Rare photographs of regiment's proud past go on show

A COLLECTION of photographs honouring the role of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders in the history of Stirling Castle is to go on display for the first time tomorrow.

The historic images, many never seen before in public, chart the period between 1881 and 1964 when the former seat of the Stewart kings was at the heart of life for new recruits to the regiment.

Thousands of young men left their civilian identities at the drawbridge of the fortress and entered through the medieval arches to undergo the basic training - from marching and kit cleaning to learning how to throw a grenade - that would prepare them for life in one of Scotland's most celebrated military units. Historic Scotland and historians at the regiment's museum within the castle walls said the exhibition, Left, Right, Left, Right. Swing Those Arms!, explored the "fascinating period" which includes the Boer War, both world wars and the National Service era.

Gillian Macdonald, Stirling Castle's executive manager, said yesterday: "The links between the castle and the Argylls are very close and go back a long way. We wanted to create an exhibition which would highlight their contribution to its history.

"Many veterans still remember coming to the castle for their basic training, and families all across Scotland and the UK had ancestors who were based here.

"This exhibition offers insights into what it was like for them, with their barracks in the Great Hall and an assault course along the castle walls."