A unique letter penned by a Gordon Highlanders quartermaster 167 years ago has been presented to an Aberdeen museum.
The script, dated March 1850, was recently bought by a group of former members of the regiment, who decided to donate it to the Gordon Highlanders Museum in Viewfield Road.
Two ex-members, Alan Carter and Mark Taylor, presented the letter to the museum on Saturday.
The letter itself asks for a “good supply of different tartans lately ordered” and makes reference to a bank order for £23, which would have been enclosed with the letter originally.
The letter was written while the 92nd Highlanders were stationed at Clonmel between 1848 and 1850. The presence of this letter suggests the men were provided new uniforms before they left Ireland for Foreign Service in 1851.
Curator Ruth Duncan described the letter as a “coup for the museum, and said: “As a curator, it makes me feel like a kid at Christmas for us to receive something like this.
“A quartermaster’s letter that’s 167-years-old is such a coup for the museum.
“We really are quite fortunate.
“It’s in really good condition for its age. You can decifer the date and signature. It’s an interesting part of the history.
“We’re so grateful for the contribution. It has helped us preserve history, and it makes it accessible to the Aberdeen public and visitors.
“This special letter will provide insight into the logistics involved when kitting out a regiment and will be a valued addition to our collection. It is great to see that the link between former Gordon Highlanders and the museum is still going strong and that people are still keen to help the museum develop its collection.”
Mr Carter and Mr Taylor are also involved in preparations for the upcoming Victoria Cross Gathering in July of this year which will bring many Gordons together in Buckie.