EDINBURGH.- A new display at the National War Museum in Edinburgh Castle will explore the story behind the Scottish National War Memorial ahead of its centenary next summer.
On 14 July 1927, the Scottish National War Memorial was officially opened by Edward, Prince of Wales. The opening ceremony was the final act in a project that had taken 10 years to plan, fundraise, and build.
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Scotland’s Shrine
The Scottish National War Memorial
Explore the Scottish National War Memorial through architecture, remembrance, national history, craftsmanship, symbolism, and Scotland’s powerful culture of commemoration.
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The Art of Commemoration (5 Dec 2026 – 14 Jan 2029) will bring together original architectural drawings, artworks, archival materials and objects to trace the creation of the Memorial, from the earliest discussions held in 1917 through to its opening in 1927 and its continuing role in commemorating Scottish military service and sacrifice.
Conceived as both a permanent record of Scotland’s wartime service and a profound expression of national remembrance, the Scottish National War Memorial, also in Edinburgh Castle, embodied the country's grief and gratitude for the sacrifices of those who served during the First World War. These ideals guided the Memorial’s architect, Sir Robert Lorimer, and the many artists and craftspeople who created it. This exhibition will examine how that vision took shape, exploring the Memorial’s conception and design while considering its enduring legacy as one of Scotland’s most important architectural creations and sites of commemoration.
Notably, women artists were heavily involved and help to provide a nuanced perspective on the experience of war. Highlights of the exhibition include cast iron sample pieces of angels carryings shields which were designed by Alice Meredith Williams and form part of the decoration of the casket in the Scottish National War Memorial. The casket was a gift from King George V and Queen Mary and contains the names of all Scottish First World War casualties. The Memorial also holds the Rolls of Honour of all Scots who have died in war up to the present, including recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Calum Robertson, Senior Curator, Modern & Military History at National Museums Scotland: The Art of Commemoration will offer visitors a unique opportunity to understand not only how the Scottish National War Memorial came into being, but why it continues to resonate so powerfully today. By exploring its conception, design and legacy, we gain a deeper appreciation of the people who created it and a clearer sense of why it still matters.
The display will also feature footage that explores the work of the Memorial today through the voices of those who work within the Memorial and continue to be inspired by it.
The Art of Commemoration opens at the National War Museum in Edinburgh Castle from 5 Dec 2026 to 14 Jan 2029. The Scottish National War Memorial is an independent charity. A series of events is being planned for 2027 to commemorate the anniversary.
Susan Flintoff, Chief Executive of the charity said: “The Board and I are really excited to be working with the National War Museum to bring this exhibition together. The Memorial holds such a special place in our society. We are keen to ensure it remains just as relevant to the next generation and to always remember those who gave so much for our freedom.”
