Strathnaver Museum


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Bettyhill
Thurso
Caithness
KW14 7SS

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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.
These are a few of its many attractions:

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.

The Farr Stone:


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 Chealmeay Beaker:


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.

Retail/Parking:


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.


Opening Times
(2011 times)
April to October:
Monday - Saturday 10.00am to 5.00pm, (closed Sundays).

The Museum will open at other times, both summer and winter for pre-booked parties.

Admission Charges
(2011 prices)
Adult £2.00; Senior Citizen £1.50; Student £1.00; Child £0.50; Under 5yrs Free
Reduced rates for groups and parties.
Bus and school parties welcome, bookings accepted.

Directions
The Museum is situated at the eastern end of Bettyhill, on the north coast of Sutherland, on the A836.
Show map of Strathnaver Museum...

Strathnaver Museum Postcode for SatNav: KW14 7SS

Nearby Attractions
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.
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.
Stromness Museum (43 Miles)*
Stromness Museum was instituted in 1837 and holds Orkney's principal Maritime, Ethnographic and Natural History Collections.
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* Distances shown are in a direct line. Distances by road will be longer.

Nearby Hotels
Mackays Rooms And Restaurant (19 Miles)*
This small, modern retreat provides fantastic food and Highland chic near Cape Wrath and Sandwood Bay. Unwind, relax and enjoy the stylish home-from-home atmosphere. Mackays is a premier place to stay in the northwest corner of Scotland.
Station Hotel (25 Miles)*
Very close to Thurso Train Station, this hotel has free Wi-Fi, free public parking and comfortable rooms with Freeview TV. Station Hotel serves fine Scottish meat cooked in a traditional style.
St Clair Hotel (25 Miles)*
Centrally located hotel in the heart of Thurso, ideal for business or leisure travel. We offer relaxed surroundings and friendly service to help you unwind and recharge your batteries at the end of the day.
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* Distances shown are in a direct line. Distances by road will be longer.

Nearby Self Catering
Ataireachd Ard (37 Miles)*
Traditional restored 3 bedroomed fishermans cottage with central heating and coal fires in each of the 2 reception rooms. All rooms have sensational sea views. Largest bedroom is now en-suite.
Tofts House (40 Miles)*
Tofts House is a 10 minute walk from Freswick beach and Castle. Along from there is Freswick harbour and cliff top walks. This modernised spacious house is full of character and is furnished mostly in pine.
Duncorann House (40 Miles)*
A unique historical building located in the Thomas Telford Conservation Area of Lower Pulteneytown in Wick. This lovely old house is a traditional terraced building but of an extremely high standard.
Your property could be here
Advertising your self catering property or holiday cottage on AboutBritain.com will get you noticed by thousands of potential guests every day.
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* Distances shown are in a direct line. Distances by road will be longer.

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