Sights in North & West Coast
- Sort by:
- Popular
-
Eilean Donan Castle
Photogenically sited at the entrance to Loch Duich, near Dornie village, Eilean Donan Castle is one of Scotland’s most evocative castles, and must be represented in millions of photo albums. It’s on an offshore islet, magically linked to the mainland by an elegant, stone-arched bridge. It’s very much a re-creation inside with an excellent introductory exhibition. Keep an eye out for the photos of castle scenes from the movie Highlander. There’s also a sword used at the battle of Culloden in 1746. The castle was ruined in 1719 after Spanish Jacobite forces were defeated at the Battle of Glenshiel, and it was rebuilt between 1912 and 1932.
reviewed
-
A
Caithness Horizons
This museum brings much of the history and lore of Caithness to life through its excellent displays. A couple of fine Pictish cross-slabs greet the visitor downstairs; the main exhibition is a wide-ranging look at local history using plenty of audiovisuals – check out the wistful account of the now-abandoned island of Stroma for an emotional slice of social history.
There’s also a gallery space, an exhibition on the Dounreay nuclear reactor and a cafe.
reviewed
-
Strathnaver Museum
Housed in an old church, this museum tells the sad story of the Strathnaver Clearances through posters written by local kids. The museum contains memorabilia of Clan Mackay, various items of crofting equipment and a 'St Kilda mailboat', a small wooden boat-shaped container bearing a letter that was used by St Kildans to send messages to the mainland.
Outside the back door of the church is the Farr Stone, a fine carved Pictish cross-slab.
reviewed
-
B
Thurso Heritage Museum
Thurso Heritage Museum, in the old Town Hall, displays Pictish and Christian fossils and carved stones, and a reconstruction of a croft interior. It was closed at the time of research for a major renovation and will reopen as Caithness Horizons in late 2008, featuring a museum, tourist office, visitor displays and a café.
reviewed
-
Rhue Studio
This studio, 2.5 miles northwest of Ullapool, displays and sells the excellent art of contemporary landscape painter James Hawkins. The vivid and reflective works take a moment to adjust to but they are wonderful interpretations – his work on the Outer Hebrides is breathtaking. Call for winter opening hours.
reviewed
-
C
Ullapool Museum
Housed in a converted Telford Parliamentary church, this museum relates the pre-, natural and social history of the town and Lochbroom area, with a particular focus on the emigration to Nova Scotia and other places. There’s also a genealogy section if you want to trace your Scottish roots.
reviewed
-
Beinn Eighe Visitor Centre
The Beinn Eighe Visitor Centre, a mile northwest of Kinlochewe, has interactive displays (good for kids) on local geography, ecology, flora and fauna. Provides information on walking routes, and sells maps and natural history books.
reviewed
-
Gairloch Marine Life Centre
The Gairloch Marine Life Centre has audiovisual and interactive displays, lots of charts and photos, and knowledgeable staff.
reviewed
-
Deer Museum
The unstaffed Deer Museum contains a collection of photos and odds and ends put together by a previous ranger.
reviewed
-
D
An Talla Solais
An Talla Solais is a community-run gallery that stages changing exhibitions of works by Highlands artists, from paintings and photography to ceramics and textiles. Opening hours can vary, so check the website or local flyers for the latest exhibition dates and times.
reviewed
Advertisement
