EVENING LECTURE
THE FORGOTTEN HIGHLANDERS
Scots as Prisoners of the Japanese in WW2
Graham Ogilvy
Monday, 29th September
Talk begins at 19:00
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
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
Beating Retreat
A classic and beloved event at The Royal Scots Club featuring welcome drinks in the Club’s Abercromby Dining and Douglas Rooms facing the beautiful Queen Street Gardens East.
Member only eventMembers Drinks
A rallying call! Gather with your friends and fellow social members in the cocktail bar for an evening drink and a chinwag on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Guests welcome. Food available for purchase. Attendance is free – all food and drinks can be Member only eventG.L.O.W. Gal’s Lunch
Gathering Ladies of Wit. A Royal Scots Club monthly lunch for our ladies and their guests in the Abercromby Dining room. Member only eventSummer Garden Party
Join fellow members and guests for our beloved annual Summer Garden Party in the stunning Queen Street Gardens East. An elegant evening of live music, food, and great company. Member only eventA Taste of Italy
Buon appetito! Join us in the Abercromby Dining Room for an indulgent evening of Italian music with a beautifully curated menu, with an expertly paired wine list add-on. Member only eventThe Duke of Lancaster’s Regimental Band – Recital in the Gardens
Enjoy a free evening concert in the beautiful Queen Street Gardens East with The Band of The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment. Member only eventEdinburgh Military Tattoo & Dinner
Join fellow members for drinks and dinner at the Club before heading to Edinburgh Castle for the iconic Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo — an unforgettable evening of tradition and spectacle. Member only eventGrapes & Gruyère: Guided Tasting Experience
Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or simply someone who enjoys a good drop and a cheeseboard, this is an evening made for you. Member only eventLegacy In Motion: Guided Club History Club
Discover the untold stories and history of the Royal Scots Club. A private bespoke Club tour with local historian Dr. Kate Stephenson. Member only eventArtist Exhibition – Alicia Coombes
Member only eventSt Andrew’s Day Dinner at The Royal Scots Club
Celebrate Scotland’s patron saint with a delicious three-course dinner, traditional musical entertainment, and an exciting guest speaker. Member only eventChristmas Special: Festive Wine Tasting
Join us for a bespoke festive tasting experience in the Underground Bar with Richard from Great Grog. Expertly paired wines and canapés to celebrate the silly season. Member only eventThe Royal Scots Club Murder Mystery
Join us for a festive murder mystery evening at the Club. Work with fellow guests to unravel the clues, identify the suspects and solve the case before the evening is out. Member only eventChairman’s Christmas Cocktails
Join our Chairman and other Members on Thursday, 17th December for a festive drinks reception. This is a complimentary event available for Members only. Member only event