Guest blog by VisitNairn member The Highlanders’ Museum, Fort George
Located within the mighty bastion of Fort George, just a few miles from Nairn, the Highlanders Museum houses a stunning collection of artefacts and tells a breathtaking story. Amidst the array of medals, cannons, paintings, statues, and soldiers’ personal effects lies the fascinating tale of the Cameron Highlanders, Seaforth Highlanders, Queen’s Own Highlanders, and Lovat Scouts.
Within you learn the story of these incredible fighting men of the Highland regiments and their unbreakable spirit. Born in the aftermath of the last Jacobite uprising of 1745 and the famous Battle of Culloden, the Highland regiments of the British Army were formed under a shadow of mistrust and cultural oppression of the Highland people. Yet, as you will see the Highlanders overcame this to establish themselves as some of Britain’s best soldiers.
The story of Cameron Highlanders, Seaforth Highlanders, Queen’s Own Highlanders, and Lovat Scouts is of particular interest to the history of Nairnshire, Morayshire, Ross-Shire and Inverness-shire. These regions, the home of many of those reading this, was their home. They were from here and they carried much of the cultural influences of this land with them into the regiments to form an identify unique among the British Army. Their story is part of our local story and heritage.
Follow the Camerons and Seaforth Highlanders from the early days of the Napoleonic Wars to the heights of the British Empire and see how, in places such as India and Africa, the once-oppressed Highlanders were often the oppressors themselves.
Learn how in WW1 and WW2, Scots, English, Welsh, and Irish all donned the kilt and fought together as “Highlanders” to spearhead Britain and her Allies to victory in the two most devastating conflicts the world has ever known.
Above all else, get to know the Highland soldiers as the humans they were, sinners, heroes, conquerors, liberators, poets, fathers, sons, Highlanders.
New for 2025
In addition, book a Highlanders and Jacobite Tour, a thrilling 1-day minibus tour, where you adventure in the homeland of the Highland regiments. Cruise down the glorious Loch Ness, walk the field of Culloden, or witness the stunning mountains of the Highlands. These are just some of the many memories you could form. The tours are bespoke in nature and can be tailored to suit your desires. Wish to have more of a focus on regimental history or local connections to the Jacobites and the Highland Clans, then our guides will accommodate and entertain you with historical stories. Perfect for family days out or those with Scottish heritage who wish to see the very best Nairnshire and the Highlands have to offer.
The museum team has been hard at work preparing two new exhibitions for this year. First up is our new weapons display where visitors can learn about the weapon of the Highland solider throughout time from the early muskets used against Emperor Napoleon to the modern day SA80. Visitors can even give the SA80 a go on our virtual shooting range. Perfect for a family competition to determine the best shot.
The second exhibition opening on April 15th is a temporary exhibition on the 80th Anniversary of VE Day. Visitors will be to see and learn how the war against Germany ended for people across Europe and how despite the fighting being over, for many Highland soldiers, their duty was not yet done.
