We have just returned from a short holiday in the Scottish Highlands. One of the places we visited was Fort William and there we found the West Highland Museum, which is well worth a visit. It is a small, independent museum that has displays covering archaeology, natural history, social and military history and even mountain rescue. On the day we visited I was having some problems with my usual camera, so I had to use the basic camera on our Amazon Fire; therefore I apologise for the quality of the photographs.
This hand gun caught my eye. I did ask the attendant if it had had a frame to hold it, similar to a medieval hand gun, but he didn't know. In any event it looked a dangerous weapon, both to the person aimed at and the user.
A slightly larger powder weapon; a twin-barreled leather gun, which the accompanying information card says dates from the first half of the 17th century, (the wooden frame is modern). The maker is thought to be James Wemyss (1610?-1667) who was master gunner of England under Charles I, but changed his allegiance to parliament and was captured at Cropredy Bridge in 1644. [Further information can be found in the Dictionary of National Biography].
An 18th century pipe banner for MacDonald of Kinlochmoidart. Donald MacDonald of Kinlochmoidart fought for the Jacobite cause in the 1745 rebellion and was captured. He was executed at Carlisle in 1746.
A poignant reminder of the uncertain times in which we live; this Hiroshima Plaque, presented to Fort William in 1968 used to be in a Peace Cairn on the Parade in Fort William. Unfortunately it was damaged some years later. Although repaired, a replica was replaced in the Peace Cairn and the original was taken into the care of the Highland Council. When they moved premises the original plaque was presented to the museum. Further information can be found here
