Girl Scout in the US selling family's valuable painting to support Highland museum

A 17-year-old from Virginia is offering a cherished family-owned painting for sale to generate funds for a museum in Lochaber. Amelia Cimbalo, alongside her father Jeff, an art collector, has spent numerous summers near Fort William and frequently visits the West Highland Museum.

For her Girl Scout project, Amelia launched a charitable initiative aimed at contributing to the museum's 6.2 million redevelopment. The artwork, Travellers on a Country Path, Possibly Ayr Beyond, by Scottish artist Alexander Nasmyth, is being auctioned by Lyon and Turnbull and is estimated to fetch between 3,000 and 5,000.

Sharing her fathers passion for history and Scotland, Amelia assists as a research volunteer at the museum during their stays. She explained that her final Girl Scout project was a perfect opportunity to support the museums transformation. "The goal is to promote Scottish history," she said. "The painting has been in our home for five years. Its by a Scottish artist and small enough to be shipped, which makes it ideal for this project."

Jeff Cimbalo noted that frequent visits to Fort William have made the family feel like locals. His interest in Scotland was inspired in part by reading novels by Robert Louis Stevenson, including Treasure Island. The family has also visited areas connected to the historical Appin murder of 1752, an event that inspired Stevensons Kidnapped. Jeff added, "Amelia and I have been visiting this museum since she was little. Weve built a special connection with it."

The West Highland Museum, located in Cameron Square, Fort William, attracts enthusiasts of the Jacobite era and fans of the Outlander series, drawn to its extensive collection of historical artifacts. Author Diana Gabaldon recently visited the museum during her trip to Scotland. Since becoming free to enter, visitor numbers have grown from 9,000 in 2012 to 59,000 last year.

Alexander Nasmyth, who passed away in 1758, was known for his landscapes and portraits and was a friend of poet Robert Burns. His painting Travellers on a Country Path, Possibly Ayr Beyond depicts Ayrshire, Burns home region.

Alice Strang, senior fine art specialist at Lyon and Turnbull, praised Amelias initiative: "Amelia has done something remarkable, creating a charity through her Girl Scout project that will benefit Highland heritage. This painting is a true gem by one of Scotlands leading artists, and its sale will aid the museums ambitious redevelopment plans."

Author's Comment: A Young Philanthropist's Impact on Highland Heritage

The story of Amelia Cimbalo and her effort to support the West Highland Museum through the sale of a family-owned painting is a powerful reminder of how individuals can drive change. Amelia, just 17 years old, has shown remarkable initiative in using her Girl Scout project to make a lasting impact on the museum's £6.2 million redevelopment campaign. The auction of the painting, *Travellers on a Country Path, Possibly Ayr Beyond*, is a significant contribution to a cause that resonates deeply with her and her family.

What stands out is not just the act of donating a valuable piece of art, but the deeper connection the Cimbalo family has with Scotland and its history. Their repeated visits to the West Highland Museum and the personal bond they share with the region's heritage are the cornerstones of this project. This personal involvement adds layers of meaning to Amelia's contribution, making her project not just about fundraising, but about preserving the essence of Scotland's cultural legacy.

The initiative also underscores the importance of community-driven efforts in preserving historical institutions. With the museum's impressive growth in visitor numbers and its free entry policy, the Cimbalos' support could help propel it into its next phase of development. This is a perfect example of how small actions—like auctioning a cherished painting—can have a substantial, ripple effect on larger cultural and educational goals.

In conclusion, Amelia's project serves as a model for young people everywhere, showing that with passion and determination, it's possible to contribute to causes greater than oneself. By linking her Girl Scout project to a local institution in need, she has helped secure a future for the West Highland Museum, making history more accessible to future generations.

Sources:

• US Girl Scout selling family's valuable painting to help Highland museum