The Royal Highland Fusiliers

Having visited museums all over the world, I was somewhat embarrassed to remember that I hadn't visited my local regimental museum for many years. They will probably see more of me in the future as my new office is just around the corner!

This is the Royal Highland Fusiliers (RHF) Museum, in Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow. It traces the history of a number of regiments who were amalgamated, in stages, into the RHF. It was created in 1959 by the amalgamation of The Royal Scots Fusiliers (RSF) and The Highland Light Infantry (HLI). At the formation of The Royal Regiment of Scotland (2006), they became The Royal Highland Fusiliers, 2nd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland (2 SCOTS).

The Regiment has an impressive history dating back to 1678. It served in all corners of the world: from North America to the West Indies; India to South Africa; Napoleonic; Crimean wars; the British Expeditionary Force, Gallipoli, North Africa and France; Flanders in WWI; the British Expeditionary Force, Dunkirk, the Middle East, Madagascar, Burma and North West Europe in WWII.

The rather strange 'Highland' part of the title comes from the merger of the 71st and 74th Highlanders into the Highland Light Infantry in 1881. 'Strange' because they recruited in Glasgow, well below the Highland Line. Even allowing for a large number of Highlanders who were forced to move to Glasgow for economic reasons. As a Lowland regiment, they changed from the kilt to trews.

The various regimental drums are one of the museum's highlights

Some famous names served in the regiment including Sir David Baird, Churchill, Trenchard and a bit of showbiz with David Niven.

Even as late as the Boer War, more soldiers died of disease and accidents than killed in action.

The museum is not large, just a few rooms, which necessitates some cramming in of artifacts. The lighting is also not great, but museums like this survive on a shoestring budget. So, although entrance is free, please make a donation.

Shooting badges. There were also a number of volunteer units attached to the regiment.