The Notting Hill star turned out at the Highlanders’ Museum in Fort George on Thursday (25Nov10) to launch the campaign, which aims to raise cash from public donations.
The actor recalled his long affiliation with the military during a speech at the launch, revealing how he was the first male member of the Grant family never to contemplate entering a regiment.
He tells The Scotsman, “We were always playing about in the fort, playing at war on the battlements with my brother and girl cousins.
“I always found it all fascinating as there were so many soldiers in my family. I’ve got it in my genes, it’s in my DNA. Weirdly, a military career never beckoned for me. I must be the first Grant to reach 17 or 18 without anyone saying ‘How about the army?’
“It feels personal. I wanted to do it for my father and grandfather. I feel a loyalty to the regiment; even though I was not a part of it myself, it feels like it’s family. I have always been fascinated by the history of the Seaforths and other regiments. It’s deep in my system and so anything I can do to raise the last bit of funds they need, then I’m delighted to help.”
