On 2nd February 1972, a group of about twenty people gathered in the Spinning Wheel Café in Tobermory to discuss the possibility of starting a museum. An encouraging speech from the chairman for the evening, Angus MacIntyre got things underway. It was agreed to form the Mull & Iona Folklore Museum and Duncan MacQuarrie was elected chairman, with Roddy MacNeill as vice-chairman, Alick Yule as Treasurer and Chrissie MacInnes and Daisy Craig as joint secretaries. A selection of the kind of objects that might be displayed in a museum was laid out on the table, and John O’Hare commented that more items might come forward if suitable premises could be found.
At first the displays were temporary summer exhibitions in the old school, and later in the Masonic Hall. This wasn’t good for the exhibits, especially fragile documents and photographs, being spread out on tables, then packed away in members’ attics and sheds until the next year. In 1986 permanent premises came in the shape of a store in Columba Buildings gifted by Jessie Craig, supported by her sisters Daisy and Ena, and brother George. The Museum is still in these premises, and we are forever grateful for this gift which changed everything… more in the printed issue

Beata is pictured standing in front of the window display. Photo by Olive Brown