The West
Highland Museum is situated in the central square off the High Street in
Fort William. It is world famous for its Jacobite collections but also
has fine collections of social and local history, archaeology, natural
history and geology. Collections of special interest include the
Alexander Carmichael Collection, the Goldman Coin Collection and the
Charles Hepburn Jacobite Bequest. It has a small, interesting archive
and a library for the use of members only. The staff are friendly and
knowledgeable and will have a go at answering anything.
History of the Museum
It was founded on 23rd May 1922 by a group of Lochaber people who
dreamed of creating, for the public good, 'a museum of and for the West
Highlands that would be second to none in the whole country.' They had
no collection and no building.
A series of summer
loan exhibitions were held culminating in the 1925 Prince Charles Edward
exhibition, a magnificent tour-de-force worthy of any great institution.
The lenders to all the exhibitions were encouraged to gift their
exhibits to form the nucleus of a museum collection. Many of them did
and the roots of the Museum's fine collections lies in their faith and
generosity.
In 1926 premises
were acquired with the purchase of part of the old British Linen Bank in
Cameron Square: the central square in Fort William. These buildings are
some of the oldest in Fort William and are now B listed.
Foreign Visitors
Foreign language guide books are provided in French, Italian, German and
Dutch with other translations planned for the future.
Disabled Visitors
There is access only to the ground floor for wheelchair users. There is
full disabled toilet facilities.
Groups
Groups are advised to book in advance. If a guided tour is desired it
must be booked in advance. For community groups and societies specialist
talks on various subjects are available.
Education
For local schools worksheets and object-discovering sessions are
offered. Subjects covered include the Jacobites, the Massacre of
Glencoe, Food, Conservation and the Second World War. Local schools have
free access to the Museum. Schools from out with Lochaber will be
charged.
Shop
A range of unusual and interesting books, both new and second hand;
also, presently, delicate, naturally dyed, hand knitted shawls and
scarves, made locally. There are also prints, postcards, old fashioned
toys and small gifts. The shop is constantly changing so is worth a
visit.
