As we have now entered December, this article will be the last you will be hearing from the Lochaber Archive Centre in 2023.
Regarding all things archives in Lochaber, this year has been a busy and exciting one.
In the summer months we were busy with visitors from all four corner of the globe (and Fort William) and were happy to be once again attending summer events such as the Arisaig Games.
In September I was invited by former head of planning for Lochaber and keen user of the archives, Ken Johnston, to speak at the Lochaber Rotary Club lunch.
I did so happily and not just because steak and ale pie was on the menu!
Also in September, the Lochaber Archive Centre joined forces with the West Highland
Museum to deliver Their Finest Hour, a digital collection day of stories and objects from the Second World War.
This event, designed by the University of Oxford, took place at the Duncansburgh Church Hall, and we were delighted when the doors opened and local people, all with fascinating things to share, began to fill the room.
In October we launched Archive Afternoon’s, a monthly occasion at which a specially themed talk or display is delivered at the centre.
For the very first of these sessions, Ken Johnston returned the favour, and gave a fascinating talk on the history of what we now call the Charles Kennedy Building.
This was accompanied by display of our archives on the theme of Buildings and Built Heritage. Ken’s talk was a huge hit and it very quickly became standing-room only in our wee meeting room.
On the first day of November, I visited Strontian Primary School, where I tried to spark
enthusiasm for archives and local history in the pupils, many of them on something of a sugar crash from the previous night’s guising.
This said, staff and pupils were fantastic hosts, and a fun morning was had.
After hearing the sad news of the passing Donald Cameron, 27th of Lochiel, I thought it fitting that the second Archive Afternoon be an introduction to the Cameron of Lochiel Collection held here at the Lochaber Archive Centre.
These papers, dating from 1727 to 2006, are truly amazing and are constantly accessed for all manner of research.
The event was once again well attended, and the introduction to the collection worked in bringing in return visitors wishing to dig a bit deeper.
Every effort is being made to make sure 2024 is even more busy, and that I am able to meet even more of you, whether it be in our search room or out in the wider community.
Have a wonderful Christmas and Happy New Year. Nollaig Chridheil agus Bliadhna Mhath Ùr bho Ionad Thasglann Loch Abar!
Rory Green, trainee archivist at the Lochaber Archive Centre.