Fort William Library

Fort William Library sits right in the heart of town, which is genuinely useful if you're staying at one of the nearby caravan parks like Glen Nevis or Ben Nevis Holiday Park and need a break from the weather. It's a proper library - books, computers, a quiet space - nothing flashy, but it does the job well. The opening hours are decent on weekdays (10am to 8pm Monday and Thursday), though Wednesday shuts at 1pm which feels a bit random. Free to use, which helps when you're trying to eke out the holiday budget.

For families camped out in the Highlands, it's worth knowing about. Kids can browse the children's section, you can grab WiFi if your caravan connection is dodgy, and honestly, on a rainy Scottish afternoon when everyone's had enough of the gift shops, an hour here beats another round of Monopoly in the tent. Adults with a reading habit will appreciate the stock, though don't expect the selection of a city library.

The real value is location. You're planning walks up Ben Nevis or exploring Glen Nevis anyway, so the library is a convenient stop on your way through Fort William proper. It's not a destination in itself - you won't drive to the Highlands specially for it - but if you're based at Linnhe Lochside Holidays or any of the local parks, pop in when you need shelter and a bit of civilization. Free admission makes it a proper no-brainer for a wet afternoon.