With many of the walls at Dunollie House dating back to the 17th century, it didn't seem quite right to ask our supporters to "buy a brick" when coming up with fundraising ideas.

The heart of the Collection is the myriad wealth of items that Miss MacDougall collected from every county of the Highlands and Islands. For three years you can "own" any number of these precious, evocative objects by sponsoring them. Obviously the object itself stays under the protection of the Trust, but there will be many ways your contribution and support will be recognised.

Literally any object can be sponsored.

Browse through the Gallery for ideas. - click here

This is a wonderful present to give to someone with an interest in the history of the Highlands and Islands.

People are tending to choose an object which means something to them personally:

A former Post office manager has chosen to sponsor a book of telegrams;

A lady from North Uist was looking for an object with links to the island. We found her a tweed sample from the weavers at Loch Eport;

We had a request for a beer related object from a micro brewers;

Family links led to interest in items from the now closed MacDougall's grocers;

If you have a particular interest, or family link, or have loyalties to a place in the Highlands and Islands, please contact us by post or email, and we have hunt for something we think you might like.

Or, you can simply set a price range, and we will suggest some ideas :

WHAT DO YOU GET FOR YOUR MONEY?

• You will receive a copy of the database entry for your item, with all the information we have about its dates, where it comes from, how Miss MacDougall came by it and so on. These are often fascinating entries, and can really bring the object alive.
• You will also receive a photograph of your object.
• Your name will be on the label whenever your object is on display.
• Your name will automatically go up on a list of sponsors permanently on display in the reception area of the museum when it opens.
• You will have sole sponsorship of that object for three years.
• You will have the pleasure of knowing that you have helped to fund the preservation of this, and other objects, and will have helped make a museum out of a truly remarkable Collection.