Lochaber Rural Education Centre

Lochaber Rural Heritage Trust was formed to fulfil a perceived gap in the market in Lochaber. A team of trustees set up a project to develop an understanding of the ways of the countryside, and nourishing a relationship between young folk and the natural and cultural heritage of the area.

The site, the Rural Education Centre at the foot of Aonach Mor, was opened in April 2006, it acts as the hub of the trust site, and offers facilities to learners of all ages and abilities. It has a fully equipped indoor education centre, with full disabled access, facilities and classroom. It is available to both public and private groups for hire.

Isabel Campbel MBE at Lochaber Rural Education Trust

The centre also houses the Jim Leslie camera collection, a breathtaking tour of the world of image capture through the ages. With 730 exhibits, the earliest being 1865, it is a truly memorable experience for both photography enthusiasts and those with more general interests.

In the surrounding grounds, there is a children’s farm, with animals large and small; some indoors, some outside, but most willing to be held and petted. There is a full schedule of children’s activities throughout the year.

The grounds also hold a sports field available for community use and walks in the surrounding area. There are many plans for the future, and help is always required, either in terms of work, donations of money or items, or business sponsorship.

The centre itself features an exhibition on Highland rural life and practices and is the brainchild of Isabel Campbell. In the video below Isobel guides us through the “Virtual Crofthouse”.

The Trust Centre can be found at Torlundy, at the Lochaber Rural Complex, just outside Fort William. You can phone on 01397 708642 or visit the Lochaber Rural Education Trust website

Heritage venues Guide to public venues of Highlands and Islands heritage interpretation - museums, heritage centres and unmanned sites.