Opening 5th September Poet, playwright, performer and soldier, Alexander James “Hamish” Mann was a talented and prolific writer whose creative ambitions were taking shape when war broke out in 1914. Sing, O Sad Heart explores the life and remarkable creative output of Hamish Mann, drawing on the extensive archive held by the museum. The exhibition … Read more
As part of the development of the temporary exhibition in 2025, Highland Laddies, we searched the photograph archive for images of boys who served in The Black Watch throughout its history. A selection of these photographs are currently displayed as a photographic collage in the temporary exhibition gallery. Photograph of D Company, 1st Battalion, Black … Read more
Highland Laddies tells the story of some of the youngest soldiers to have served in The Black Watch. From the 18th and 19th centuries through to the First World War, boys enlisted in the regiment as drummer boys, buglers, stretcher bearers and, in some cases, as front-line soldiers. Some joined seeking adventure, while for others … Read more
Marking 300 Years Since Their Formation By Pipe Major Alistair Duthie, The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) Association. The origins of what became The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) can be traced back 300 years to a period of instability in the Scottish Highlands following the Jacobite Rising of 1715. With local authority weakened, criminal activity … Read more
On 30th July 2016 we remembered 154 men of The Black Watch who were killed, most at the Battle of High Wood (as part of the Battle of the Somme). The Memorial Service was led by Rev Alex Forsyth, and attended by families of the fallen, veterans and members of the public. 154 crosses were … Read more
Shonagh Lowerson-Head, our learning and audiences officer tells us about her favourite object in the collection. My favourite object in the museum is not the oldest, the rarest or most impressive artefact on display. In fact, in isolation it is really quite unremarkable. A musket ball. What makes this object so special is its story. … Read more
On this day one hundred years ago, 75 men of The Black Watch lost their lives. Read on to discover what caused this spike in casualty numbers. As the situation for the besieged British forces at Kut grew more desperate, General Townshend eventually announced that he would have to put the defenders on half rations. … Read more
This month we talk to Neil Hobson who joined the volunteer team in 2013 following the Museum redevelopment. Neil, thank you for agreeing to share your volunteering experiences with us; can I ask what attracted you to volunteer at the Castle and Museum? Having retired, I found something was missing, although I played some golf … Read more
We are now in September and we welcome Jim Patterson to talk with us about his volunteering experience with the Museum; Jim has been volunteering with us for just over a year. Jim, where did you hear about volunteering at the Castle and Museum? I saw an article in the Dundee Courier, attended an open … Read more
We are now in the month of August and give a warm welcome to Laura who is going to talk with us about her time as a volunteer with the Castle and Museum. Hello Laura, thank you for talking with us and sharing your experience. How did you hear about the volunteer opportunities at … Read more
