EVENING LECTURE
THE FORGOTTEN HIGHLANDERS
Scots as Prisoners of the Japanese in WW2
Graham Ogilvy
Monday, 29th September
Talk begins at 19:00
Graham Ogilvy presents an overview of the disastrous Far East campaign and uses the experiences of the Urquhart, Coogan and others to highlight the ordeal of the prisoners who were later met with official indifference upon their return home.
TIME & LOCATION
Date and time: September 29 2025 19:00 PM to 20:30 PM
Location: The Royal Scots Club, 29-31 Abercromby Place, EH3 6QE
Ticket type
Price
Club Member
£0.00
General Admission
£5.00
ABOUT THE LECTURE
The story of the Scots as prisoners of the Japanese in WW2 is recounted. Around 20,000 Scots were captured by the Japanese in the Far East – around a third died in appalling circumstances of disease, starvation and ill-treatment.
Graham Ogilvy worked with two veterans on their memoirs of suffering and courage – Alistair Urquhart’s story ‘The Forgotten Highlander’, a memoir of slavery on the Death Railway became a Sunday Times No 1 bestseller. Andy Coogan’s story of suffering and slavery in a copper mine in Taiwan presents a very different experience in ‘Tomorrow You Die’.
ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Graham Ogilvy is a Scottish journalist and publisher. He also worked with two other veterans Tom Renouf and Tony Banks to publish their memoirs: ‘Black Watch’ and ‘Storming the Falklands’ respectively.
Join us
for Supper
The Abercromby Dining Room is open from 5:30 PM prior to each evening event. Join fellow members or come with friends and make a night of it.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Edinburgh Military Tattoo and Dinner
The Edinburgh Military Tattoo – A classic and beloved event at The Royal Scots Club. Join us for drinks and a two course dinner at the Club before heading up to the Edinburgh Castle for the performance.
Member only eventView event
Captain’s Table: August
The Captain’s Table is a regular Royal Scots Club lunch where members and their guests can get together and enjoy good food, good conversation and meet new people. Member only eventView event
The Duke of Lancaster’s Regimental Band: Garden Performance
Join us for a free evening of music in the Queens St Gardens with the 4th Battalion The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment (Renamed from The North West Infantry Band in 2006). We require an entry list of guests into the gardens, so please RSVP if you would like Member only eventView event
An Evening of Scottish Tales
Join us in our Underground Bar for an evening of Scottish Tales told by Master Storyteller Beverly Bryant. Complimentary drink included within the ticket price. Food available to purchase. Member only eventView event
Captain’s Table: September
The Captain’s Table is a regular Royal Scots Club lunch where members and their guests can get together and enjoy good food, good conversation and meet new people. Member only eventView event
Breakfast Club: September
The Breakfast Club returns next month and is hosted by an RSC Member. Engage with fellow Club members and chat about a new topic of interest over a breakfast roll or pastry. Member only eventView event
Captain’s Table: October
The Captain’s Table is a regular Royal Scots Club lunch where members and their guests can get together and enjoy good food, good conversation and meet new people. Member only eventView event
Military Dinner in Support of Poppy Scotland
Join us for an unforgettable Military Dinner on Friday, October 17th, at The Royal Scots Club, dedicated to supporting Poppy Scotland. Member only eventView event
Captain’s Table: November
The Captain’s Table is a regular Royal Scots Club lunch where members and their guests can get together and enjoy good food, good conversation and meet new people. Member only eventView event
Breakfast Club: November
The Breakfast Club returns next month and is hosted by a RSC Member. Engage with fellow Club members and chat about a new topic of interest over a breakfast roll or pastry. Member only eventView event
St Andrew’s Day Dinner at The Royal Scots Club
Join us for an evening of musical entertainment, loyal toasts, great company and delicious food! Please note, per usual, the night will be a red-carpet, black-tie, miniature medal affair with uniform to be adorned where appropriate. Member only eventView event
Captain’s Table: December
The Captain’s Table is a regular Royal Scots Club lunch where members and their guests can get together and enjoy good food, good conversation and meet new people. Member only eventView event
The RSC Annual Members’ Christmas Lunch & Raffle
Join us for our Members Christmas Lunch on Saturday 6th December 2025 from 12pm to 3pm. Member only eventView event
Chairman’s Christmas Cocktails
Join our Chairman and other Members on Thursday, 18th December for a festive drinks reception. This is a complimentary event available for Members only. Member only eventView event