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 President:
Mrs Fiona Maclean of Ardgour
Chair of Board of Directors:
Ian Peter MacDonald
Vice Chair:
Dr Chris Robinson
Museum Staff
Flora Swietlicki
Learning & Engagement Officer
Volunteers
Redevelopment
The museum is in the heart of the historic town of Fort William and our redevelopment project is a huge opportunity for us to make the West Highland Museum an even more relevant, exciting, and welcoming place to visit.
Support the West Highland Museum: Building the Future, Honouring the Past
Our Vision: The West Highland Museum has been a cornerstone of cultural heritage in the Highlands since 1922, preserving and showcasing the vibrant history of the region. We are embarking on a transformative journey with our new and ambitious capital redevelopment project.
This £6.2 million project will not only safeguard the museum’s unique collection, from Jacobite relics to WWII commando artifacts, but also enhance accessibility, expand gallery spaces, and create new community and educational facilities.
Why We Need Your Support: The museum is applying to a range of funders to support our ambitions but we need your help to reach our target. Your support will help us create a museum fit for the future, ensuring we continue to inspire, educate, and connect people with the rich history of the West Highlands
What Your Donation Will Achieve:
- Expanded Galleries & Exhibitions: With larger, modern spaces, we will be able to display more of our unique collections and host world-class exhibitions.
- Improved Accessibility: Installing ramps and lifts will make the museum accessible to all visitors, regardless of mobility.
- Education & Community Spaces: Dedicated rooms for workshops, school visits, and community events will foster deeper connections with our heritage.
- Preserving History: Upgraded environmental controls will protect our collections from the impacts of climate change, ensuring their preservation for generations to come.
- A New Green Space: The hillside behind the museum will be transformed into a tranquil public garden, creating a new community asset in the heart of Fort William.
How You Can Help:
- Individual Donations: Every donation, big or small, makes a difference. By contributing, you are helping to protect the museum’s legacy and secure its future.
- High-Impact Support: Major donors can enjoy exclusive opportunities to engage with the museum, including private tours and special recognition in our new spaces.
- Corporate Sponsorship: Align your business with a project that celebrates Scotland’s history while contributing to the local economy and community wellbeing.
- Trusts & Foundations: We are actively seeking support from trusts and foundations that share our commitment to cultural preservation and community enrichment.
Your contribution will help unlock major funding from a range of funders, making your support even more powerful. Together, we can ensure that the West Highland Museum remains a vital and thriving cultural institution for future generations.
Join Us Today: Support our capital campaign and become part of our story. Help us preserve the treasures of the past and build a museum that will continue to inspire future generations.
If you would like to make a donation today you can do so here
If you would like more information or would like to discuss how you can help, please contact Jason Dyer at: fundraising@westhiglandmuseum.org.uk
As part of our redevelopment project we want the community to help us decide how our museum should evolve.
Please help us by completing our community survey so we can collect your thoughts and ideas on what you would like to include in our plans.
Trial by Jury with author Mark Bridgeman
Friday 25 October - 7pm - £12.50 per ticket
Will You Send A Man To The Gallows?
Best-selling author Mark Bridgeman will be celebrating the launch of The Scottish Murder Book at the West Highland Museum, with a real life murder trial - in which YOU the audience will become the jury! See the evidence, hear the witnesses, listen to the advocates, make your decision.
With a PRIZE for one lucky winner, the verdict revealed, and a Q&A with the author, this promises to be an event to remember! Complimentary drinks and nibbles included.
Community event - limited availability
Rural Education Trust - pop up session
Tuesday 5 November
Our friends from the Rural Education Trust at Torlundy will take over the Commando Room for a pop up workshop on all things crofting. There will be exhibits from their crofting museum, as well as volunteers from their team available to chat to you about what they do.
At 11am there will be an opportunity to watch the team make butter, the old fashioned way, using their butter churn from the croft.
This will be a walk in event, so no need to pre-book, come along, meet the volunteers and learn more about what it was like to grow up on a croft.
We look forward to seeing you there ...
Community event
Camanachd: Geama Aosda nan Gleann Abrach
Shinty: Ancient Game of the Lochaber Glens exhibition
September to the end of October
West Highland Museum is hosting its “Camanachd: Geama Aosda nan Gleann Abrach” (Shinty: Ancient Game of the Lochaber Glens) exhibition from 2nd September to the end of October to celebrate the Camanachd Cup Final being played in Fort William on 21st September.
The exhibition focuses on the history of shinty, its Gaelic connections & episodes in the history of the 3 local teams - Fort William Shinty Club, Lochaber Camanachd Club & Kilmallie Shinty Club - up until 1964.
Thanks to Shinty Memories Scotland for sponsoring the exhibition.
Exhibition
The Lost Portrait of Bonnie Prince Charlie
1 July 2023 - April 2024
Believed to be the famous lost Highlander Portrait of Bonnie Prince Charlie, this portrait was thought to have been painted in Scotland in 1745/6. It is on public display for the very first time since its identification by Dr Bendor Grosvenor.
ADMISSION: Free. Donations welcome
TO BOOK: No booking required
EXHIBITION
Our Museum Guided Tour
Ongoing
Are you a group of 10 or more? Join one of our expert volunteer guides for a tour of the museum. Guided tours are subject to the availability of our guides.
ADMISSION: Contact us for group prices (under 18s free)
BOOKING essential. Email info@westhighlandmuseum.org.uk to enquire.
Tour
