About Us
The West Highland Museum Trust
About Us
The West Highland Museum is one of the oldest museums in the Highlands. It was founded in 1922 by a group of local enthusiasts led by Victor Hodgson, who had neither a collection nor a building to display it in.
Victor Hodgson devoted many years to a detailed study of the history and archaeology of the Western Highlands, and In 1922 founded the West Highland Museum at Fort William of which he was secretary. It collected croft house furniture and other artefacts.
In 1925, after several temporary exhibitions and the acquisition of significant collections, the Museum launched a fundraising appeal and, in 1926 purchased the present building, a former branch of the British Linen Bank. Descendants of Victor Hodgson are still involved with the Museum today.
Our Mission
The West Highland Museum
“To be a welcoming museum which provides inspiration, learning and
enjoyment for all”
▪ To collect, conserve and present a comprehensive range of objects of historical and cultural importance which illustrate the history of the West Highlands in an attractive and informative way.
▪ To make the museum a focal point in Lochaber, a place of which local people can be proud and which offers a valued resource for information and education
▪ To offer local people and visitors not only an enjoyable experience, but also a substantial insight into the history of the West Highlands.
Victor Hodgson
Jacobite
On Display
Accredited Museum
Scottish Charity
Meet the Team
Museum Governance
President:
Professor Hugh Cheape
Vice Presidents:
Mrs Fiona Maclean of Ardgour
Lord Cameron of Lochiel
Chair of Board of Directors:
Ian Peter MacDonald
Vice Chair:
Dr Chris Robinson MBE
Museum Staff
Izzie Farr
Project Manager
Izzie has been a Project Manager in the museums and heritage sector for a decade. She has extensive experience managing NLHF capital projects including both development and delivery stages and is based in Morayshire.
Board
Gerald McIntyre
Gerald is a retired solicitor, and with his former place of business being just across the Square from the museum, he did not have far to re-locate! He is also an Honorary Sheriff at the local Court. During his legal career, Gerald was involved in the setting up of, and served on the Boards of many, local charities and community interest companies. He has always had a strong interest in history, especially Scottish and local history, that interest going back to his schooldays when for his Sixth Year Studies, he had to research and prepare a 10,000 word dissertation on the History of Kilmallie, 1660- 1707, a period which still fascinates him.
Archie MacDonald
Archie MacDonald brings a background in business, investment and retail, with a strong commitment to the local community. In addition to serving on the board of the West Highland Museum, he also sits on the boards of The Highland Soap Co. Ltd, Renewable Parts Ltd, Fort William BID, and the finance committee of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Argyll & the Isles. A proud advocate for Fort William, Archie is passionate about supporting the area’s cultural and economic development.
Pete Short
Pete is a retired Health Professional and Organisational Consultant. He has led and supported projects in the UK, and internationally. He is keen to use his skills and experience to help the Museum deliver its ambitious redevelopment project.
Ian Peter MacDonald – Chair
Local brewer with a deep interest in the history of Lochaber and considerable experience in the museum business and arts charitable sectors.
Colleen Barker
Colleen previously worked as a Business Manager with the Bank of Scotland, where she was responsible for managing a substantial portfolio of clients. She brought the skills and experience gained in that role to her position as Museum Manager, a role she held for ten years before taking early retirement. Although now retired, Colleen remains actively involved with the museum on a voluntary basis, allowing her the flexibility to enjoy frequent travel and explore destinations around the world.
Neil MacLeod
Returning to the area to be a piper in the film Highlander and Braveheart Neil loves the culture and ways of the Highlands and Islands. With over 40 years of experience in tourism promotion and local community radio stations he is currently working as a qualified tour guide, based in Lochaber. Neil is happy to share his experiences and be part of the team to enhance the next 100 years of the West Highland Museum.
Chris Robinson – Vice Chair
Chris Robinson has been lucky to live, work and bring up family about Fort William over 50 years and remains as enthusiastic about Lochaber, its people, and its history as ever. A retired General Medical Practitioner, he has been involved in projects from building the Medical Centre, casting in bronze a full-size Model T Ford car and organising two “Strip the Willow” dances in the High Street. Ensuring the sustainability and appeal of the West Highland Museum remains important to him and he sells second-hand books online under the banner “Creaking Shelves Books”
Carrie Gooch
Carrie Gooch joined the management committee of the Museum in 2006 and has been volunteering with the Museum in different capacities ever since. Carrie is passionate about how the Museum engages with Lochaber’s community, the stories we tell, and the importance of these to identity and belonging. Carrie has worked as a social worker, a probation officer, an airline pilot and now, a beekeeper. She has been involved in governance of charities since 1987 when she first joined the Management committee of Crisis at Christmas.
Volunteers
We could not sustain this wonderful museum without their dedication and support, and we are immensely grateful for all they do.
