Groundworks Start on £3m Refurbishment of Glencoe Folk Museum

Groundworks have started on the £3m refurbishment of Glencoe Folk Museum, which houses 6,000 artefacts and will reopen next spring with new facilities including a climate-controlled gallery and gift shop.

Groundworks Begin on Glencoe Folk Museum's £3m Refurbishment

A significant milestone has been reached in the refurbishment of Glencoe Folk Museum, located in the Highlands, as groundworks have now commenced on the £3 million project.

The museum is situated within two heather-thatched cottages in Lochaber and was established over 50 years ago by local women who famously stood in front of bulldozers to prevent the cottages from being demolished.

Housing a collection of 6,000 artefacts, the museum's holdings include Jacobite relics and memorabilia from both World Wars.

The extensive renovation plans feature an extension that will incorporate a climate-controlled exhibition gallery, a gift shop, and the museum's first-ever toilets.

New Facilities and Opening Date

The refurbished museum is scheduled to reopen next spring with a new look and enhanced facilities.

David Rounce, project director at Glencoe Folk Museum, described the development as an exciting phase for all involved.

"It will tell the story of the glen and it's formation, millions of years ago - right up to our latest object in our collection, which is a sign that was painted to cheer motorists up during Covid.

We really span multi-millennia."

A Unique Story

Rounce emphasized the museum's distinctive history.

"It was founded by a group of local women in the 1960s, as a response to a Women's Rural Institute competition to tell the story of their area,"

he added. "Sadly they didn't win the competition but they built a pretty decent museum."

Last year, actor Brian Cox supported a fundraising campaign aimed at the museum's refurbishment.

Although planning permission and listed building consent had already been obtained, the project experienced challenges due to rising construction costs, inflation, and delays.

Rounce noted the generosity of the public and confirmed that donations continue to be received.