Wick Heritage Museum visitors step back in time at New Year open day
Visitors to Wick Heritage Museum were able to step back in time this week by posing for the camera in an assortment of Victorian-style outfits.
The chance to have a photo session in the replica Johnston photographic studio has become a popular feature of the New Year open day held by volunteers from the Wick Society at their base in Bank Row.
The museum is normally open from April to October but on January 2 each year members of the public are invited free of charge to view the extensive range of artefacts, enjoy some live music and catch up with old acquaintances.
Fergus Mather was again taking photographic portraits in authentic 19th-century style, assisted by other volunteers who helped individuals or family groups to choose suitable attire. Everyone who posed for a photo was then able to get a print of it.
Sarah Lavery was among those who enjoyed dressing up in classic Victorian finery.
"It has been really good," Sarah said. "I think it's a really fun way to support the local community and the work of the Wick Society."
Local musician Addie Harper played a selection of accordion tunes.
The stormy weather may have deterred some people from venturing out on Tuesday. Nevertheless there was a steady flow of visitors throughout the day, with families from as far afield as Cambridge and Spean Bridge attending.
Wick Society chairman Donald Henderson said it was an opportunity for the public to see the museum's new and reworked displays.
"It has been busy, considering the weather," he said.
"The New Year open day has become a tradition with a lot of people. We've made changes over the years and it's fine to see something different.
"People are delighted with it."
There was a pleasant surprise for 82-year-old Marlene Strachan, who was watching an archive film clip from Wick harbour in 1938 when she spotted her late mother in the footage.
Marlene's mum, Nana Oag, was a herring gutter. Part of the film shows Nana working alongside her sister Peggy.
Marlene, who was visiting the museum with her husband Jackie (79), hadn't seen the footage before.
"I do think it's wonderful," Marlene said. "It's lovely to see it."
The couple lived in the USA for some 36 years. Marlene worked as a nurse in West Palm Beach, Florida, retiring at 74.
