New exhibition and series of events commemorating the Gretna train disaster, which left over 200 men from the 1/7th Royal Scots dead
Carefully curated by the Royal Scots Regimental Museum, the exhibition is designed to raise awareness of the crash, which took place in May 1915.
The Drill Hall has been chosen for this exhibition due to its history of being the 7th Battalion’s Drill Hall and its association with the people of Leith. 216 members of the 7th Battalion were killed during the disaster on the morning of 22nd May 1915.
Exhibition
The well-researched exhibition focuses on the stories of local soldiers and their families. Featuring a large selection of artefacts, photographs, documents and newspaper cuttings, come and find out more about the disaster and its aftermath and its impact on the Leith community. Leith Academy students have conducted imaginative research on the disaster and some of their work will be displayed in the main exhibition. A short 10 minute film will also be playing, explaining the crash and its aftermath.
The exhibition will be open from Monday 19th to Saturday 24th May.
Research Room
A dedicated Research Room will be open for the duration of the exhibition. The room will offer access to The Royal Scots records and detailed decorations and medals information. Information from the National Records Scotland, the Scottish Genealogical Society, the Western Front Association and the Commonwealth War Graves Commission will allow enquiries to be made and advice given as to further research sources.
Film Screening
On the afternoon of Saturday 24th May, there will be two screenings of the 2015 film made by Finestripe Productions for the BBC. Full details will be available shortly.
For more information on the exhibition and other work being undertaken by the Royal Scots Regimental Museum, just take a look at their website.
