The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders REGIMENTAL MUSEUM. Regimental Hospitality at Stirling Castle

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1 The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders REGIMENTAL MUSEUM Regimental Hospitality at Stirling Castle

2 Sans Peur - Without Fear Ne Obliviscaris - Do not Forget

3 The Russian Cavalry sweeping towards us made the ground quiver under their feet, gathering speed at every stride, on towards that thin red streak tipped with a line of steel. Each man placed cartridges between the buttons of his coat. Aim, steady, fire. Eyewitness at Balaklava 25th October 1854 The museum, housed in the heart of Stirling Castle, traces the history of the 91st Argyllshire Highlanders and the 93rd Sutherland Highlanders up to the time of their amalgamation in 1881 when they became the 1st and 2nd Battalions of The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders and thereafter to the present day. Our exhibition also covers the history and lineage of the broader regimental family, including the Militia, Volunteers and Territorials, Service Battalions, the Combined Cadet Force and Affiliated Regiments. Regimental Tradition

4 The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders REGIMENTAL MUSEUM Both our antecedent regiments were raised to face the military threat from France. 91st Argyllshire Highlanders In 1794 the Duke of Argyll asked his kinsman Duncan Campbell of Lochnell, to raise a regiment from Argyllshire. It was embodied below Stirling Castle on 10th February 1794 and although originally titled 98th the regiment was soon renumbered 91st. Its ranks first saw action in the Napoleonic Wars, fighting the Dutch at the Cape of Good Hope, then in the Peninsula campaign earning the Battle Honours Rolica, Vimiera, Corunna, Pyrenees, Nivelle, Nive, Orthes and Toulouse, and subsequently in the Waterloo campaign. There followed many years of service in South Africa. 93rd Sutherland Highlanders In 1799 General William Wemyss, kinsman of the Countess of Sutherland, raised the 93rd. The regiment first saw action at the Cape of Good Hope. It was to be in the Crimean War and later in the Indian Mutiny that the regiment truly distinguished itself: seven Victoria Crosses were won at the Relief of Lucknow. At the Battle of Balaklava in the Russian Crimea, the 93rd faced the Russian cavalry charge. Instead of forming the customary square, the Highlanders formed a line only two deep, repulsed the attack, and earned the unique nickname The Thin Red Line. The Gold Cross, one of only 163 ever awarded to members of the British Army. Won by Lieutenant Colonel Sir William Douglas of Balgillo KCB who joined the 91st in He was wounded at Orthes and Toulouse.

5 Colonels-in-Chief The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders first Colonel-in-Chief was Her Royal Highness Princess Louise, a daughter of Queen Victoria. In 1871 the 91st provided the Guard of Honour at her wedding to the Duke of Argyll and the following year the 91st was bestowed the title Princess Louise s Argyllshire Highlanders. She became Colonel-in-Chief in She continued to follow activities with great interest until her death in On 21st April 1947 Her Majesty the Queen, then Princess Elizabeth, HRH Princess Louise, the first Colonel-in-Chief of The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. graciously accepted to become the next Colonel-in-Chief on her 21st birthday and has taken a very close interest in her Highlanders ever since. In 2006 Her Majesty The Queen relinquished her title of The Colonel-in-Chief of The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders when she became the first Colonel-in-Chief of the newly formed Royal Regiment of Scotland. Her Majesty retains her links with the Argylls as Royal Colonel of the Balaklava Company 5th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland. Regimental Silver Military silver smithing uniquely represents the pride felt by soldiers both individually and collectively in their regiment, its achievements and its traditions within the regimental messes. Displayed in our exhibition is every type of silverware, from the humble teaspoon, the cigarette case, salvers, candelabras and cups to the large ornate and decorative centrepieces.

