'Call to Arms' comes to National War Museum Scotland

10/03/2008

An exciting new exhibition at The National War Museum the bloody and important history of men on the fighting front of Scotland's battlefields - from 15th century mercenaries to infantry soldiers in today's army. 

 

Examining 800 years of clothing, protection, weapons and tactics, 'Call to Arms' highlights four archetypal Scottish fighting men: a 15th century Galloglaigh roving mercenary, a 17th century highland warrior fighting for kith and clan, a 19th century Scottish soldier employed by the British Army, and today's soldier tackling the challenges of modern day warfare.

 

Jonathan Ferguson, Assistant Curator at the National War Museum, said:
"Scotland has always had a fearsome reputation on the battlefield and while technology has unquestionably changed the way warfare has been conducted over the centuries, one thing remains constant: the importance of infantry in any conflict. 'Call to Arms' reveals the lives, weapons and motivations of the boots on the ground - your average Scottish fighting man."

 

Based in different times but essentially doing the same job, each of the four fighting men highlights the changes in hand to hand combat.

• Active from around 1300 to around 1600, the Galloglaigh were a formidable Gaelic warrior elite who exchanged money, land or livestock for their services on battlefields both at home and abroad.

 

• From around 1500 to 1750 clans - groups of families loyal to a chief - would be duty-bound to fight together, taking on other clans, or those from beyond the highlands, for land, honour or to protect their families.

 

• By the 19th century, joining the British Army meant a steady and secure job and many young Scots took up musket and bayonet to fight for the state in an expanding British Empire.

 

• Today's soldiers are involved in battles all over the world but are also called upon to prevent war, or help its victims.

 

Items on display in the exhibition include an example of the famous broadsword (c1720) known as the Claymore which was used to devastating effect in the highland charges.

 

Also on show will be an example of grapeshot: a cluster of small, iron balls which were deadly when fired from a cannon. View the piece of shot that wounded Private David Wishart in 1813 and read the letter to his brother describing the pain of being hit and the military surgeon's attempts to remove it.

 

'Call to Arms' will be running 23 May 2008 until 1 February 2009

The exhibition is free with admission to Edinburgh Castle. Castle admission prices are currently Adult £11.00, Child £5.50, Concessions £9.00.

 

National War Museum Scotland opening times:
Monday to Sunday 9.30am to 6.00pm (1 Apr to 30 Sep); 9.30am to 5.00pm (1 Oct to 31 Mar)

 

Relevant links

• National War Museum (Opens a new window)