Glencoe Folk Museum
"Huggable" - Rick Steves, Travel Writer
The Dances
Na Dannsaichean
Enjoying our pop-up? Read on to explore and learn more!
In 1966, local Scottish WRI ladies Miss Barbara Fairweather, Mrs Rae Grant and friends realised how much there was of interest in the daily life of the past, and how little of it had been recorded in the area. Thus, the idea to establish the Glencoe and North Lorn Folk Museum was born. With no funds, objects or building in which to house them, the newly-formed committee had a lot of work to do. Did you know that money was raised through ceilidhs? Volunteering at Glencoe Folk Museum was a way for some local people to get together and socialise - and still is a reason why our current volunteers do what they do today!
LISTEN
Oral history recording of Diana MacAskill, local resident
Press play and listen to what it was like getting ready for - and going out to - the dances held locally in the village halls in the past. Can you relate?
The photograph was kindly donated to us digitally by Bernie Walker. It features Glencoe Village Hall in its old form (a wood building). The group is a family, consisting of an Uncle, Aunt, two sisters and a family friend. This is where some great nights out were had by local residents of both Glencoe, Ballachulish and beyond.
JOIN
Socialising Nowadays
Being a member of societies and clubs is still a popular form of socialising.
Local lads attend Blokey Brew and Blether. A chance to get together for a chat, cuppa and they go out to different sites in the area for days out. They visited us for a private tour in the Summer of 2023 before we closed for redevelopment!
What can you do locally to socialise?
THINK
Music of the 60s and 70s
In the 1960s and 70s, life was changing rapidly. New trends, daring dance moves and experimental music was popular with the younger generation as they looked towards the future and embraced new practices and attitudes, rather than upholding past traditions.
Displayed is the Glencoe Y.C. Record Club notebook. Inside are notes of who and when members voted for a "disc of the month". In November 1966, classics like Tom Jones' 'Green Green Grass of Home' and The Beach Boys' 'Good Vibrations' were popular. In January 1967, The Monkees 'I'm A Believer' was a hit.
Can you remember what your first vinyl album was? Who was your favourite music artist from the past?
LOOK
Fashions: how have they changed?
How we socialise with one another has changed over time, but some things stay the same. Music, dancing, fashion and how we have fun differs depending on the time period and the culture of the country, but they are always present in society no matter where in the world - or when in the past - you look. It has, and will always be important to find ways to make memories, laugh with friends and interact with your community.
