Highland Folk Museum in Newtonmore is all fired up for the Autumn season as it celebrates the addition of a new smiddy building on site. The building will be officially opened on 1st October by Kay Jackson of the Gordon and Ena Baxter Foundation, which has part funded the construction.
The Smiddy was carefully constructed by the museum’s craft workers using the original timbers from the Baldow Smiddy in Kincraig. Extra timbers were harvested from the Museum’s own Pinewoods and milled at no cost by the local Woodmizer agent.
The building is fitted with tools and equipment donated to the museum from local blacksmiths and will be a functioning workshop, available in the future, for use during special events and on the Museum’s Heritage in Action Days. Bob Powell, the Museum’s former Curator, will operate the forge on the opening day.
Steve Walsh, High Life Highland’s Chief Executive Officer commented: “We are delighted to introduce this new building to our visitors at the popular Highland Folk Museum so recently after its 70th birthday and against the challenging backdrop we have been facing over recent month.”
“The Smiddy gives the opportunity to demonstrate and tell the story about another important aspect of Highland Culture – the local blacksmith – an individual who was a central part of village life into the mid twentieth century.”
Kay Jackson is looking forward to the opening and said “The Museum has come a long way since it was first established over 70 years ago. The Smiddy is another innovative project for the museum and will provide varied opportunities for local residents, school pupils and visitors in a new and exciting way. We look forward to following progress in the coming months”.
The Foundation is a legacy project of the late Gordon Baxter and his wife, Ena. Chaired by their Grandson, James Baxter, the organisation supports charities and worthy community causes throughout the North East and the Highlands and Islands.
The Highland Folk Museum is open every Wednesday – Sunday, 10.30am – 4.00pm, slots can be booked by visiting the museum’s website and social media pages.