6 The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders REGIMENTAL MUSEUM Royal Dining Room

7 The Royal Dining Room The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Welcome On arrival at Stirling Castle guests will be piped into the top square with a selection of pipe tunes including Regimental tunes such as The Campbells are Coming, Highland Laddie and the Glenduarel Highlanders before entering the Museum prior to dinner. Tours of Stirling Castle can also be arranged. Reception in the 91st and 93rd Room Champagne and canapés prepared by the finest caterers will be served in the 91st Room beneath the painting The Thin Red Line commemorating the Battle of Balaklava. The room records some of the regimental history of The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders and is rich in military heritage. The Balaklava Tour Let our narrator relive the battle of Balaklava and the courage shown by the men of the 93rd. This will be followed by a tour of the Regimental Museum.

8 The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders REGIMENTAL MUSEUM Argylls Invitations Guests will receive a personalised invitation card designed to suit the occasion, each embossed with the Argylls crest: a keepsake to be remembered. Dinner in the Royal Dining Room Dine in the military splendour of The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders in Stirling Castle. The Royal Dining Room has been used to entertain the Colonelin-Chief, Her Majesty The Queen. Dinner will follow in the unique traditions of a Highland Regiment. Highland dress is order of the day, fine wines, a Gaelic whisky toast and the haunting drone of the pipes. The Royal Dining Room can cater for 30 guests seated around the dining table, fully dressed with regimental silver, porcelain and crystal. The Pipe Major will announce dinner with the officers call, a traditional pipe tune Piobaireachd of Domhnuill Dubh. Dinner will be served under the direction of the Regimental Mess Sergeant who will look after you royally. HRH Princess Louise, first Colonel-in-Chief of The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders.

9 Mess Dining The table is dressed in silver candelabras, selected objects from the museum, silver pipe tune music and menu cards holders. Argylls Regimental crested dining tableware, decanters and glass are used throughout the evening. Thin Red Line whisky can be supplied. Whisky Tasting Whisky is supplied through our selected partner and guests can learn some of the secrets of the Highland malts. Our own special blend can be supplied as well as bespoke decanters and glasses. Regimental Toasts Dinner will be followed by the passing of the port, toasting Her Majesty The Queen, a final set of pipe tunes and the traditional Gaelic whisky toast given by the Pipe Major: Slainte do n Bhan Righ, slainte dhuibh uile gu leir - Health to The Queen, health to you altogether. Regimental Museum The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders The Castle, Stirling FK8 1EH Telephone museum@argylls.co.uk

10 The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders REGIMENTAL MUSEUM The Colours Room

11 The Colours Room Experience the military splendour of the Colours Room of The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Museum. The Colours Room is frequently used for regimental occasions. Here you will find The Sovereign s and Regimental Colours, traditionally carried into battle by Ensigns to provide the rallying point for the Battalion. They are adorned with the principal Battle Honours awarded to The Colours Tour Follow the Colours into Battle as our narrator tells the story of the Colours and their significance to the Regiment. Followed by a full tour of the Regimental Museum. the Regiment s battalions over the years - from Cape of Good Hope 1806 to Balaklava and Lucknow, from Mons and the Somme to Malaya and Korea And the walls are adorned with the sixteen Argyll holders of the Victoria Cross. The room can cater for numbers of up to 60 guests for a conference or reception followed by a buffet-style lunch or supper. This will provide for a truly unique experience of regimental hospitality that is only available to guests of our Museum. Regimental Museum The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders The Castle, Stirling FK8 1EH Telephone museum@argylls.co.uk

12 The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders REGIMENTAL MUSEUM The Officers Mess

13 The Officers Mess A truly unique experience that is not available to everyday visitors. The Officers Mess provides that unique opportunity to dine at the very heart of the regiment, surrounded by regimental paintings and glorious pieces of silver which tell their own story in the rich history of the regiment. With pre-dinner drinks and dining for up to twelve guests, the table will be dressed in traditional style to provide guests with an occasion to remember. A piper will play those evocative tunes of glory which evoke the Highland heritage that has been carried over the generations, finishing with the regimental marches Highland Laddie and The Campbells Are Coming. Regimental Museum The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders The Castle, Stirling FK8 1EH Telephone museum@argylls.co.uk

14 The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders REGIMENTAL MUSEUM Regimental Museum The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders The Castle, Stirling FK8 1EH Telephone