The Royal Highland Fusiliers Museum
18 September 2025 (10:00 - 15:30)
19 September 2025 (10:00 - 15:30)
20 September 2025 (11:00 - 15:00)
The Friends of the Royal Highland Fusiliers Museum have set up multiple events for the Glasgow Doors Open Day Festival.
Two talks will be delivered by Colonel Niall Campbell, the subject will relate to the history and heritage of the HLI and RSF and display of medals, including Victoria Crosses.
Glasgow's Finest: Stories of the Victoria Cross - 18 September
Join Colonel Niall Campbell for a brief history on the Victoria Cross, the most prestigious medal for valour awarded by the British Military, and deep dive into the tales of some of the Highland Light Infantry and Royal Scots Fusiliers soldiers who received the award. The talk will be followed by an exclusive opportunity to view a select few original Victoria Crosses from the Museum’s collection.
Identifying Family Photographs from 1908-1918 - 19 September
Join us for a unique and engaging talk on identifying family photographs from 1908 to 1918, with a focus on the Royal Scots Fusiliers and Highland Light Infantry. Our Uniform expert, Oliver Hunt, will guide you through a series of First World War photographs, showing you how to spot key details such as badges, rank insignia, and other period specific features that can help date a photograph.
You'll also get a rare, close-up look at First World War jackets from both the museum's archive and Oliver's private collection.
To finish, we will end with a special interactive section: Bring Your Own Family Photographs, and Oliver will help identify them on the spot. Whether you're a history enthusiast, researcher, or just curious about a photo in your attic, this is a hands-on opportunity to uncover the stories hidden in these wartime photographs.
We will also have WWI re-enactors wearing period-accurate uniforms interacting with visitors and answering questions.
We will have fun activities on offer for children and kids:
- Design your own medal colouring activity – ages 5-8 and 8-12 yrs,
- Museum trail/scavenger hunt - ages 8-12 and 12-15 yrs,
- Uniform dress-up – all ages.
Overview
The building was originally built in 1903 for the photography firm T. & R. Annan & Sons.
Since 1959 the building has housed the regimental museum for the Royal Highland Fusiliers, and its antecedent regiments: the Glasgow based Highland Light Infantry, and the Ayrshire based Royal Scots Fusiliers. It is also the only military museum in the west of Scotland.
The building holds 5 galleries displaying the history of the Regiment, a temporary exhibition space, and the original, water powered lift designed by Glasgow architect, John Keppie.
518 Sauchiehall street is an original building from 1903 and retains both internal and external original features including a water powered lift (not operational).
It is a category B listed building and was designed by John Keppie of the Glasgow architectural firm Honeyman, Keppie, and Mackintosh.The rear building was probably part of the former Albany Terrace and dates back to 1825. The building is a beautiful example of early 20th century Glaswegian architecture.
Wheelchair access is limited to ground floor only, there are no lifts.
Offsite public parking only.
Seating available throughout the museum.
Museum is located on Sauchiehall Street bike path
Museum is easily accessible by public transit. It is a 5 minute walk from Charing Cross train station and is next to the Garnet Street bus stop, serviced by: First Bus: 77, 3, 4, 4A 15 X25A - McGill: N3. N4, N38 - The Hop-On Hop-Off bus.
Address
518 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, G23LW