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
Julie Ruddock
Community 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.
History Haven
We have launched regular History Haven sessions at the
West Highland Museum, and your children are all more than welcome to come along!
Take a fun trip back in time, with our Community and Learning Officer, to explore varied history and heritage topics on each visit.
Children's Activities
Date - first Saturday of each month
Time - 10:30am to 12:30pm
Venue - West Highland Museum
Share your spare time with your local museum
You don't have to be a history expert to join us, you just need to have a few spare hours, a passion for supporting a local organisation and a warm welcome to share with our visitors.
Pop into the museum or contact us using the email below to have a chat about what's involved and the exciting future plans for the museum.
Email volunteer@westhighlandmuseum.org.uk with any questions
Volunteer recruitment
Visual Art Exhibition
by Room 13
On display from 17 February to 26 May 2025 ...
Temporary Exhibition
In this exhibition from Room 13 in Caol, young artists from Lochaber, Amy, Coll, Ella and Ryan, share their unique artworks, ideas and perspectives. All have attended Room 13 together for many years, using the bright and friendly studio space to work at their own pace gaining new skills, social connections and confidence in the process. The artworks they have each chosen to exhibit in the West Highland Museum reflect their diverse interests and abilities and give us an insight into the special place that creativity holds in their lives.
Get a glimpse into the vast cartoon world that Ryan has created and see Ella’s intriguing artworks featuring wartime letters, Coll’s massive elephants parading through the jungle and Amy’s mixed media work inspired by the water she loves so much.
Annat Memories ...
On display from 1 June - 15 August 2025
Temporary Exhibition - coming soon
West Highland Museum hosts Kilmallie History Group’s exhibition of photos, artefacts and stories from the “lost village” of Annat. Following their World War II role as a Coastal Forces Training Base, Annat Village’s 200 semi-detached prefab-houses became home to local families requiring housing. It existed only until 1953.
In October 2024, over 100 past-residents attended an Annat Village Reunion Gathering which included this commemorative exhibition compiled by “Annat Children” and others keen to capture Annat Memories before they disappear.
The Lost Portrait of Bonnie Prince Charlie
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
