The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Regimental Museum has been honoured as the Lord Provost’s Charity of the Year 2025 for its work in the preservation of Stirling’s regimental history.
Stirling’s Civic Council Panel decided on Thursday, September 25 to award the museum for its importance to the history of Stirling City. In addition to being named Charity of the Year, The Civic Fund granted a sum of £1,000 to the museum.
The Regimental Headquarters and museum, located in the courtyard of Stirling Castle, has been preserving Stirling’s regimental heritage since 1881. The museum offers an exhibition commemorating the legacy of the regiment from 1794. It also showcases the merger of the 81st Argyllshire Highlanders and the 93rd Sutherland Highlanders in 1881, and its history up to this day.
Reasoning behind the decision
Regarding the choice to honour the Regimental museum, Stirling’s Lord Provost, Elaine Watterson said:
“The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders are intertwined with the history of Stirling and the regiment is an instrumental part of many community celebrations, including the Stirling 900 Musical finale, Walking of the Marches and Armed Forces Day.
“The museum has made admirable links with a number of schools across the council area to help teach local history to our children and young people and has undertaken other important work in our communities. I wholeheartedly endorse the museum as Lord Provost Charity of the Year.”
The Museum’s response to the award
CEO of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Regimental Museum, Islay Carmichael responded:
“The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Regimental and Museum Trusts are extremely thankful for the recognition that the Lord Provost and the Stirling community has bestowed upon us.
“The Argyll Trust legacy is to support and bring the community and businesses together, develop the city of Stirling into the must visit destination here in the heart of Scotland. This great work started during the Stirling 900 Royal Burgh Anniversary year of celebrations, which has now become the foundation for great community and business collaboration for the benefit of Stirling and its amazing communities.
“The museum team – staff, volunteers, and veterans – are extremely proud playing their part keeping our Regimental heritage to the fore and working with the council, community and businesses to build and develop Stirling into a world class visitor attraction – the gateway to the highlands.”
Carmichael concluded: “We are truly humbled for this wonderful recognition.”
Featured Image Credit: Stirling Council/Mark Ferguson Photography
2nd year History & Journalism Student at the University of Stirling. Moved over from Sweden in 2024 to study in Scotland.
