The Highland Archaeology Festival is returning for 2021. The festival aims to celebrate our shared history and archaeology and showcase the incredible heritage on our doorstep as well as the importance of protecting this for future generations. The Festival will run from 25 September – 15 October.
The West Highland Museum is very pleased to be participating in the festival for a second year. This year we have seven events on offer including walking tours and an introduction to metal detecting finds.
- Saturday 25 September : 11 am – 12 pm The Highbridge Skirmish
Join Paul MacDonald at Highbridge, the scene of the first skirmish of the 1745 Jacobite rising. Find out about the history of the conflict and recent archaeological discoveries made here. Level 1 walk to the Highbridge. Meet at Spean Bridge Commando Memorial car park. Booking essential.
- Sunday 26 September : 2 pm – 4 pm Cille Choirrill Churchyard Tour
Join Kenny Mackintosh on a guided walk around the Cille Choirrill chapel and churchyard. Find out about the history of the graveyard from Columban times through to the present. The visit will include a look inside the restored 15th century chapel. Meet at chapel car park near Roy Bridge.
- Friday 1 October : 11 am – 12 pm Kilmallie Graveyard Tour
Join Ronald Cameron on a fascinating guided walk at Kilmallie churchyard. There has been a church in this vicinity since the 13th century so we will look at what is known of these buildings, at some significant events that occurred here or were connected to this place and some of the remarkable people whose final journey ended here. Level 1 walk. Meet at the obelisk monument at the entrance.
- Tuesday 5 October : 10.30 am – 12.30 pm Beyond the Cattlegrid at Blarmacfoldach
Chris Robinson will guide you around the small crofting settlement of Blarmachfoldach, focussing on people and places. Level 1 walk. Meet at picnic spot at Upper Achintore. This walk requires your own transport to move from site to site. Booking essential due to limited onsite parking.
- Wednesday 6 October : 10.30 am – 12.30 pm The Siege of Fort William & Beyond
A guided walk around Cow Hill and finishing at the Craigs burial ground in Fort William. Chris Robinson will be your guide and will focus on aspects of the Siege of Fort William in 1746. Level 2 walk. Meet behind Lochaber Leisure Centre.
- Friday 15 October : 10.30 am – 12pm Visit to Craig’s Burial Ground, Fort William
Join Chris Robinson on this insightful guided tour that will involve a short visit to the Craigs Burial Ground Fort William which served local townspeople and the Garrison of Fort William. The trip will include tales of the Siege of Fort William, a Gaelic Scholar, a sad drowning of a little girl and a man who killed 21 men and died quietly in his bed in 1728. Level 1 Walk.
These are all FREE activities, but must be booked in advance. Donations via our website are very welcome.
To Book: Call 01397 702169, or email info@westhighlandmuseum.org.uk
For more information on the festival visit the Highland Archaeology Festival website.
