Here’s to Health, Wealth and Happiness at the Thurso Gallery and the North Coast Visitor Centre

Stories of healthcare in the Highlands are the focus of an exhibition which is now open at the Thurso Gallery and the North Coast Visitor Centre.

Health, Wealth, and Happiness explores the history of health and wellbeing in the Highlands, from traditional treatments and cutting-edge technologies to the Covid-19 pandemic and opened earlier this year at Inverness Museum and Art Gallery before coming to Thurso.

Inverness Museum curator Kari Moodie said: "We’re delighted that this exhibition, which was so popular in Inverness, is touring to Thurso.

"Visitors will discover historical medical equipment, learn about the lives of pioneering Highland medics, and step into an immersive early 20th century pharmacy."

At the heart of the High Life Highland exhibition is a large healthcare collection built up by retired nurse David Wright and donated to Inverness Museum and Art Gallery in 2013. David’s collection includes tools, uniforms, bottles and bags from every corner of the Highlands.

The exhibition will also highlight the Highlands and Islands Medical Service, which launched in 1913 and is recognised today as a forerunner of the modern NHS.

Curators at Inverness Museum and Art Gallery have spent the past year working with individuals, communities, Highland museums and organisations to collect an exceptional range of healthcare items. It is hoped that this collection will continue to grow with the support of local communities.

The Wick Society has generously loaned items from the Wick Radio Station for the exhibition. The station provided a vital service by providing emergency medical advice to shipping as far away as Greenland. Visitors to the exhibition will have the opportunity to view a short film demonstrating a 'Medico' call to the station.

High Life Highland’s exhibitions officer Cathy Shankland said: "I would highly recommend a visit to this exhibition at both venues which explores the unique challenges and incredible innovations of health and wellbeing in the Highlands.

"The team have used items, images and personal experiences to bring this fascinating and truly Highland story to life."

The exhibition opened at the weekend in the Thurso Gallery and the North Coast Visitor Centre (NCVC) and will continue until August 13.

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