Take a journey through the history of the North West Highlands at the Gairloch Heritage Museum, exploring the culture, customs and natural heritage of this stunningly beautiful area.

The museum has been described by visitors as a ‘Highlight of the Highlands’, and the ‘Best Little Museum in Scotland’. The tardis-like building contains thoughtfully arranged displays which tell the story of the people and landscape of Gairloch and the surrounding area from prehistoric times to the present day. The museum also celebrates the unique Gaelic culture of the area.

Prize exhibits include the first Pictish stone found on the West Coast mainland, one of the largest Fresnel lenses every made, from nearby Rua Reidh lighthouse , and some of the oldest rocks in the world. Other displays, including a replica croft house and locally built fishing boats, show how people lived, worked, and worshipped in times gone by.

Gairloch Heritage Museum is a member of Visits Scotland’s ‘Ancestral Welcome’ scheme. If you have ancestors from the Gairloch area, the museum is the place to explore your family history. As well as the usual genealogy records, the archive holds copies of the family papers of the Mackenzies of Gairloch dating back well before the first census. There is also a wealth of research on local families undertaken over the years by museum volunteers, and a library of more than 4000 photographs.

With interactive activities to help families enjoy the displays and a programme of events and exhibitions running throughout the visitor season, this is a must see attraction.

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