Rare collection of Victoria Crosses awarded to Highland soldiers unveiled at Fort George
A rare collection of 16 Victoria Crosses awarded to men fighting for Highland regiments will be unveiled today at the Highlanders' Museum at Fort George near Ardersier.
The decoration is the highest and most prestigious military honour awarded for gallantry "in the presence of the enemy" to members of the British Armed Forces.
Until now, the museum has displayed replica VCs but the museum board and trustees have decided to display the real ones which had been stored away securely.
They were awarded to former officers and soldiers of the 72nd Ross-shire Buffs, 78th Highlanders, Seaforth Highlanders and The Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders over the years dating back to July 29 1857.
The unveiling ceremony will be attended by Donald Cameron of Lochiel, the chief of Clan Cameron and Lord Lieutenant of Inverness, plus descendants of the winners.
This weekend, members of the public will have the opportunity to see the 16 VCs displayed together on the ground floor of the museum as part of the Fort George 250th Anniversary celebrations before they are put on permanent display within the museum along with new interpretation highlighting the winners' stories.
Museum director Kirstin Mackay, said it was an honour to display the real Victoria Crosses.
"The stories behind each of these men show tremendous bravey in the face of true adversity," she said.
"This is an invaluable part of Highland history and we are proud to have these Victoria Crosses in our collection."
Maurice Gibson, chairman of the museum board, spoke of his delight ahead of today's unveiling ceremony.
"Very few museums are in the position we, The Highlanders Museum (Queen’s Own Highlanders Collection), are in being able to display so many unique and priceless artefacts awarded for conspicuous bravery," he said.
"It makes mere mortals like me fully appreciate what these very brave men went through as they went about their business in the heat of battle”.
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