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Strathnaver Museum and its collection

Strathnaver Museum
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Strathnaver Museum, in the picturesque coastal village of Bettyhill, reopened on 1st April 2023 after a £2m refurbishment. Located in the former Parish Church of Farr, this impressive community museum delves into the fascinating story of 8,000 years of human occupation in north-west Sutherland. Its eclectic collection includes an intact Bronze Age burial beaker, early 19th century croft house display, tools, agricultural and fishing exhibits, including the gruesome dog skin buoy, militaria, Clan Mackay memorabilia, and contemporary art. A popular visitor attraction on the North Coast 500 Strathnaver Museum tells the story of the people, their culture, and the landscape that surrounds us in the context of the brutal early 19th century Highland Clearances. During this dark period 1,000s of people were removed from the fertile inland straths to make way for intensive commercial sheep farming changing the landscape dramatically. The museum gives visitors an insight into the evidence, still visible in the landscape today, that shows how the land has been shaped by human activity over 1,000s of years. As well as a sympathetic refurbishment to the museum’s regionally important 18th century historic building a new exhibition and workshop space has been created in the ‘Museum Annex’ which explores the agricultural and fishing heritage of the area. Innovative new digital labels help visitors to explore the objects on display by bringing together information, images and film of the objects as they would have been used. It is perhaps no surprise, considering so many of the area’s inhabitants were displaced following the Highland Clearances, to discover the Mackay Centre located on the first floor of the museum. This is a must see for all those of Mackay descent, those who are descended from the displaced families, or just those wishing to learn more about the Scottish clan system.

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History & Anthropology History & Anthropology Specialized & Alternative Specialized & Alternative Local Maritime Language & Literature Archaeology Profession & Craft Agriculture Religious building Contemporary art War

#130 History & Anthropology in Scotland #8 Agriculture museums in Scotland #32 Archaeology museums in Scotland #7 Contemporary art museums in Scotland #7 Language & literature museums in Scotland #6 Local museums in Scotland #20 Maritime museums in Scotland #9 Profession & craft museums in Scotland #8 Religious buildings in Scotland #32 War museums in Scotland #145 Agriculture museums in Europe #194 Language & literature museums in Europe #134 Local museums in Europe #56 Agriculture museums in United Kingdom #78 Contemporary art museums in United Kingdom #50 Language & literature museums in United Kingdom #75 Local museums in United Kingdom #105 Maritime museums in United Kingdom #55 Profession & craft museums in United Kingdom #63 Religious buildings in United Kingdom

#130 History & Anthropology in Scotland #8 Agriculture museums in Scotland #32 Archaeology museums in Scotland #7 Contemporary art museums in Scotland #7 Language & literature museums in Scotland #6 Local museums in Scotland #20 Maritime museums in Scotland #9 Profession & craft museums in Scotland #8 Religious buildings in Scotland #32 War museums in Scotland #145 Agriculture museums in Europe #194 Language & literature museums in Europe #134 Local museums in Europe #56 Agriculture museums in United Kingdom #78 Contemporary art museums in United Kingdom #50 Language & literature museums in United Kingdom #75 Local museums in United Kingdom #105 Maritime museums in United Kingdom #55 Profession & craft museums in United Kingdom #63 Religious buildings in United Kingdom

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Strathnaver Museum
Clachan
Bettyhill
KW14 7SS Bettyhill

Images of Strathnaver Museum

Visitor information Strathnaver Museum

Opening hours

Monday
10:00 – 17:00
Tuesday
10:00 – 17:00
Wednesday
10:00 – 17:00
Thursday
10:00 – 17:00
Friday
10:00 – 17:00
Saturday
10:00 – 17:00
Sunday Closed

Opens from 1st April to 31st October with last entry at 4.30pm

Winter Opening 2024/25
1st Nov to mid Dec, Tue to Thur, 10am to 2pm
1st to 31st Mar, Tue to Thur, 10am to 2pm

Check our website or Facebook page for up to confirm opening hours.

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Admission

Adults£5.00
ChildrenFree
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Facilities

Museum shop
Wheelchair accessible
Parking
Child-friendly

Location & Map

Clachan, Bettyhill

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Exhibitions

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Strathnaver Museum Reviews

Strathnaver Museum has 1 rating.

  • Apollo's Insights AI-Generated

    The Strathnaver Museum in Bettyhill, Scotland, offers visitors an insight into the local history and culture of the region. Located in a former church building, the museum provides information about the Highland Clearances, a significant period in Scottish history. Exhibits showcase artifacts and documents related to the area's past, including agricultural implements, domestic items, and photographs. The museum also features displays on the local Clan Mackay and the area's Gaelic heritage. Visitors generally appreciate the informative content and the preservation of local history, though some note that the museum is relatively small and could benefit from updates to its presentation. The staff are often mentioned as friendly and knowledgeable, enhancing the visitor experience. While the museum may not have extensive interactive elements, it serves as a valuable resource for those interested in the history of Sutherland and the Scottish Highlands.

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  • Aggregated rating

    This rating is based on the rating of this museum on several other platforms.

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