Campaigners target lottery to win military museum funding

George Robinson, secretary of the One O'Clock Gun Association, is heading a steering committee that wants to see the old Royal High School turned into an exhibition celebrating Scotland's military heritage.

The museum would include multimedia displays telling the stories of some of Edinburgh's bravest sons. Mr Robinson met with council culture and leisure officials this week and agreed to seek funding to carry out a full feasibility study.

Now he is to apply for a lottery grant of up to 10,000 to allow the study to take place and says that, if successful, the scheme can get moving quickly. However, the military museum will only be a possibility if plans for a national photography centre in the old high school are dropped - and organisers behind that project insist it is still "progressing very well".

Mr Robinson, who launched his campaign last December, said: "If we can get money in to carry out the feasibility study it will really get the ball rolling. Once I get the study done it will give us something concrete so I can start approaching people about getting involved in this. At the moment, virtually everyone I've spoken to supports the idea but I need to take it forward from that.

"It may seem at this stage like a shot in the dark to some people but the Royal High School is ideal for something like this."

The council, which owns the Calton Hill building, has backed the Scottish National Photography Centre's rival bid, which is also making a submission for lottery funding. It is thought that around 20 million would need to be raised to renovate the old school and create displays that would bring the country's military history to life for another generation.

The steering group, made up of Mr Robinson, former Scots Guardsman James Percy and other military figures, is confident of winning the support of senior figures within the Royal Regiment of Scotland.

Organisers are adamant it would not clash with Edinburgh Castle's three existing museums - the National War Museum, Royal Scots Museum and the Dragoon Guards Museum.

But Michael Shea, chairman of the Scottish National Photography Centre, insists that his steering group is still on track for moving into the former Royal High building. He said: "We are progressing very well and pursuing this actively.

"We are continuing to pull together the business plan and keeping moving in the right direction and the city is very much behind us."

The city council confirmed it had an informal meeting with organisers of the military museum. A city council spokesman said: "We are happy to take on board and consider ideas although this idea is at an early stage.

"The council has been in discussions with the Hill Adamson Photography Centre at the old Royal High School. This is at a reasonably advanced state with a proposal expected in the near future."

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Would a military museum be a good idea for the city?

Rebecca Smith, 23, researcher, Montrose Terrace: "I think it would be a great idea. Calton Hill is one of the most historic sites in Edinburgh and you get great views.

Elfrida Nelson, 78, retired teacher, Morningside: "I don't think it's a good idea because there is already quite a military presence at the Castle. I think the idea of a photography centre is a great idea."

Does the city's military history warrant a museum? Let us know.