Strathnaver Museum |
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Strathnaver Museum is a locally run museum which first opened to the public in 1976. It is housed in what was St Columba's Parish Church at the eastern end of Bettyhill on the north coast of Sutherland.
The Strathnaver Clearances
The clearance of the people from Sutherland to make way for sheep farms has been the subject of much debate and deep emotion. In modern Strathnaver many ruins of pre-clearance villages can still be seen, among them Rosal, where
Donald Macleod, who wrote "Gloomy Memories", was born. The museum tells the story with graphics, artefacts and models. The local schoolchildren have contributed by writing the story on display as well as providing paintings and models…plus a great deal of enthusiasm!Clan Mackay Room
This is housed on the upper floor of the building. The area of Strathnaver, which at one time covered a large part of north and west Sutherland, was all Mackay country. The Clan
has a very rich and varied history boasting several Clan Societies throughout the world. These societies and other clan members have contributed most of the exhibits and information on show in this room.Opposite the west door of the Museum building and situated within the graveyard, lies the Farr Stone, an 8th-9th C. Christian, carved stone slab. Several 18th C carved and inscribed gravestones can be found within the museum.
The Strathnaver area abounds with archaeological sites and in 
the museum can be seen an early beaker, which was found in a burial kist close to the River Naver. The name Naver reflects the strong Norse influences which Sutherland has experienced in the past.
There is a selection of books and a Brief History of the Museum and the Evictions on sale within the museum (see our website). There is car parking close to the museum as well as a tourist office, craft and coffee shop.
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Opening Times
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(2007 times)
Open 25th March - 29th October, Monday to Saturday, 10.00am to 1.00pm and 2.00pm to 5.00pmThe Museum will open at other times, both summer and winter, for pre-booked parties. |
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Admission Charges
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(2007 prices)
Adult £2.00; Senior Citizen £1.50; Student £1.00; Child £0.50; Under 5yrs FreeReduced rates for groups and parties. Bus and school parties welcome, bookings accepted. |
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Directions
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| The Museum is situated at the eastern end of Bettyhill, on the north coast of Sutherland, on the A836. |
| Show map of Strathnaver Museum... |
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Strathnaver Museum Postcode for SatNav: KW14 7SS |
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Nearby Attractions
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Laidhay Croft Museum
(34 Miles)*
Laidhay Croft is a typical ancient long-house or byre-dwelling that was once a common feature of the Scottish rural landscape. |
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Dunrobin Castle
(38 Miles)*
Dunrobin Castle is the most northerly of Scotland's great houses. It is the largest house in the highlands, and is one of Britains oldest continuously inhabited houses, dating in part from the early 1300s. |
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Stromness Museum
(43 Miles)*
Maritime and Natural history of Orkney. |
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