From the 26th of March the Highlanders' Museum will be open from 9.30am - 5.30pm (last entry 4.45pm), 7 days a week. Why not pop along and visit our 5 Star rated Museum and take in the stunning architecture and fascinating exhibits. Here are some reviews from recent visitors!

Easter trails for families available now at The Highlanders' Museum and don't forget that Museum (and Fort George) go on to Summer opening hours from 26th March - 30th September 9.30am - 4.45pm

Story time - The Piper of Fort George - A Seasonal Tale It was the week before Christmas and snow had fallen for most of the day. The Fort lay blanketed under nine inches of heavy flakes. But in the evening the snow ceased and it turned into a windless, starry night with a hard frost which turned the surface of the snow crisp. I had had a long slippery drive from the West Coast and as I reached the Fort shortly before 10pm it was welcoming to see the single sentry at his post. With a dram and sandwiches inside me, the miseries of a long drive were quickly forgotten. Although Christmas leave had started there were still three or four officers in the mess. Tales of flighting and hind shooting were being told over a decanter of port and with no parade next day, there was no hurry to leave a cheerful fireside and deep leather armchairs. I forget how the conversation turned to ghosts: possibly because Andrew was there, an infinite source of stories and a well practiced raconteur. We felt a cold prickling on the backs of our necks as he told of the wraith that had appeared once on the North Rampart and had foretold to a Highland soldier the death of his mother. Of course the 'Headless Piper' had to follow. We heard how the old field officer, well oiled with port, had looked out of the window as Staff Parade fell in. The light fixture on the rampart had shone so that the piper on parade with the guard was lit up from his shoulders downwards but his head remained in shadow. "Good God," the old field officer had said, "that piper is headless". A legend had been started. And so, in cheerful mood, we all went off to bed. There was no more snow in the night and next day it was time to pack up and go home for Christmas. Andrew had volunteered to remain on duty, with the 'Headless Piper' for company. After a good breakfast I loaded my car and drove slowly over the hard packed snow towards the gate. With so few soldiers in barracks, the snow was largely undisturbed apart from a few vehicle routes. As I passed the Ravelin gate I remembered Andrew's tale of how the light had shone on the piper and out of curiosity I paused to see if the light bracket was still there. But there was no light bracket of any sort on the wall. Puzzled, I remembered passing the night guard formed up on that very spot the previous evening. They had been well illuminated and I had even noticed the piper clenching his fingers against the cold. But that tingling feeling had returned to the back of my neck. The snow was completely undisturbed. On the spot where my night guard had stood, the snow lay deep, and crisp, and even.

Can any of our followers help to identify the men in this picture? The men are from the Gairloch area and fought in World War 1.

We have some lovely Queens Own Highlanders glassware in stock, if you go on to our on-line shop to view all our items or phone 0131 310 8701

Did you know you can now review The Highlanders Museum through Facebook? If you would like to leave a Facebook review for the Museum on this page click 'review' from the menu on the left hand side of the main page.

Event at Highland Archive Centre, Inverness: Women, Work and the First World War. Monday 23rd April 10am - 4pm High Life Highland and the University of the Highlands and Islands are co-hosting this open and free study day with the First World War Centenary Partnership, led by Imperial War Museums, Gateways to the First World War, Living Legacies 1914-18 and Reflections on the Centenary of the FWW. The aim of this event is to bring community and academic audiences together to learn more about current research on Women and Work in the First World War, the archival and digital resources available to those planning to conduct their own research and centenary funding opportunities for community projects. It will also provide an opportunity for organisations to reflect on centenary activity so far in order to shape and inform future work, and will provide opportunities for discussion about best practice, planning for forthcoming anniversaries and networking. Book your place now if you are interested as spaces are limited.

7th Battalion (Wellington (City of Wellington's Own) and Hawkes Bay) The Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment The origins of the regiment The Wellington Regiment traces its descent from the Wellington Veteran Volunteer Corps, formed in 1867 by British settlers, many of whom had served in the 65th Foot. In 1898 it became the Wellington Rifle Volunteer Battalion and included the Wellington Highland Rifles Company which wore the uniform of the Seaforth Highlanders. In 1911 it was redesignated the 5th (Wellington) Regiment. The Hawkes Bay Regiment traces is descent from the Napier Rifle Volunteers, formed in the Hawkes Bay area in 1863. The volunteer companies were grouped to form regiments which were later designated the 9th (Ruahine) and 17th (Hawkes Bay) Regiments of Infantry. The 9th and 17th Regiments provided contingents for service in the South African War.

Work has now begun on our exciting Front of House Redevelopment Project! As well as fitting automatic glass doors at the Museum entrance we are moving things around on the ground floor to improve the visitor experience. From the photo below you will see that our shop will now be situated in what was the audio visual introductory room. Whilst these works are ongoing there will be temporary closures to some of the rooms on the ground floor but we will remain open to the public during this time. Access to our temporary exhibition space is currently restricted due to the ongoing works but should you wish to visit the exhibtion one of staff members will be happy to escort you.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, admission to our Exhibition 'Summer Has Been Turned To Winter By The Guns' is currently being limited for health and safety reasons. The last day of this show is Sunday 18th March. If you would like to see the exhibition, please ask at the reception desk and a member of staff will take you through. Please note that we will have to limit your time in the exhibition area.

Queen's Own Highlanders Tweed We are planning to order Queen's Own Highlander Tweed in the near future depending on demand. If this would interest you please contact Front of House Manager on 0131 310 8701. The minimum order is 3 metres, enough for a jacket, whereas 5 metres would be sufficient to make a suit.

From our Education Officer... We are very happy to have groups from schools, colleges, cadets, home-educators, clubs and nursing homes visit the museum at Fort George and we also come out to visit groups for talks & workshops. Here are a few snaps of some of our recent sessions with schools, Contact gill@thehighlandersmuseum.com 0131 3108765 for details