The West Highland Museum has received initial support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund for its plans to transform the Museum and secure the future of one of the Highlands’ most important heritage collections.
Made possible thanks to National Lottery players, development funding of £263,163 has been awarded to help the Museum progress its plans. A total grant of £2.7 million will be available to help deliver the project providing the Museum successfully negotiates the Development Phase.
We are now over half-way to our total estimated cost of £6.2 million. This is an appropriate moment to celebrate our successes thus far, and outline what more needs to be done. We still have £3 million to raise.
On Thursday 4 June at 4pm we are showing the premiere of our new fundraising film. The Highland Cinema is hosting the launch and there will also be a presentation and an opportunity to ask questions about our plans (refreshments available).
When complete, the redevelopment will improve access, expand gallery and learning spaces, strengthen collections care, and create new opportunities for local people, schools, volunteers and visitors to engage with the heritage of Lochaber and the West Highlands
Founded in 1922, the West Highland Museum is one of the oldest museums in the Highlands. Based in the heart of Fort William, it cares for collections of national and international importance, including Jacobite material, Gaelic cultural collections, archaeology, local history, archives, textiles, and objects connected to the Commandos in Lochaber during the Second World War.
This initial support represents a major vote of confidence in the Museum’s vision and in the importance of Lochaber’s heritage. The development funding will allow the Museum to move onto detailed planning, working with architects, consultants, staff, volunteers and the wider community to shape a strong full application to The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
The project marks an important contribution to improving our town centre. Not only will our existing buildings be improved but the derelict garden ground to the rear will be transformed into an accessible green space with an herbarium and meeting space, supporting our local population and economy.
Ian Peter MacDonald, Chair of the West Highland Museum, said:
“This is a hugely encouraging moment for the West Highland Museum and for Fort William.
For more than a century, the Museum has shared our Lochaber and West Highland stories, rooted in our extraordinary landscape of mountains, glens and sea, language and culture, conflict and community, migration, memory and identity.
Come to our launch and learn more about how you can help as we plan a Museum that is more accessible, more welcoming and better able to serve local people, schools, volunteers, researchers and visitors for generations to come.”
Caroline Clark, The National Lottery Heritage Fund Director for Scotland, said: “Heritage sits at the heart of a place’s identity, adding depth, character and value. It helps connect people and communities to a place and boosts local economic prosperity.
“Thanks to National Lottery players our development support means planning for the transformation of the West Highland Museum team can now be taken forward with confidence. Working with the community and with expert support to shape a museum for the future. Creating a destination for visitors that is balanced with a local focus and opportunities to get involved.”
