News

The success of the recent Free Month, when we had over 1100 visitors, has reassured the Museum Trustees that we are on the right track in proposing a major change for the West Highland Museum in 2011.Thirty years ago 70,000 visitors a year passed through our Museum – but this peak has diminished dramatically, as it has for many museums nationwide.  Other museums have found that free entry has increased their footfall by 3 to 6 times.  From March 2011 entry to the West Highland Museum will be free and we anticipate around 35,000 visitors a year. Our aim is to offer a real change to the visitors experience and hope to encourage many more people to see the treasures within and for locals to engage with the Museum. When we re-open in March displays will be reorganised and we anticipate that there will be a different Museum experience.  There will be a much bigger shop, some new exhibits and a real opportunity for you to support the museum. We must also significantly reduce our costs.  There will only now be two paid posts in the museum which means that sadly we can no longer employ our five part time reception staff. They have given many years of dedicated service to the West Highland Museum and the community, some also acting in a voluntary capacity. This is very regrettable but inevitable in these challenging times. Applicants for a new paid part-time post of “Co-ordinator of Volunteers” are now being sought, together with support for our current team of experienced receptionists when we reopen in early March.Could you give some time here and there  – to be part of our team running and supporting the Museum – welcoming  visitors, answering queries and questions, helping with sales and all the other tasks which keep the museums doors open? Full training will be given and we expect to be able to offer an interesting and busy time for volunteers with the increased numbers coming into the free museum.Please phone 70 2886 or 07900 665 301 and speak to Chris Robinson or visit our website at www.westhighlandmuseum.org.uk and follow the volunteer link.Your Museum needs you!