West Highland Museum

About the museum

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 at the start. Hodgson studied the history and archaeology of the western Highlands for many years, and the early museum collected croft house furniture and other everyday objects.

After several temporary exhibitions and some important acquisitions, the museum launched a fundraising appeal in 1925 and in 1926 bought its present home in Cameron Square, a former branch of the British Linen Bank. The listed building is among the oldest in Fort William, and descendants of Victor Hodgson are still involved with the museum.

The collections range from archaeology to modern industry and have a special emphasis on the Jacobite risings of the eighteenth century. One of the best-known exhibits is the Secret Portrait, a hidden painting of Prince Charles Edward Stuart that appears only when seen in a cylindrical mirror. Other displays cover Victorian life, Highland life, the military history of the area and the work of the Gaelic folklorist Alexander Carmichael.

The museum is an accredited museum and an independent charity that depends almost entirely on donations.

Highlights

• Secret Portrait of Prince Charles Edward Stuart, revealed by a cylindrical mirror
• Outstanding collection about Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Jacobite cause
• Objects from the Alexander Carmichael collection and the Goldman coin collection
• Displays on Highland life, Victoriana, archaeology and the military
• Free interpretive guides in many languages

Permanent exhibitions

• Jacobite collection – Portraits and objects connected with Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Jacobite risings, including the Secret Portrait.
• Highland Life – Objects that show everyday life in the West Highlands, including croft house furniture and tools.
• Military collection – Material on the military history of the area, including the Commando training at Achnacarry in the Second World War.

Founded

1922

Operated by

West Highland Museum Trust

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Entry is free and donations are welcome. Temporary exhibitions are often included in the free visit. Groups of 10 or more, school groups and guided tours must be booked in advance by email.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The museum is in a listed nineteenth-century building and access to some parts can be challenging. Stairlifts give access to the upper floors. A disabled drop-off and pick-up point is outside the museum, reached via Viewforth Car Park.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

The museum is in Cameron Square in the heart of Fort William's High Street.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

The gift and book shop sells books on Scottish history, jewellery, craft kits, toys and artwork by local makers. Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit