News

We will close for the Winter at 4 pm on Saturday 22nd December.  Although closed to the public, staff and volunteers alike will be working hard to clean and develop the Museum for 2013.Thank you for your support and we look forward to seeing you during 2013.

Almost exactly seventy years ago, the Commandos came to Lochaber.  They left very deep roots and a visible legacy in one of our internationally best-known icons, the Memorial above Spean Bridge and its poignant Garden of Remembrance.We are both proud and pleased that our Commando friends are still with us in Lochaber, at least in spirit and it is because of this that we have been working with them in creating the very early stages of a display that we aim to build through time.We will launch this display on Saturday 10th November at 1030, at which time we look forward to welcoming our guests to this very important occasion.

At their meeting on the 23rd August 2012 the Trustees of the West Highland Museum made a decision to keep their painting “Letters from the Lochside” by Henry Tanworth Wells in Arisaig House.This will be subject to:a)     the painting being kept safe on the premises  and the owners of Arisaig House maintaining secure insurance arrangements that cover damage to, or loss of, the painting with the Museum being the beneficiary ;b)     a satisfactory agreement being made with the owners of Arisaig House to allow reasonable access for members of the public to view the painting; and that,c)      if there is a change of ownership of the House or either a) or b) above is compromised, the Trustees will review the placement of the painting.

We are celebrating the award of 4-Star Accreditation by VisitScotland.  This covers areas such as the welcome you will receive, cleanliness, interpretation and presentation, all things of which we were already proud. Endorsement by a national scheme is gratifying but we do hope that you will visit to experience this for yourself!

As well as a range of excellent books,  we now have West Highland Museum tee shirts with a picture of the Museum and our logo at £15 each.  Big Ridge Chocolates who are based in Spean Bridge have produced a selection of hand-made chocolates, again with our logo.

Members of the Saturday Club should note that we will be restarting after the school holidays on Saturday 25th August.  The Club lasts from 11am – 12noon.

We were very proud when local girl, Lorna Linfield from Banavie was selected to carry the Torch through Fort William.  She has very kindly loaned it to us, to allow as many people as possible to see it.We much appreciate her generous thought and wish her well in future.

One of our larger ongoing expenses is illumination of the showcases, both electricity and replacement lamps.  We have a scheme whereby supporters of the Museum may ‘Adopt-a-Showcase’ to give us direct, practical and valuable help. This costs £30 annually and we acknowledge the donor in the specific showcase.If you would like to know which showcases would be available to support, please contact us on 01397 702169 or at info@westhighlandmuseum.org.uk.Payment may be through the drop-down menu buy-button at the foot of the Membership page or you could ensure ongoing support by direct debit.Please consider it!

All members should note that our Annual General Meeting will be held in St Andrew’s Church  Hall, Bank Street, Fort William at 5.00 pm on Thursday 31st May 2012.Potential new members will be welcome

After completing some alterations and making some changes, we are open for the rest of the year. The modified entrance and open retail area gives a very different, welcoming atmosphere  which which we know you will enjoy – come to visit us soon!