A north-east army veteran has said it would be a “disaster” if Aberdeen’s Gordon Highlanders Museum had to close.
Bosses of the five-star attraction revealed yesterday they had to raise £300,000 in three years in order to secure its future.
The oil and gas crisis has mean it has been unable to provide as many events for companies in Aberdeen and its profits have fallen 80% in three years.
Supporters have been urged to make donations of £10 a month to preserve its work.
Yesterday, Alistair Black, who served in the Royal Scots Greys and the Royal Scots Dragoon Guard for 22 years, urged people to back the campaign and it was important to remember the history of the regiment.
He said: “This is the Gordon Highlanders country, the regiment served with distinction for 200 years.
“It would be a disaster for the north-east if the museum had to close.
“It is important to remember everything they did for us.
“One of the most important things they did was fight alongside the Royal Greys at the Battle of Waterloo.
“I’m amazed to hear that the museum is having difficulty.”
The campaign to preserve the popular museum has been backed by Gordon candidate Alex Salmond, who said it was important the history was “remembered and understood.”
He said: “The Gordon Highlanders Museum is a fantastic tribute to the soldiers who served in the regiment across many campaigns and upon many foreign shores.
“It is important that the history of the Gordon Highlanders is remembered and understood.
“Last year, I met a local retired Highlander, Major Mike Taitt, at the White Wood in Huntly.
“It is ex-servicemen like Major Taitt – who served in the Highlanders for over 20 years – who we should remember and I fully support the campaign to ensure that the museum can continue to tell their story.”