“Au lair du Clan” – Lair of the Clan

‘Au Clair de la Lune, Au Lair du Clan’ by Jonathan Armigel Wade – (1960 – )

Earlier this year, a piece quite unlike the artworks in the museum’s vast collection was put on display in the  “Spirit of the Argylls” gallery.

“Au Lair du Clan” meaning Lair of the clan, and a nod to “Au Clair de la Lune” (by the light of the moon) – which is pretty apt with the moonlight beaming in the background of this painting – was painted by Jonathan Armigel Wade as a gift to his brother, Colonel (Retired) Robert ‘Sandy’ Nicholas Harry Alexander de Vins Wade.

The then, Lieutenant Colonel Sandy Wade was presented this painting executed by his brother, Jonathan when he ended his time in command of 1^st Battalion of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders in July 1999 based at Redford Barracks. This painting was officially accessioned in 2015, however it had been in the collection before this and was used in the 1^st Battalion Officers Mess wherever they were currently stationed at that time. It remains one of the museum’s few pieces of stylised art in the collection.

Jonathan Wade is a painter of stylised “landscapes, seascapes, strange events and houses,” and a teacher. He himself, also served after joining the Royal Highland Fusiliers in 1978, the Army sponsored him at St Andrews University where he gained his master’s degree. He had three tours in Northern Ireland; took part in the Gulf War, 1990–1, being mentioned in dispatches 1991, leaving that year to become a painter.

Whilst many visitors may pass this without looking deeper, hidden around this painting are various pieces of Argyll lore and notes of Wade family history.

The painting shows Redford Barracks, Edinburgh with the iconic Pentlands depicted in the background. Whilst it is all rather wonky and surreal, it shows an excitement and buzzing tone for the busy life of this infantry battalion.

Notable in this painting, you can see the Jocks being drilled on the square, referring to the public duty roles during the late 1990s. The Warrant Officer 2 can be seen square bashing them. The Commanding Officer – perhaps Col Sandy Wade himself – and the Adjutant in the grey jumpers behind observe.

The helicopter shadow takes up a prominent section of the square, a reference of the deployment to and within Northern Ireland at this time.

Additionally, abseiling training took place within Redford Barracks – much to the dislike of the locals who lived in the surrounding areas who complained about the noise and commotion that went with it. It is also noted to have literally had Edinburgh traffic at a standstill whilst people watched the helicopter. Police ordered the soldiers and the helicopters to the Pentlands to carry out the exercise.

Above is a photograph taken in the late 1990s at Redford Barracks of a group who are partaking in some of this training.

If we look towards the Guardroom – you may see the captive Jock clutching at the bars. On the guardroom, the regimental bell can be seen hanging outside.

The Regimental yellow signboards are always very prominent and recognisable to the regiment, and this can be seen in the front of the painting. The Regimental cap badge is in the middle of the board, as well as it stating 91^st and 93^rd. Both these numbers referring to the antecedent regiments, the 91^st Regiment of Foot (Argyllshire Highlanders), and 93^rd Regiment of Foot (Sutherland Highlanders) before the amalgamation in 1881 for them to become the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders.

As you can tell with the Glengarry and cap badge worn, an Argyll is on gate duty, and is carrying a SA80.

A quite stroppy Cruachan III (the regimental mascot from 1995-2012) can be seen outside giving someone a hard time. Shetland ponies are known for their feisty tempers. For the most part, Cruachan III was well behaved at events. He could be a little temperamental and stubborn when he was bored but when required he performed his duties in a professional manner as he was aware that wearing his saddle cloth meant he was on duty, with the lack of saddle cloth Perhaps the temper in this painting make sense.

The image above shows Lance Corporal Moonan and Cruachan III Outside Officers Mess, Redford Barracks – behaving slightly better this time.

The famous Thin Red Line gets a mention in this painting, although it may be hard to see. The pole between the two flags is depicted as the red and white dicing. The two flags flying is an acknowledgment of the regiments ongoing tours in Northern Ireland.  

The buildings depicted behind the flags and down the left side housed many Argylls. From the top down you would have found the Delta Company, B Company and the Sergeants Mess. These buildings are where Balaklava Company (what became of the Argylls after the amalgamation in 2006) can be found today.

To the right, you will see Alma House. Sandy’s three daughters peek outside their window to their father on the trampoline – which is something he apparently done quite often. Sandy’s pipe banner hangs out the house with this family crest, featuring a Rhinoceros.

Outside the Officers Mess in the top right hand of the painting, you’ll see an Officer in his Mess Dress.

Sandy’s career was vast. Sandy joined The Argylls in 1977, and as mentioned previously, he was appointed CO of the 1^st Battalion in 1995. He was also appointed an OBE from his time in command, and went to be promoted to Colonel, ending his time as the British Defence Attache in Ethiopia from 2007-2013. He subsequently worked as the Military Advisor to the EU Delegation to the African Union.

Above, you will see him being pulled out of Redford Barracks in 1999, the site that this painting is based. He was highly thought of by all ranks, the Argyll family and the community he served.

Col Sandy Wade died tragically on 18^th September 2024 whilst on a family holiday on Alderney and a memorial service was held as St Paul’s Cathedral in the OBE Chapel in June 2025. Our thoughts lie with this wife, Lyndsay, his three daughters together with his wider family.

Ne Obliviscaris, Sans Peur

Written by Caitlin Meldrum, Audience and Communications Officer