Kinloch Historical Society (KHS) is celebrating their new status as fully accredited museum.
This is a significant achievement, as the accreditation scheme ensures museums manage their collections properly, are governed appropriately, and fully engage with their visitors, all to a nationally agreed industry standard.
The accreditation scheme is managed and assessed by Museums Galleries Scotland.
Accreditation opens up increased access to funding and other opportunities, allowing museums to host touring exhibitions and gives access to professional advice and support.
It also gives confidence to donors and sponsors who may wish to support the museum in preserving heritage and inspiring future generations.
Kenneth Macaulay, chairman of Kinloch Historical Society said: “This award is a quality standard that shows that KHS has performed to a high standard and are working to achieve improvement going forward. It demonstrates that the museum has met a national standard and will enable partnership working with other accredited museums.”
Kinloch Historical Society recently installed four kiosks into their museum displays, made possible with grant funding from Museums Galleries Scotland. This enables them to incorporate more interactive, video and audio content into their display narratives.
They are currently working on Clan Mackenzie research, in particular its links to Seaforth Head. This is in preparation for the proposed Clan Mackenzie international gathering in 2025.
The historical society began work converting the old school building in Balallan, Isle of Lewis, into a community hub and museum back in 2016.
The museum opened three years later, showcasing local heritage from the Kinloch area, and has an impressive archive of documents and photographs relating to local genealogy and history.
Since then, the team have undertaken several successful projects and exhibitions, including how WW1 affected the local area, and more recently the Pipe Tunes of Pipe Major Alex M. Maciver.
They have also published a number of local history books on topics ranging from cookery and education to WW2, as well as offering regular talks and demonstrations to keep local people engaged and interested in their local heritage.
Ken Roddy Mackay and Anna Mackenzie of Kinloch Historical Society
Historical society awarded museum accreditation
25 November 2022