The roots of Britain and Europe’s stand against Russian expansionism in Ukraine are explored in the next Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Museum’s popular 2023 Winter Lecture series.
In the latest of the talks at the Stirling Castle-based museum, former Argyll Colonel Alastair Campbell takes a fresh look at the Crimean War of 1853-1856, and the crucial role played by the 93rd Sutherland Highlanders.
The regiment formed the famous ‘Thin Red Line’ of resistance against a Russian cavalry charge at the Battle of Balaclava, helping to ensure ultimate victory in the brutal and bloody three-year conflict. Balaclava became one of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders’ most celebrated battle honours – and one of the most mythologised military feats of the 19th Century British Army.
Col Campbell is a former Argylls officer who has led a tour to the Crimean Peninsula and its principal battlefields. His talk, which provides timely historical background to today’s conflict in Ukraine, will include a vivid and entertaining account of Balaclava and of his trip to the region. It also reflects his discoveries from the museum’s 30,000-document archive. These include letters from the front, other eyewitness reports and photographs from what was the first mass media-covered war.
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He said: “The Thin Red Line episode is special because the Sutherland Highlanders were the only infantry regiment to get the battle honour for Balaclava. It was a crucial moment in a conflict that was itself a turning point in the history of warfare.
“The Crimean War helped give birth to the modern era, in terms of tactics, weaponry and media involvement, as well of course as advancing military medicine and hygiene thanks to the likes of Florence Nightingale and Mary Seacole.”
The Thin Red Line lecture takes place at 11am on Saturday February 25 in the Colours Room located in The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders museum, Kings Old Building, Stirling Castle. The talk will last 45 minutes with a hot drink on offer before and after the event.
Tickets are available via the Museum’s website argylls.co.uk.
Please note the ticket does not include access to Stirling Castle. Entry is free to Museum Guardians, serving members of the Armed Forces and members of the Regimental Association, Dinner Club and Historic Scotland on presentation of a valid membership card but tickets must be pre-booked via Stirling Castle’s website before arrival. Non-concession holders will be charged the full Castle admission fee.
