Visitor numbers soar at Highland Folk Museum

Visitor numbers at Highland Folk Museum, Newtonmore have steadily increased since The Highland Council, who own and manage the facility, took the decision to make it a free admission attraction. Staff are delighted by the significant rise in visits so far this year. On the busiest day to date, 770 people visited, beating the previous daily record by some 30%.

Museum curator Bob Powell said: “We are very proud of our staff who endeavour at all times to give our visitors a welcoming and enjoyable visit.  It seems, as more and more people enjoy the museum, they are recommending it to more and more people, who in turn visit too.”

A recent survey revealed that 86% of visitors rated their visits as “excellent” and the Folk Museum just narrowly missed out on winning the “Family Friendly Museum of the Year 2010” award, in the national award scheme run by The Guardian newspaper. Highland Folk Museum was the only Scottish contender of the six finalists.

The museum strives to ensure it continues to develop, so the experience of both new and returning visitors is enhanced.  Later this summer a newly recreated stone cottage from the 1800s will open to visitors and a daily programme of hands-on activities and demonstrations, including traditional weaving, butter making and musical instrument making, runs throughout the summer.

Highland Folk Museum is open between 10:30am – 5:30pm until the end of August and 11:00am – 4:30pm during September and October.  The Folk Museum is part of The Highland Council’s Education Culture and Sport Service and lots more information can be found at www.highlandfolk.com