A new museum is set to open its doors to the public.
The new Linlithgow Museum opens later this week (Friday) following the relocation of Annet House Museum to a new accessible space at the Linlithgow Partnership Centre.
William Morrison, Chair of the Linlithgow Heritage Trust, said: “The aim is for the town to view the museum as their museum. We want it to be not only an exciting visitor attraction but for it to become part of the community, so that local people enjoy the galleries, participate in the events, and take part in running the museum.
"We are very grateful for the funding that has made the move possible. We would especially like to thank the National Lottery Heritage Fund, LEADER, West Lothian Council and other funders for their support.”
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The new museum takes the form of three large galleries, exploring the history of Linlithgow, trades within the town and ‘Life by the Loch’.
It will have new interactive features, including listening posts with clips from the museum’s recent oral history project.
Old Annet House favourites, such as the Newlands plough and the statue of Mary Queen of Scots, will also be on display, as well as many objects that have never been exhibited before.
West Lothian’s executive councillor for culture and leisure, Dave King, said: “We are delighted to see the excellent new Linlithgow Museum now open to the public.
"The opening of the community-led museum is the culmination of over five years of hard work by the dedicated Linlithgow Heritage Trust Board and volunteers, and we are proud to be a partner in this endeavour.
"Linlithgow Partnership Centre has already established itself as a focal point for the local community and visitors to the historic town, and the museum will help boost this further.”
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The volunteer-led museum includes a community space for school sessions, reminiscence sessions, film shows, talks and more.
There are also community displays, and the first of these, co-curated with pupils from Bridgend Primary School, shows what life was like for the children’s grandparents.
Pupils from St Joseph’s and Low Port Primary Schools have created an animation of the history of Linlithgow that will be on display as well. The museum will be open on Mondays from 10am to 4pm, Wednesdays to Saturdays from 10am to 4pm, and on Sundays from 1pm to 4pm.
It will be closed to the public on Tuesdays but will be available to groups by prior appointment.
Entry is free but donations are welcome.
