The West Highland Museum was founded in 1922 and is currently an independent charitable trust. Temporary summer exhibitions in Fort William proved so popular that a committee decided to look for permanent premises and a handsome sandstone property, formerly a branch of the British Linen Bank, was acquired in 1926 (with a substantial mortgage which ran for 50 years). During the Second World War the exhibits were stored. Subsequently there has been some expansion and a major refurbishment and upgrade took place in the mid-1990s. The collection is of specifically local interest with exhibits from pre-history to modern industry. There is a significant focus on the Jacobites, and a small collection of oil paintings depicts leading figures connected with the Stuart cause. Visitors find an anamorphic painting – the 'Secret Portrait' of Bonnie Prince Charlie – particularly fascinating.