On Friday 16 January, the Kinloch Historical Society welcomed members and representatives from the Highlanders’ Museum, Queens Own Highlanders Regiment Association, ex-Servicemen, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Army Cadets, local press, and the general public, to attend the opening of our Seaforth Highlander Exhibition.
This exhibition – which has been eight years in the making – tells the history of the Seaforth Highlander Regiment through detailed displays and rich artefacts, on loan from the Highlanders’ Museum, Fort George, and which are considered items of national importance.
Proceedings began with an opening speech from Kinloch Historical Society chairperson, Ken Roddy Mackay, who recollected the work of volunteers, staff and funders who enabled the society to purchase the Balallan School and apply for museum accreditation – without which, exhibitions such as this could not be brought to the island for display. He also went on to express the future plans of the society in honoring the men and women who have served our country so well. He said:
This project is an important step in our drive to establishing – at Kinloch – a proper on-island record of those who served and continue to serve in the armed forces … Many people have already contributed to bring us to where we are today and we thank you. However, we would welcome any information on those who served in the Seaforth Highlanders, Cameron Highlanders or other regiments as we start to create a fitting archive to these brave men and women.
Despite the cold wind and technical issues, those in attendance were patient and respectful of all the speakers, each of which expressing their own thanks to the servicemen from the Isle of Lewis, and the Outer Hebrides as a whole.
Malcolm Burr, CEO of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, commented that the legacy of the Seaforth Highlanders is ‘woven into the fabric’ of the Isle of Lewis, commending the ‘courage, resilience and sense of duty shown by so many in our communities’.
Donald Macleod, Chairman of the Western Isles branch of the QOH Regimental Association, provided a detailed history of the Seaforth Highlanders for the attendees. An Infantry Regiment of the British Army from 1881-1961, the Seaforth Highlanders were formed from the amalgamation of the 72nd Regiment – Duke of Albany’s Own Highlanders (The Duke of Albany’s), and the 78th (Highlanders) Regiment of Foot (The Ross-shire Buffs).
Both regiments had their beginnings in the late-eighteenth century, bein
g raised by members of Clan Mackenzie, but it would be the 78th with the largest Lewis connection. Their ties to Lochs, particularly Kinloch, through Clan Mackenzie was the driving force for the Historical Society in bringing this exhibition to the island. This history is expertly told through our exhibition, which is open to the public Monday-Friday, 10am-4pm.
Following Donald’s detailed speech, a two-minute silence was held to honour those who have served over the years. This silence was broken by local Piper, Alexander Macleod, who delivered a haunting rendition of Amazing Grace.
Finally, the exhibition was formally opened by Lord Lieutenant, Iain Macaulay, who praised the partnership working between the Kinloch Historical Society, the Highlanders’ Museum, and local people in bringing this exhibition to life, calling the exhibition a ‘living tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of each soldier who served in the Seaforth Highlanders’.
The Kinloch Historical Society would like to thank the Highlanders’ Museum, particularly curator Robert Kill, who we were glad to see in attendance at our exhibition launch. Sheriff Colin Scott Mackenzie and our Heritage Manager, Anna Mackenzie – all of whom played a significant role in the organising of this exhibition.
We would also like to thank the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Museums Galleries Scotland and Muaitheabhal Community Trust for their funding support. Intermedia Services for producing the information boards, and Café Cabana for the delicious buffet.
Finally, we would like to thank our committee, volunteers and members of the public who have assisted with our vision for the Kinloch Community Hub since we took ownership of the Old School in 2014. Your continued support has got us to where we are now, and allows us to host significant exhibitions, such as the Seaforth Highlanders.
For more information on the history of the Seaforth Highlander Regiment, visit our museum; Monday-Friday, 10am-4pm. We would also encourage you to visit:
The Highlanders Museum, Queen’s own Highlanders Regimental Association and Hebridean Connections.
