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About this place
West Highland Museum is a museum in the centre of Fort William, Scotland, telling the story of the Highlands and the Islands. It sits in a listed building on Cameron Square, the former British Linen Bank built in 1835, and its collections span regional history, archaeology and wildlife.
What can you see at the West Highland Museum?
The museum aims to cover every aspect of West Highland history, including that of Fort William itself. Alongside historical objects you will find archaeological finds and exhibits on the region's wildlife. It is a good place to put the landscapes around Ben Nevis and Glen Nevis into context.
What is the "Secret Portrait" of Bonnie Prince Charlie?
The best-known object is an anamorphic painting of Prince Charles Edward Stuart, Bonnie Prince Charlie. At first glance it is a tray covered in random streaks of paint. Placing a cylindrical mirror on it reveals a hidden portrait. After the Jacobite defeat at Culloden, images of the Prince were dangerous to own, so the tray let supporters toast him in secret. One source says it was found in a London junk shop.
Other Jacobite relics
Nearby is the Prince's death mask, a more direct likeness. The collection also includes a set of bagpipes said to have been given to Bonnie Prince Charlie, although experts are sceptical of the claim. For its centenary in 2022 the museum hosted a show of Stuart portraits, including a recently rediscovered portrait of the Prince at sixteen by Rosalba Carriera.
Planning your visit
The museum is right in the town centre on Cameron Square, so it fits easily into a walk around Fort William. A visit usually takes about an hour, and it makes a good rainy-day stop. Check opening hours and current exhibitions on the museum's website before you go, as they can change, and the museum may close in winter.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the West Highland Museum? In central Fort William, Highland, Scotland, on Cameron Square (PH33 6AJ).
Is the museum linked to the Jacobites? Yes, it is one of the main themes of the collection. The secret portrait and the death mask of Bonnie Prince Charlie are the best known items.
What else is there besides Jacobite history? Archaeology, the history of Fort William and its surroundings, and exhibits on regional wildlife.
Do I need to book a ticket? Entry arrangements and hours may change, so check the official museum website for current information.
How long should I allow? About an hour is usually enough, though fans of Scottish history may stay longer.
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