Exhibition

Highland Laddies

8 September 2025 - 4 May 2026

With a National Art Pass you get

Free entry

Highland Laddies reveals the stories of underage Black Watch soldiers, from 19th-century recruits to modern day cadets.

Highland Laddies tells the story of some of the youngest soldiers to have served in The Black Watch. From the 18th and 19th centuries through to the First World War, boys enlisted in the regiment as drummer boys, buglers, stretcher bearers and, in some cases, as front-line soldiers. Some joined seeking adventure, while for others it offered escape from poverty or difficult circumstances.

The exhibition also looks at the wider context of enlistment ages, then and now. During the First World War many young men lied about their age to enlist, some with the knowledge of their superiors. Today, while under 18s cannot be sent to war, the UK remains the only country in Europe where young people can still enlist at 16.

Highland Laddies invites visitors to reflect on the role of youth in the army and the experiences of those who served before their time.

Entry to the exhibition is included in your museum admission ticket.

This listing is supplied by one of our museum partners and is not moderated by Art Fund.

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Free entry
IndividualTiana Clarke Please note this is an example card and not a reflection of the final product

Visitor information

Address

The Black Watch Castle & Museum

Balhousie Castle, Hay Street, Perth, Perth and Kinross, PH1 5HR
01738 638152

Opening times

7 days a week

Summer | 1st April - 31st October

Castle and Museum
9.30am-4.30pm
last entry to the Museum 3.30pm

Bistro @ The Castle
9.30am-4.00pm
Last orders for food 3.00pm

Winter | 1st November - 31st March
Castle and Museum
10.00am-4.00pm
last entry to the Museum 3.00pm

Bistro @ The Castle
10.00am-3.30pm
Last orders for food 3.00pm

Please check website for Festive and other closures

Exclusions and safety measures

Please check website for Festive or unexpected closures

Visitor information