Gairloch Heritage Museum

Gairloch Heritage Museum is an award winning, independent museum in the Wester Ross region of Scotland. The museum is located in the Highland town of Gairloch, in Achtercairn.

Gairloch Heritage Museum from the A832

The museum was set up in 1977 to house appropriately the first Pictish Stone found on the west coast mainland (the Gairloch Stone) and other artefacts from across the Gairloch parish amassed by local enthusiasts. The museum is the public face of the Gairloch & District Heritage Company and received national accreditation in 2011. "Gairloch Heritage Museum" also houses an archive and library of significant local interest and used by amateur and professional historians. The museum is an important visitor attraction in the summer season. The Company is firmly embedded in the community and runs outreach events for all sectors of the community throughout the year.

In spring 2015 Gairloch Heritage Museum was successful in winning Stage 1 Lottery Funding to turn a former cold war bunker in Gairloch into a new museum, heritage and education centre for the village. The museum is currently fundraising towards this. It is proposed to move to the new premises in 2018. Further information on this redevelopment project can be found at on the museum's website.

Features

The museum contains various displays and exhibitions which focus on the culture and social history of Gairloch parish. Displays include:

• Illicit Whiskey Still

• Original Fresnel lens from nearby Rudha Reidh Lighthouse
• Maps showing distribution of ancient hut circles in the area (trail leaflets available)
• Croft house interior from over 100 years ago
• An ancient Pictish stone - the first and one of very few found on the West Coast of Scotland
  

  A photograph of the ancient Pictish Stone found at the Museum

The museum contains a gift shop, which includes an extensive range of books and CDs of local interest. A Gairloch Heritage Museum Guide Book (in English) is available for £1.00.

Events

The museum has a wide range of events throughout the year. These events can involve interactive talks and presentations, from the evolution of the bicycle, to the story of the Highland's crucial bridges. The presentations usually take place in either the Community Hall, or in Gairloch High School's multi purpose hall. Exhibitions also take place throughout the year.

Additional Information

Admission charges for the museum are:

• Adults £4.00
• Children (5-16) £1
• Senior Citizens/Students £3.00
• Contact the museum for rates on groups of 10 or more at 01445 712287.

There is no cost for parking cars, or coaches. Disabled parking is available close to the museum's entrance. If required, there is wheelchair assistance for access alongside the parking.

External links

• Gairloch Heritage Museum - official site

Coordinates: 57°43′42″N 5°41′26″W / 57.7284°N 5.6905°W