Focus Follow Up: Aberdeen

By Katrina Patrick -

The Gordon Highlanders Museum is Aberdeen’s only 5-star Visit Scotland attraction

Situated in Viewfield Road in the former home of prominent Scottish artist Sir George Reid, the museum tells the story of the Gordon Highlanders, who Winston Churchill called “the finest regiment in the world.”

Raised by Alexander, 4^th Duke of Gordon in the spring of 1794 the Gordon Highlanders were originally known as the 100^th Regiment of Foot. Renumbered the 92^nd four years later, the Gordons saw extensive action in the Napoleonic Wars, culminating at the Battle of Waterloo. From then, the regiment was to see action in many theatres of war, including the Crimean and the First World War.

In 200 years of proud history, 19 Gordon Highlanders have been awarded the highest honour for valour, the Victoria Cross and of these 11 are on display in the museum’s Grant Room. This room also explores the regiment’s history with interactive maps, original film footage, uniforms and weapons.

The Silver Room does exactly what it says and displays the regiment’s silver, while the Lakin room shows how the officers would have dined with the colours of the regiment and original portraiture as decoration.

The Museum offers a range of fun, engaging activities for kids and their families, and with the Duchess Jean Tea Room (named after the wife of the 4^th Duke) providing delicious meals through local produce you can relax and ponder the contents of this excellent attraction.

For more great things to do in Aberdeen pick up the April issue of The Scots Magazine – it’s the subject of our 7-page Focus section this month!