National War Museum in Scotland, Scottish Museums

Scotland's National War Museum

Edinburgh, in Scotland, is home to one of the most visited attractions in Scotland, namely the National War Museum. Some visit to relive old memories and some visit out of curiosity and because of its historical importance. It is a museum that is the heart of Scottish history and the monument representing four-hundred years of fighting and combat. As with most museums of this nature, it causes mixed emotions of victorious battles, tragic losses of human lives and the fear and devastation that only war can bring. It is a reminder to all the brave men that sacrificed themselves, and that has led to a Scotland that we know today. It educates the youth of the present day, as it will many future generations, of a proud heritage and a warning not to make the same mistakes that lead to war, loss and grief.

There are many individual stories of triumph, courage and bravery told by normal Scottish foot soldiers and that of the Highland Soldier within its walls. It takes the visitor from the time that a soldier signed up to defend his country to the time he retires, if lucky, and has only memories left to share and tears for his fallen friends. The War Museum was founded in the year 1930 and is located in the Edinburgh Castle, which originates from the eighteenth century and has a history of its own. There are separate galleries located in the National War Museum, each has its own theme and tells a unique story. Throughout the museum visitors will experience life as a soldier, be educated on military strategies, the evolution of weaponry, the advances in soldier uniforms and equipment, and the wars that shaped Scotland and the lives of civilians during times of war.

The National War Museum also has a vast collection of ammunition, glass, photographs, battlefield portraits, equipment, medals, silverware, personal diaries, prints, ceramics and uniform insignia. The collections have also received private donations to enhance the already spectacular museum exhibits and some items are family heirlooms or have significant importance to the families who have donated pieces to the museum. Special exhibitions are held regularly at the War Museum and information on these exhibits is available from the museum. The National War Museum is a truly fascinating attraction in Scotland and it is recommended to all. To understand Scotland today is to understand its past, its sacrifices and the soldiers that fought to ensure the survival of their countrymen.

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