This is a historical waiting sign for the Ballachulish Ferry. The Ballachulish Ferry provided a key link on the main route between Glasgow and Fort William – in fact, the only link before the road around the head of the Loch was completed in 1919 - transporting cars and passengers across the narrows that give Ballachulish its name (Baile a’ Chaolais, town of the narrows) from 1796 through until the Ballachulish Bridge was opened in 1975.

Latterly, the crossing was serviced by three turntable ferries, Glen Duror, Glen Loy and Glenachulish. These accommodated up to six vehicles, loading and unloading at a simple slipway.

Though there is a certain nostalgia associated with these ferries, the opening of the bridge brought significant economic benefits and convenience to the local area.

Giving a waiting time of 50 minutes, this sign was likely the point where drivers approaching the ferry would make a decision whether to wait or take the alternative route around the Loch. The ferry was small and held limited vehicles, so often it was faster taking the 20-mile detour! This was especially true in the height of summer, when reportedly the queue for the ferry could grow so long that traffic backed up through Glencoe village and outside the Museum itself, over three miles away.

(The Ballachulish Ferry in operation - ©Graham Kitchener)

This sign is the sole remaining example connected to the historically significant Ballachulish Ferry, a tangible connection to a fondly remembered local feature which visitors to the Museum from all over Britain still recall as a fixture of their holidays along the west coast of Scotland.

We are fundraising to have the ferry sign professionally conserved ready for display in our redeveloping Museum. Your adoption will help us protect the ferry sign for posterity.

The minimum donation to adopt this object is £20. Your adoption will last for three years.

After clicking Donate, please enter this amount before continuing. Donations less than this amount will still count towards our fundraising but will be considered a donation rather than an adoption.

From June 2023 anyone donating £50 or over will be recognised through their very own leaf on the redeveloped Museum's Tree of Sponsors!

When making your donation, you must tick the box that says; “I’m happy for Glencoe Folk Museum to keep in touch with me by email” so we can send you the digital adoption pack. Otherwise, we won’t know your contact details.

Please be assured that we will not send you further marketing materials unrelated to your adoption and you can opt out at any time.