Arts & Culture
8 April, 2026
Living history group returning to Brigadoon
Members of an ACT-based living history group will be returning for this year’s Bundanoon Highland Gathering (Brigadoon) and will play a key role in the day’s events.
Members of an ACT-based living history group will be returning for this year’s Bundanoon Highland Gathering (Brigadoon) and will play a key role in the day’s events.
The National Military Reenactment Group is dedicated to bringing military and naval history to life.
It conducts demonstrations and delays at a range of events showcasing the daily life of ordinary people from a number of different historical periods - including the 42nd Royal Highland Regiment of the early 1800s.
The historic 42nd Regiment was first raised in 1739 and is the oldest and most famous of all the Highland Regiments of Scotland.
The sombre appearance of the tartan and the 42nd Regiment’s original role of policing the Highlands led to it being called the ‘The Black Watch’.
The tartan was designed to avoid clan affiliations and is thus also called the ‘Government
Sett’.
During the Peninsular War (1809-1813) the 42nd fought with distinction and at
Waterloo in 1815 they were part of Picton’s division which was instrumental in stopping
Napoleon’s advance.
The members of the NMRG research and strive to show how men and women lived,
worked and survived during the reign of His Majesty King George III.
Members learn how to load and fire the 1815 Brown Bess flintlock musket and to perform foot drill, as laid down by the military leaders of the time.
All uniforms and the accoutrements are made to existing patterns that are historically correct.
At Bundanoon, the 42nd will set up a small encampment of period tents and a display of
items.
The Black Watch will perform its now traditional role at Bundanoon of escorting the Chieftain during the parade and will stand watch during the speeches.
Demonstrations of the Brown Bess will take place at 12pm and 2pm.
The Bundanoon Highland Gathering will be held on Saturday, April 18 and is expected to attract thousands of people from across the country.
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