From Bronze Age Beaker to plastic
fishing buoy...
... journey with us from the mystical
past of prehistory to the emergence of the Clan Mackay, the tragedy
of the Highland Clearances and discover the vibrant culture of
today, inherited from our Norse and Gaelic ancestors. The Museum is located in the former
church of St Columba, built in 1700, on a spectacular stretch of
northern coastline at Clachan, Bettyhill. If you are young or
old, or somewhere in between, you can be sure of a welcome from the
friendly and enthusiastic staff. Come and explore our
traditional museum, join us for a workshop or event, search our
archives and collection for the stories and clues to our Highland
past, and find a few surprises along the way. And while you are here, why not stay a
little longer and explore the landscape of the
Strathnaver Trail
and
Mackay Country. There is also a wide range of
accommodation, cafes, restaurants, shops plus other attractions and
activities, to make your visit worth while -
Around the
North.
The Museum Collection
and Displays have developed from a traditional
collection of artefacts relating to the domestic and working lives
of the people of Strathnaver Province, which covered a much larger
area of the North West beyond the river strath of today. This
collection continues to be enlarged through generous donations of
items and discoveries of archaeological artefacts, adding another
dimension to our understanding of the past.
Discoveries are made during the course
of daily life such as the Bronze Age burial cist with cremation
beaker, which was unearthed by road workers in Strathnaver
(photographed above with Highland Region archaeologist Bob Gourlay).
The Museum Archives and Library provide an
excellent resource base for those interested in researching the
archaeology, history or genealogy of Strathnaver. The
plans for our museum refurbishment will create a new library area to
enable easier access to this information. In the meantime,
please do not hesitate to contact the Museum if you require any
assistance with research. Material for research can also be
viewed at the Museum by appointment.
The Clan Mackay
has a upper room in the Museum
dedicated to their archives and collection. A marvellous new
sculpture of the Clan Mackay badge has pride of place on the high
church wall above the collection. This room is very popular
with visitors involved in family research, renewing their connection
with the home of their ancestors.
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