The Highland Heritage Appeal gains support from Hollywood actor

 Over the past 2 years the Highland Heritage Appeal has been busy raising funds from public bodies and the Regiment.  As this "Private Phase" has been so successful, the decision was taken to go out to the general public at large to encourage them to also support the Museum.  To this end , the Public Launch of the Fundraising Appeal took place at Fort George on the 25th November.  We were extremely lucky to have actor Hugh Grant and his father Capt James Grant as guests of honour on the day.  The Redevelopment Project is close to the heart of Mr Grant as he visited the Museum many times as a child and has fond memories of it and the Highlands.  This is not the only reason Mr Grant decided to support the Appeal.  Mr Grant's father, Capt James Grant served in the Seaforth Highlanders as did Mr Grant's grandfather Col James Grant who famously won the DSO in WWII.       

 The Grants arrived at the Museum around 10.00hrs and were given a briefing about the Redevelopment Project from Gen Seymour Monro and the Project Design Team.  After a short tour of the Museum the Grants were interviewed by members of the press.  The questions and answers session with the press was very positive and those attended included BBC, STV, The Herald, Scotsman, Inverness Courier, P&J and MFR to name but a few. 

After a very busy session with the press, Hugh and his father were on hand to receive the arriving lunch guests.  Welcome drinks were served on the 1st floor of the Museum which gave guests an opportunity to have a look around the Museum as well as catch a glimpse of the famous actor.

Shortly before lunch the Queens Own Highlanders Association Pipes and Drums delighted guests to a tuneful and rousing display.  Then at 13.00hrs, guests were treated to a low level Tornado Flypast of honour.  Guests were then welcomed into a heated  marquee where a delicious lunch was served by the the Black Watch catering team.  After lunch fantastic speeches were given by Gen Monro and Mr Grant urging guests to dig deep and support the Appeal.

As the guests left the lunch they were again treated to a fine display by the QOHLDRS Assoc Pipes and Drums.  Once the the guests left, Hugh and his father were given a guided tour of the Fort by Mr Jamie Macpherson of the Historic Scotland team before being whisked back to Inverness Airport and their waiting flight.

The Launch was a great success and served to raise awareness of the Redevelopment Project.  The event directly raised over £70,000 through various donations, and more support is anticipated in the coming weeks.