‘Waulking the Cloth’ by Jemima BlackburnWest Highland Museum This painting depicts women ‘waulking’ cloth on the shores of Loch Nan Uamh. They are seated in a circle wielding short mallets and singing, whilst members of the gentry look on. Waulking refers to pulling...
Donald Sutherland’s BagpipesStrathnaver Museum The owner of these unusual bagpipes was Donald Sutherland, a shepherd, heavy weight athlete and talented piper. From the town of Rogart, Sutherland benefitted from being part of a strong community of bagpipe players who...
Recruiting Poster for the Seaforth Highlanders by Tom CurrThe Highlanders’ Museum Recruiting posters are designed to encourage people to enlist in the Army. They often employ a range of advertising techniques and persuasive devices. Nowadays they are sometimes...
Iain Lom’s Walking StickWest Highland Museum Content warning. Some visitors may find this story upsetting. This blackthorn walking stick belonged to the famous Scottish Gaelic bard, John MacDonald (1624 – 1710). The most outstanding of the Keppoch bards,...
Oxter KnifeUllapool Museum The sgian dubh, or oxter knife, is a small single-edged knife, worn as part of traditional Scottish dress with a kilt. It was traditionally used for food, cutting materials, and also for protection. Over time it has become more decorative...
