West Highland Museum — Attraction in Great Britain

I was looking forward to visit here yesterday but just want to highlight the member of staff who really truly showed a complete lack of customer care and understanding of people. I walked in behind my husband and an older lady behind the desk said hello. I replied and she started to tell me where to go in the museum. Here’s where I’m disgusted. My husband is hard of hearing and didn’t even register that she was talking to us. He was keen to ask about a statue outside so excitedly he approached another guide in the corner to ask. I kept listening to the First Lady so as not to be rude as I was brought up with manners and kept actively listening and interacting with her. This was when she tutted and threw her hands into the air as she obviously felt that my husband had been so rude and had the odacity to walk away from her. I looked directly at her thinking well she will see that I’m listening. But no. I was made to feel like a piece of dirt. I knew exactly what was going on in her mind as she didn’t try to hide it so I said to her that my husband cannot hear properly. Apology - no. Still stared at me and uttered no response. Again having manners I said thank you and can assure you that I then walked around that museum in about 10 minutes wanting to cry. Am utterly disappointed at how someone could be so rude. I cannot believe the stupidity and pettiness of someone who clearly has a total lack of understanding of people Sort your staff out or you will keep getting reviews like this and maybe keep her somewhere she doesn’t have to speak to...

A fascinating museum of local history, run by volunteers, right in the centre of Fort William. Came here while on holiday, and was welcomed by a really nice lady who told me everything I needed to know about what there was to see and where to find it. Admission is free, but it's well worth making a donation. You're allowed to take photos, and dogs are allowed in on a lead. The three floors (there are stairlifts to the upper ones) are crammed with artefacts and information covering a wide range of subjects, including archaeology, the region's wildlife and geology, mountain rescue, costumes and tartans, musical instruments, WW2 and much more. Especially interesting to me was the gallery devoted to the Jacobites and Bonnie Prince Charlie. Some of his clothing and personal belongings were on display, and I could climb a couple of steps to peer at his secret portrait. The artefacts from the sunken Spanish galleon are also not to be missed! There are toilets at the back of the museum, next to the natural history gallery, and a nice little shop where you can buy souvenirs and books about Scottish history. You can go around the museum in an hour, but I found it so absorbing I spent three hours here. A great introduction to my tour of the Scottish Highlands...

Great museum detailing the history of the Highlands, with many different collections of artefacts to suit all interests - war, archaeology, geology and wildlife, fashion etc. etc. When I entered the staff were immediately very welcoming and explained what and where everything was - I also thought it was quite nice that they allowed photography inside.

My favourite exhibition was the geology and wildlife section - I loved the excellently preserved taxidermy specimens, and the showcases of fossils and minerals were also really cool. I also loved the little booklet of animal names in English and Scottish Gaelic made by the local primary school children located in the centre of the room - a lovely way to raise awareness of the Scottish Gaelic language!

Sadly I didn't have more time to explore the whole museum, but I barely scratched the surface of what was on offer and hopefully if I am back in the area some day I would love to have a more detailed look around inside!

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