Museum of the Royal Regiment of Scotland
Small independent museum inside Edinburgh Castle on the Royal Regiment of Scotland and life as a modern Scottish soldier since 2006.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Museum of The Royal Regiment of Scotland tells the story of Scotland’s infantry regiment from its formation in 2006 to the present day. The regiment is the successor to Scotland’s historic infantry regiments, which still keep their own museums across Scotland and the north of England, and this museum cares for the objects collected since 2006. The display was officially opened in May 2014.
The museum is independent and stands inside Edinburgh Castle, where it shares premises with the separate Royal Scots Museum. Its current exhibition shows a small selection of objects that illustrate life as a modern Scottish soldier, including uniform, equipment, weapons, documents, artwork and insignia that relate to operations, training, ceremonies and everyday regimental life. The collection of almost 1,000 items grows through donations and loans from serving and veteran members of the regiment and their families, and it was recognised as nationally significant to Scotland in 2017.
The museum is a registered charity and an accredited museum. It is run by a small team and relies on donations and grants, and the regiment hopes in future to move to a larger exhibition space. Researchers can use the archive in the Old Provost Marshal’s House by appointment.
Highlights
- Objects showing life as a modern Scottish soldier
- Collection recognised as nationally significant to Scotland in 2017
- Uniform, equipment, weapons, documents and insignia since 2006
- Located inside Edinburgh Castle
Permanent exhibition
- The modern Scottish soldier – A small selection of objects showing what it means to serve in the Royal Regiment of Scotland, from operations and training to ceremonial duties and everyday life.
- Founded
- 2014
- Operated by
- The Royal Regiment of Scotland
Admission & discounts
The museum itself is free, but it can only be reached through Edinburgh Castle, for which Historic Environment Scotland charges admission; the museum receives no part of the castle ticket and relies on donations. Serving members of the regiment enter the castle free with a military ID, and former members can ask the curator beforehand to arrange free access to the museum.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The museum is on a single ground level and is wheelchair accessible. Edinburgh Castle is an ancient fortification with steep, cobbled paths, which visitors should bear in mind. Toilets are in the castle.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Edinburgh Waverley
Edinburgh Waverley railway station is a short walk downhill from the castle. There are no direct buses from the bus station to the castle.
By car
No on-site parking at the museum.
There is no public parking in Edinburgh Castle. A concession for castle visitors applies at the NCP Castle Terrace car park, validated at the castle’s audio booth; the concession is not available in August.
Taxis can drop visitors a short walk from the castle, although castle access for taxis is restricted in August.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
Edinburgh Castle has a licensed cafe, tea rooms and toilets.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| School programs | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Visitors with a regimental connection or an interest in a particular item are asked to give at least 72 hours’ notice. The Regimental Museums Learning Programme offers workshops and resources for schools and community groups. Archive research is by prior appointment only. |
