One of Scotland’s most popular “wee museums”, Perthshire’s Atholl Country Life folklore museum is appealing for a helping hand.
After a successful 35 years delighting visitors from around the world with its quirky displays, the search is on for someone to run the Blair Atholl museum as the founder John Cameron is retiring.
He started the museum with various items he had collected and it grew from there but he would now like to hand over the reins.
“The time is right for me to retire, I’m 78,” he said.
Situated in the Old School, Blair Atholl, it has a large collection of photographs complemented by a collection of local artefacts and stories, many donated by the community and from further afield.
Unique exhibits include the only stuffed Highland cow in Scotland, the 8ft high Caledonian Shield for Scottish rifle shooting and a letter from Canada in 1906, clearly written on birch bark by local emigrant D. McBeath to his relations in Killiecrankie.
A horse harness by local saddler and shoemaker John Seaton, a well-populated wildlife corner, a railway display, Donald McBeath’s story and the reconstruction of Trinafour Post Office, are among other favourites with visitors.
Run as a charity on a voluntary basis since 2004 with 10 trustees, a group of volunteers and advice from a qualified mentor, the museum welcomes visitors from around the world.
“This is a worthwhile, rewarding, voluntary position for someone interested in people and who can entertain and educate them in the museum on how life was lived in this Highland village and the surrounding glens,” said a spokesperson for the trustees.
“The museum has close contacts with most organisations in this small friendly village which welcomes new comers. All this provides good opportunities for making new friends when people come to the village.”
A job description and application form are available from Meredith Farron meredith@bploffice.co.uk or for further information contact the founder on 01796 481232.
Applications should be lodged by October 17.
