JOIN THE FORCES AT THE FORT

- AND PREPARE TO BE ENTERTAINED

Fort George, the country’s mightiest military fortification, this weekend hosts a two-day spectacular event highlighting military life through the ages.

‘Forces at the Fort’ - from 12.30pm to 4.30pm on Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd August - offers an action-packed, varied programme featuring soldiers from past eras.

One of the highlights (weather permitting!) will be awe-inspiring formation parachute drops by Scotland’s only professional parachute display team, the Golden Lions.  The precision aerial skills of this specialist army team never fail to impress so visitors have a treat in store.

Visitors will also have chance to see a range of World War II military vehicles, find out what life was like for World War I foot soldiers, and learn how Redcoat troops were recruited in the 18th century when the fort was built to discourage Jacobite uprisings.

There’s also an opportunity for all ages to have some fun by taking part in drill practice and finding out if they’ve got what it takes to join the ranks.

Historic Scotland events and filming manager, Nick Finnigan said: “Forces at the Fort promises a highly entertaining, memorable day out for all the family, with lots to see and do.  It offers a fantastic opportunity to experience the many highlights of Fort George - a really fascinating historic fortification - together with a superb programme of military-themed events.”

DETAILS:

·        Fort George is 6 miles west of Nairn and 11 miles north east of Inverness, off the A96. Telephone 01667 460232.

·        Tickets for ‘Forces at The Fort’ are £7.00 for adults, £5.75 concessions and £3.50 for children. Family tickets are also available. There is a 10% discount for online bookings at www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/shop

    * Positioned strategically on a promontory jutting into the Moray Firth, Fort George is the mightiest artillery fortification in Britain, if not Europe.  Built following the 1746 defeat at Culloden of Bonnie Prince Charlie, this impregnable army base was designed on a monumental scale, as the ultimate defence against further Jacobite unrest.  Completed in 1769, when the Highlands were peaceful, the fortress was maintained in readiness for action that never came and has remained virtually unaltered. With its garrison buildings, barrack rooms and superb collection of arms, including bayoneted muskets, pikes, swords and ammunition pouches, it provides a fascinating insight into 18th century military life.

    * Highlights for visitors to Fort George include: the complex array of artillery fortifications on the landward side – the best in the British Isles; the regimental museum of the Queen’s Own Highlanders (Seaforths & Camerons) – the spiritual home of one of Scotland’s oldest and proudest regiments; the grand magazine – designed to hold 2,672 gunpowder barrels, and now housing the spectacular Seafield Collection of 18th-century arms and military equipment; the historic barrack rooms – graphically recreating soldiers’ living conditions in centuries gone by; the garrison chapel – designed probably by Robert Adam, whose family construction company built the fort; the dog cemetery – one of only two in Scotland, the resting-place of regimental mascots and officers’ dogs.

·     Fort George is one of 345 historic properties in the care of Historic Scotland. These range from prehistoric settlements to palaces, cathedrals and castles – including some of Scotland’s most famous and prestigious strongholds such as Edinburgh, Stirling and Urquhart Castles.  For further details visit www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/places

    * Historic Scotland’s Mission is: to safeguard Scotland’s historic environment and to promote its understanding and enjoyment.

    * Historic Scotland is delighted to be supporting the 2009 Year of Homecoming with a series of initiatives including family trails, spectacular events and the creation of a Homecoming Pass for heritage attractions in association with other heritage organisations.

    * For more about the Golden Lions visit

www.army.mod.uk/infantry/regiments/11063.aspx