In the middle of an ancient cemetery you’ll find a friendly informative band of Scots ready and willing to talk about their history. The museum is a testimony to the local historians and interested residents who have contributed to the content from a mock up of ‘how the crofters lived.’ to true tales of the community. The Highland Clearances were a cruel decision by the landowners to make more money from their lands by driving off families, using violent means. Forcing them to leave crofts over a period of 100 years from 18th to 19th Century. Families that had been established for centuries, working the land to survive.
The Mackays’ are a predominant feature throughout the regions history. You may even meet a current namesake who will readily give account of their immediate family’s history. I was privileged to meet several Mackays, (not related) who all had a tale to tell.
The location is in a stunning part of Sutherland, accessed by the North Coast 500 road which winds around hills and valleys, often becoming a single track road.
The local Farr Bay is a stone’s throw away with it’s breathtaking sands and high walks surrounding the bay. Any photographer’s paradise.
The little Cafe at the beginning of the path to the Museum sells delicious homemade cakes, and on a Friday/Saturday evening the best fish & chips in the county.
The best time to visit is obviously during the spring/summer months, when lambing season starts. But if you don’t mind the cold try late Autumn to see the colours of the heather change. It’s well worth it.
Please keep this gem a secret so that we can all enjoy it’s beauty with only a few visitors. Although I think it’s too late, people from the UK and parts of Europe travel especially to this special part of Scotland for a taste of the Scottish hospitality and culture. Maybe I’ll see you there…..who knows?
