Award-winning Gairloch Museum formally opens new outdoor area
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Museum treasures and information about Gairloch’s rich heritage are more accessible than ever before after the completion of an innovative new project.
A new outdoor area has been formally opened at Gairloch Museum, marking the end of the first phase of work to share the area’s history more widely.
Funded in part by prize money the west Highland attraction received when it was named Museum of the Year in 2020 the work takes the museum beyond the four walls of its former-nuclear-bunker venue to increase the ways in which people can engage with the local heritage.
The new outdoor museum area features wheelchair accessible paths, a picnic area built from concrete removed during the renovation of the nuclear bunker as well as interpretation panels.
Sharing details of the local geology and archaeology they also give information about the vital role of fishing in the Gairloch economy.
There are also large rock samples to help illustrate the local geology and a number of museum objects on display, such as a hand crane and tar cauldron formerly located at Gairloch Pier.
Roy Macintyre, chairman of the Gairloch Museum board, said: “The museum has a great location, elevated on a raised beach, looking out over the loch.
“It sits just below a prehistoric settlement and the more recent 19th century road to Poolewe.
“Since moving to our new venue we have worked hard to ensure we make the most of this superb location – and the opportunities it presents for sharing the stories about the area’s history, geology and people.”
Museum curator Karen Buchanan added: “Thanks to the Art Fund Museum of the Year Award in 2020 as well as support from the Postcode Local Trust, the Nineveh Trust, the Wolfson Foundation, the Hugh Fraser Foundation and many individual donations, we have been able to make a great start on our plans to reach beyond the four walls of our building.
“We want to provide as many high quality opportunities as we can for visitors to engage with Gairloch’s history.
“Although we only moved into our new venue two years ago we’ve already earned a reputation for innovation and excellence – we intend to continue in our efforts to create great visitor experiences and to share the stories of our local area with as many people in as many ways as we can.”
A proposed second phase to the project will see a replica roundhouse reconstructed behind the museum, close to the Achtercairn Archaeological Trail.
Related article: Gairloch Museum wins an 'Oscar' with Art Fund accolade
