Strathnaver Museum

Strathnaver Museum Come and discover the vibrant culture and heritage of north Sutherland. What3Words: ///importers.creamed.sitting

Strathnaver Museum is the Museum of the Clearances and tells this fascinating and at times brutal story within the wider perspective of our cultural and social history. The Museum holds a diverse range of objects depicting life in the north Highlands from prehistoric to more modern times. Within the Museum you can discover the Bronze Age burial beaker unearthed by a Highland Council roadcrew in 19

81 and marvel at the tools our ancestors used to work their land in order to feed their families. Just outside the Museum you can also see the impressive and elaborately designed Pictish Farr Stone dated from around 800 to 850AD. On the second floor of the Museum you will find the Clan Mackay Room which is full of fascinating artefacts including a very special chanter. The Museum is housed within the former Parish Church of St Columba at Clachan in Bettyhill which is notable in its own right and is listed by Historic Scotland for its regional architectural importance. The museum also holds an interesting and varied archive of books, manuscripts and recorded oral histories which is valuable for genealogical and academic researchers. We also regularly stage special events and exhibitions to keep up to date why not sign up to our newsletter or keep an eye out for our event listings.

11/06/2026

Its not long till the inaugural Scottish Podcast Awards On 25th June!

We are delighted to have been shortlisted in 2 categories:

Best documentary and
Best community impact

Have you listened yet? Let us know what you think

11/06/2026

Inhuman and degrading treatment...in their own words what happened during the Highland Clearances? Listen to Frances Gunn, Tongue give voice to the words of Katherine Fraser who witnessed and was subjected to inhuman and degrading treatment during teh removals in Strathnaver.

Rosal is now in community ownership led by North Sutherland Community Forest Trust, give them a follow to find out more about the future of this important historic site.

Strathnaver CupWe've received an enquiry about a mystery cup which has lived in a cupboard in Hampshire since at least t...
10/06/2026

Strathnaver Cup

We've received an enquiry about a mystery cup which has lived in a cupboard in Hampshire since at least the mid 1950s.

The cup is missing its plinth and measures about 7.5" / 19cm tall. It is in an art deco style which may date it to the 1920s. Robert who got in touch says his family has no known connection to Sutherland; his grandmother's folk were from Shetland.

Strathnaver Cup is engraved on the cup as can be seen in the photo.

There was a Strathnaver Cup that was first contested in 1921 between the Edinburgh Sutherland Association and the Glasgow Sutherland Association. It was instigated by John Mackay as a golf tournament and described as being an ancient celtic design; I'm not convinced this is it.

If anyone has any ideas about where Robert's cup might have originated from do let us know.

10/06/2026

What did folk in Rosal eat before they were removed from Strathnaver as a result of the Highland Clearances? Angus Mackay who was removed as a child recounts what it was like to live in Strathnaver. Angus's words have been voiced by Ewen Mackay from Tongue.

What does the future hold for Strathnaver? Find out about an exciting community project which has seen Rosal Clearance Village enter community ownership. See North Sutherland Community Forest Trust for more.

10/06/2026

This ‘Balmoral’ belonged to William ‘Gruids’ MacDonald who served as a piper with the Scots Guards during World War One. He was severely wounded in an enemy gas attack and discharged in April 1917. Willie recovered and joined the Lovat Scouts as Pipe Sergeant. He was a talented piper and composer, and his tune ‘Willie’s Polka’ was a popular request at dances throughout the area. Willie wore this ‘Balmoral’ during his time as a judge in piping competitions.

Willie's Balmoral was part of the Highland Threads exhibition developed by Museums and Heritage Highland and partner museums in 2020. For more fabulous Highland costume visit the online exhibtion link in comments.

09/06/2026

If you had to leave everything behind what would you take? Listen to the witness testimonies of the folk who were removed from Strathnaver during the Strathnaver Clearances 1814-1819. George describes how his family planned to try and move their wordly possessions and how they were treated by the burning parties. His words have been given voice by Tom Mackay, Bettyhill.

Rosal is now in community ownership having been bought by the community for the community. Follow North Sutherland Community Forest Trust for more as they prepare to celebrate this historic development on 13 June 2026.

08/06/2026

What really happened during the Strathnaver Clearances? Have a listen to the witness testimonies of those who were there as given voice by our local community. Are you descended from those who were cleared?

Removal notices were issued to tennants in December 1813 which gave them only a few months to relocate to new lots at Strathy by Whitsun, or 29th May 1814. However, without having been given proper accommodations to relocate the tennants ignored the notices. On 13th June 1814 Patrick Sellar, factor to the Sutherland Estate and the new leasee, arrived with his eviction party to burn the folk out of their homes. This is their story. Bell Cooper has been given voice by Frances Gunn, Tongue.

On Saturday 13th June 2026 join North Sutherland Community Forest Trust as they celebrate taking Rosal Clearance Village into community ownership.

30/05/2026

Have you listened to our award nominated documentary podcast series yet?

We are up for best documentary and best community impact in the inaugural Scottish Podcast Awards!

Have a listen and let us know what you think!

Help shape the future of Grace, on tomorrow at Borgie 10am.
29/05/2026

Help shape the future of Grace, on tomorrow at Borgie 10am.

Address

Clachan
Bettyhill
KW147SS

Opening Hours

Tuesday 10am - 2pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm

Telephone

+441641521418

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Strathnaver Museum posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organisation

Send a message to Strathnaver Museum:

Shortcuts

Share