now however the situation had changed drastically. Following their major defeats in the north, many of the Sepoy led forces were retreating to the south. They were joined by Islamic groups who proclaimed Jihad against the EIC. Low in number the State forces stood little chance, Bhopal seemed in great danger of falling.

Reinforcements were needed and quickly. The 72nd were among those now racing southward. Bhopal was going to be trying for the Highlanders, 110 miles to march through excessive heat, and the drenching rains of the monsoon. In an incredible feat of human endurance, the Highlanders manged it in three days. There was no time for any rest upon arrival, Sepoys were close at hand, and the Highlanders were straight into the fight. Physically exhausted they may have been, but with discipline and steadiness the Highlanders took on and routed their foe. Bhopal was saved.

It was only the beginning of this new challenging service, over the next few months the 72nd would fight countless small actions and march over 3000 miles, during which, 162 of their number would fall to enemy action or to disease.
To learn more about the 72nd’s time in India, then do visit the Highlanders Museum here at Fort George.

Photos from our archives –1st Bn. (79th) Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders at Khartoum on conclusion of a two-year tour of...
10/10/2026

Photos from our archives –

1st Bn. (79th) Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders at Khartoum on conclusion of a two-year tour of duty in Sudan, 1936.

Nearly 40 years prior in 1898, just a few miles upriver of Khartoum, the 1st Camerons had been engaged in the Battle of Omdurman, the climax of the Mahdist Wars.

A perfect Regimental gift. Regimental shirts and jumpers. Available for the Queen's Own Highlanders, Queen's Own Cameron...
09/10/2026

A perfect Regimental gift. Regimental shirts and jumpers. Available for the Queen's Own Highlanders, Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders, and Seaforth Highlanders.
Have a look on our online shop.

https://shophldrs.com/product-category/clothing/

Address

Fort George, Ardersier
Inverness
IV27TD

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 3:45pm
Tuesday 10am - 3:45pm
Wednesday 10am - 3:45pm
Thursday 10am - 3:45pm
Friday 10am - 3:45pm
Saturday 10am - 3:45pm
Sunday 10am - 3:45pm

Telephone

+441667457791

Website

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