New front online in the battle to capture Scottish war memories

Published on Friday 25 June 2010 00:10

SERVING soldiers, veterans and schoolchildren attended the launch yesterday of Scotland's first online interactive military museum, complete with a social networking site for "capturing" war memories.

The Remembering Scotland at War website features more than 200 displays, interviews, DVDs, photographs and footage from the Second World War to more recent conflicts including Afghanistan and Iraq.

It is the culmination of a three-year, 580,000 project led by Museums Galleries Scotland, funded by the Big Lottery Fund and backed by the Imperial War Museum.

Among those who have contributed to the online museum is Sergeant Major Wolley, 35, from Springburn, Glasgow. He said: "When I told my friends I was going to the launch of this site they were all sayingO 'oh really? how do we get on it?'

"The youth of today is very into IT, and this is the way to get them taking part."

Civilian stories featured on the website include those of Dr Joyce Deans, CBE, who as a 12-year-old was evacuated to Auchterarder House in Perthshire, and Mrs Isa McKenzie, 81, who was evacuated during the Clydebank blitz.

Joanne Orr, chief executive of Museums Galleries Scotland, said: "We have been delighted to lead this project. With advancing technology, there are increasing options for the way museums and galleries tell stories about their collections and – most importantly – how those stories affect individuals.

"We have all been influenced by Scotland's involvement in conflict. From stories told on your grandfather's knee to emotive images you see on today's news, this pioneering online museum ensures that our personal stories are never forgotten.

"By adding our memories and photos, we can all contribute to a rich collection that benefits and challenges all generations."

Culture minister Fiona Hyslop said: "I am sure this museum will be inspirational to younger people, fostering understanding of the impact of war."

The site also features a learning centre where pupils, teachers and parents can download school-based activities.

&#149 For more visit www.RememberingScotlandAtWar.org.uk