One of the most controversial figures of the First World War took centre stage as the Western Front Association’s first Scotland National Conference was held in Dundee on Saturday.
Edinburgh-born Douglas Haig was a decorated officer, feted for his service in the Sudan and Boer War, when the conflict began.
He commanded the British Expeditionary Force and was Britain’s commander-in-chief during the Somme battle.
It led to the loss of 600,000 allied troops for the gain of 10 miles of land and Field Marshall Haig took much criticism for the sheer loss of life and for the conventional advance of infantry troops on enemy lines he employed.
The full-day conference, Scotland in the Great War, aimed to put his actions in context, with Professor Gary Sheffield delivering a lecture entitled “Douglas Haig: Hero of Scotland, Britain and the Empire”.
Professors Pete Simkins and Stephen Badsey and renowned historians Rob Thomson and Yvonne McEwen also looked at the conflict through Scottish eyes.
They explored the Battle of Loos, the service and sacrifice of young Scotsmen and the country’s place in the propaganda war.
The Western Front Association was formed in 1980 to maintain interest in the First World War and remember the sacrifice of those who fought on all fronts and on all sides.
Speaking shortly before the event, Western Front Association chairman Bob Paterson revealed he hoped visitors would be able to learn more about the role Scots played in the four-year conflict.
He said: “We are absolutely delighted to be holding the first ever WFA Scottish National Conference in Dundee.
“This will be a superb day whereby five speakers of the highest quality will inform those attending of the various aspects of Scotland and its people’s role in the Great War”
For more information visit www.westernfrontassociation.com.