A nation in arms
Follow the story of war and military service in Scotland from
the early 17th century.
How has Scotland’s military experience influenced the nation as
a whole? What impact has it had on the people? How has it altered
the way the world sees Scotland?
Find out about the relationship with a powerful neighbour,
England, and the opportunity that the army represented for ordinary
Scots.
Just like any other nation, Scotland’s military history has been
shaped by its terrain and its position on the map. Explore how the
division between highland and lowland, a long coastline, and access
to important sea routes have had an influence on Scotland’s
strategic importance.
Things to see
Take time to watch the short film to create the context for the
rest of your visit. Explore some highlights of our collection,
which introduce the major themes of the museum, and uncover the
stories of some key figures in Scottish military history.
Click on the images below to see larger versions of key objects
in the gallery.
