New gallery and exhibition unveiled at Gordon Highlanders Museum

The Gordon Highlanders Museum has officially unveiled a new gallery space to the public in Aberdeen.

The venue will host a series of exhibitions over the next five years which will examine the culture and history of the Highlands.

Bens, Glens and Heroes displays significant items from the museum’s collection.

Key items include; one of the oldest Gordon Highlander kilts in existence, a 200-year old regimental sash worn during the Retreat to Corunna and a set of bagpipes owned by the last surviving piper to have played in battle during World War I.

Local entrepreneur Jim Milne CBE officially opened the gallery and exhibition as the guest of honour.

Charlie Sloan, Chair of The Gordon Highlanders Museum: “We are delighted that Dr Milne has agreed to open the renovated Hamilton Room and its associated Exhibition.

“Our new gallery will play an important role in helping the Museum maintain its status as Aberdeen’s premier 5 star visitor attraction.

“As Dr Milne has been a generous supporter of the Museum; his presence today allows us to thank him publicly. Museums Galleries Scotland is the national development body for Scottish museum and galleries.

“Today would not have been possible but for their generous support. All here at the Museum are very grateful to them.”

Lucy Casot, CEO of Museums Galleries Scotland said: “We are delighted to support The Gordon Highlanders Museum through the Recovery and Resilience Fund.

“The team’s ambition to maintain their excellent visitor experience and further explore the story of the Highlands and the connection to the Highland Regiments has led them to undertake an exciting gallery refurbishment.

“The new gallery space is testament to the vision of the museum team to welcome both their local community and visitors from further afield.

“We wish them our very best as the exhibition Bens, Glens and Heroes opens to the public.”

John McLeish, Chief Executive of The Gordon Highlanders Museum said: “Today marks a very important milestone for The Gordon Highlanders Museum and, more specifically, sees us realise another ambition that we set ourselves as part of our post-pandemic recovery plan.

“Our rejuvenated exhibition gallery has the ‘wow’ factor and will play host to a series of culturally significant exhibitions in the next few years. Bonnie Prince Charlie, George IV and Queen Victoria will all feature as we explore the notion of ‘Highlandism’ and how some of the key elements of Highland identity such as Piping, the Gaelic language, Tartan and Highland Dress came to be viewed as being representative of Scotland as a whole.

“We feel sure that our visitors will be excited by the stories we are about to tell and how better to start the journey than by showcasing our very own Highland Regiment.”