Collections
The Fort
Explore Fort William's Governor’s Room, where the antique Key, elegant Wine Table, and grand Wall each tell a unique tale of the region's rich history.
ID: 770B
The first settlement in 1654 was called Braintoun after its first governor - there was no town at all until Cromwell's military came to keep the locals in check. In 1690, the year William III's Commander-in-Chief in Scotland called the soldiers' settlement Fort William after the King, the Duke of Gordon also tried to name it Gordonsburgh after himself.
Governor's rooom
@whm
Archaeology
-570500-555x529.png)
A Pictish bronze hanging bowl found at Castle Tioram, about 40 miles from Fort William.
ID: 110
Our collection includes ancient pottery and metalwork, arrowheads and stonework, salvage from the wreck of a Spanish Galleon, and clothing and artefacts from a 1500-year old crannog site. (A crannog was a type of circular loch-dwelling on wooden stilts).
Hanging Bowl
@WHM
Military
-653x661.png)
Dated 1772, this powder horn is believed to have belonged to Alasdair MacMhaighister Alastair, an 18th-century Scottish Gaelic Bard and tutor to Prince Charles Edward Stuart.
ID: 3242
The town of Fort William's origins are military. The area itself, at the westernmost end of the Great Glen fault that runs from Inverness, has historically been of great strategic and political importance to the control of the Highlands.
Alasdair's Powder Horn
@WHM
Jacobite
-653x661.png)
A circular box with tartan enamel opens to reveal a concealed finely enamelled portrait of Prince Charles Edward Stuart, showcasing iconic Jacobite artistry.
The West Highland Museum has an outstanding collection of objects relating to Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Jacobite Cause. Have a look at our featured objects and enjoy their stories.
We are finding that fans of the Outlander books and TV series are making our Museum a 'must see' destination to learn more about the Jacobites and we can give them an excellent insight.
ID: 4271
Hidden Portrait Snuff Box
@WHM
Victoriana
-653x661.png)
This dress and shawl, adorned with green beetle wing cases, were made in Madras for Barbara Morrison, a Skye crofter's daughter, during the early British Raj.
ID: 3291
A significant proportion of the West Highland Museum's collection dates from the late eighteenth to the early twentieth century, much of which specifically belongs to the Victorian period During this time, the Highlands became a fashionable destination for both old and new wealth, fueled in part by Queen Victoria's affection for Balmoral and the romanticized portrayal of the region in novels by Walter Scott, Robert Louis Stevenson, and others.
Beetle Wing Dress
@WHM
Highland Life
Discover the allure of the Scottish Highlands, now renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and outdoor pursuits. While Inverness competes as one of the fastest-growing cities, the region's appeal has a rich history. Originally secluded, the Highlands gained prominence during the Victorian era, attracting attention from society elites like Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Explore how the rugged landscape and isolation shaped unique traditions, cultural life, and folklore in this captivating collection.
-565x571.png)
This mail carrier, featuring a tin-sealed letter housed in a wooden box attached to a sheep's bladder float, was launched into the sea, riding currents in a bid to reach the Isle of Lewis and integrate with the regular mail system.
ID: 1013
St Kilda Mail Carrier
@WHM
Navigate
WHM's Mapped Collections
Immerse yourself in the digital cultural heritage of the Western Highlands of Scotland through our interactive map, offering innovative ways to engage with our historical collections.
Each artifact in our museum is meticulously mapped to its place of origin, allowing for a deeper connection to the region’s rich history.
Our museum boasts significant collections, with a particular focus on Jacobite history, Highland life, and military artifacts. Notable pieces include the historic Birching Table from the Fort, exquisite Gold Armlets dating back to the late Bronze Age (discovered in 1871), artifacts related to the infamous massacre of the MacDonalds, a ceremonial tray used for toasts to the exiled King over the Water, a stunning Beetle Wing Dress, and the very gun involved in the notorious “Appin Murder.”
Embark on a virtual journey through time and explore the fascinating stories behind these treasures, all within the immersive landscape of the Western Highlands.
West Highland
100 Gallery
Discover the Best of Highland Life, Archaeology, Military History, and Natural Wonders through Our West Highland 100 Gallery.
Our collections focus on Highland life, archaeology, military history, and natural history; however, we are best known for its Jacobite Collection.
We asked visitors to identify their favourite things in the museum and the objects displayed in the West Highland 100 gallery are the results. As you browse the gallery, don’t miss our most popular artefact, the Secret Portrait. This hidden portrait of Bonnie Prince Charlies was overwhelmingly recognised by visitors as their favourite object. We invite you to explore the gallery of 2D and 3D digital twins and find your favourite!