10 History Museums in The Hebrides That You Shouldn't Miss

October 28, 2021 Matilde Konrad

This beautiful archipelago, where Scottish Gaelic is still spoken, is divided into the Inner and Outer Hebrides and stretches the length of Scotland's west coast. The most visited and largest of the Western Isles is the brooding Isle of Skye, a short ferry ride or bridge away from the mainland. Islay, home to prolific whisky production, is another gem. Highlights of the less visited Outer Isles include stark Lewis and the town of Stornoway, rugged Harris, with sandy beaches and tranquil Barra.
Restaurants in The Hebrides

1. Uig Museum

Uig Community Centre, Timsgarry HS2 9JG Scotland +44 1851 672456 [email protected] https://ancaidreachas.wordpress.com/about/uig/
Excellent
85%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
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0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 13 reviews

Uig Museum

2. An Iodhlann

Scarinish, PA77 6UH Scotland +44 1879 220793 http://www.aniodhlann.org.uk/
Excellent
90%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
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5.0 based on 30 reviews

An Iodhlann

Reviewed By happyholidays8 - Melrose, United Kingdom

Very informative wee place about the island's history. We ran out of time and had to go back another day. Great for a rainy day.

3. Ross of Mull Historical Centre

Millbrae Cottage, Bunessan PA67 6DP Scotland http://www.romhc.org.uk
Excellent
75%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 16 reviews

Ross of Mull Historical Centre

4. Museum of Islay Life

Port Charlotte Scotland +44 1496 850358 http://www.islaymuseum.org
Excellent
67%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 132 reviews

Museum of Islay Life

This museum on the history of the Isle of Islay features photographs, first-hand documents and artifacts of the island's inhabitants.

Reviewed By WendyMcL13 - Fleet, United Kingdom

Approximately £4 per adult to get in. Close to Port Charlotte Hotel so could walk or park in road opposite entrance door of museum. Spent about 30 minutes there think up to 1 hour is average visit. See artefacts from WWII & local island life. We dropped in on way back from a morning outing. Restricted opening times were 11-2mon-fri note on door will confirm times if they change them.

5. Skye Museum of Island Life

Kilmuir IV51 9UE Scotland +44 1470 552206 [email protected] http://www.skyemuseum.co.uk/
Excellent
55%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 646 reviews

Skye Museum of Island Life

Reviewed By markrS7864NZ - Lytham St Anne's, United Kingdom

We've been to Skye a number of times, but not been to the Skye Museum until now and it was well worth the visit! First of all, there was room to park (busy holiday period) and handy toilets. The black houses are very well equipped and informative, the shop is well stocked and reasonably priced and it's only a few minutes walk up the road to Flora McDonald's memorial. Great value at £3 per adult.

6. Museum nan Eilean

Lews Castle Grounds, Stornoway HS2 0XS Scotland +44 1851 822746 [email protected] http://www.lews-castle.co.uk/?page_id=12
Excellent
63%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 158 reviews

Museum nan Eilean

Enjoy a beautiful new museum set in the stunning Castle Grounds in Stornoway. Discover the distinctiveness of the Outer Hebrides, shaped by a unique combination of land, sea and people, and view our islands as never before in a wrap-around audio-visual presentation. Hear from islanders in a series of videos and audio interviews about the Gaelic language, work, religion, emigration and community. Youngsters can dress up to perform various island jobs, learn some Gaelic, and enjoy imaginative activities.

Reviewed By Sujata410 - Columbia, United States

This is small museum by most standards, yet it is so full of fun exhibits and helpful staff that I would recommend it as worth visiting. The museum has the Lewis Chessmen plus other interesting artifacts related to the Hebrides. Nice little gift shop and cafe on the premises as well.

7. The Blackhouse, Arnol

42 Arnol, Arnol HS2 9DB Scotland +44 1851 710395 [email protected] http://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/the-blackhouse-arnol/
Excellent
63%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 572 reviews

The Blackhouse, Arnol

This site is closed for now. We’re working hard to gradually reopen the places you love while making sure the experience is safe for everyone. Gain a unique insight into island life at no. 42 Arnol. This traditional, fully furnished thatched house once sheltered a family and its animals under the same roof. The ruined blackhouse at no. 39 can also be seen, together with the 1920s ‘white house’ that replaced it. White houses – in which a wall separated byre and dwelling – replaced many blackhouses around this time. Gaelic-speaking members of staff are usually on hand to answer queries about the crofting life on Lewis. Smell the peat smoke – even today the fire at the heart of the blackhouse is never allowed to go out. Peek inside the cosy box-beds in the bedroom, still complete with their original fabrics and furnishings. See the byre just as it was left in 1966, only without the cows.

Reviewed By alisonj231 - York, United Kingdom

Beautifully restored traditional stone houses, lots of information and early Harris tweed looms in show. Loved it the best thing we visited on our holiday. Cracking location and we also had a nice scenic amble up the hillside which is full of wild flowers.

8. Skye and Lochalsh Archive Centre

Dunvegan Road Elgin Hostel, Portree IV51 9EE Scotland +44 1478 614078 [email protected] http://www.facebook.com/skyearchives/timeline
Excellent
40%
Good
60%
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4.5 based on 5 reviews

Skye and Lochalsh Archive Centre

Explore the heritage of Skye and Lochalsh through our diverse collections. Whether your interest is local or family history, or you have a spare hour to browse our changing exhibitions, there is something to appeal to everyone. Due to on-going works to refurbish the Elgin Hostel, Skye and Lochalsh Archive Centre is relocating to the 1st floor mezzanine of Portree Library, which is adjacent to the Elgin Hostel in the Fingal Centre of the Portree High School Community Campus. A selection of the Centre's most frequently used resources will also be moved there for customers' use and a full remote enquiry service, via e-mail and telephone, will continue to be available.

9. The Hynish Heritage Trail

Lower Square, Hynish PA77 6UG Scotland +44 1865 311468 http://www.hebrideantrust.org
Excellent
71%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 21 reviews

The Hynish Heritage Trail

10. Berneray Historical Society Museum

The Nurses Cottage Backhill, HS6 5BD Scotland +44 1851 525001 [email protected] http://www.bernerayhistorical.com
Excellent
55%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
0%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 11 reviews

Berneray Historical Society Museum

The Visitor Centre is located at The Nurse's Cottage on the Isle of Berneray, North Uist, in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland. The facility is managed by Comann Eachdraidh Bheàrnaraigh (Berneray Historical Society) and contains much interesting information about the history of the island, it's people and their unique Gaelic culture. There is a large genealogical database, which can be used for tracing the ancestry of those people all over the world whose ancestors left the island at at various points in its history to start new lives elsewhere in the world. There is also information on particular Berneray attractions, including the birthplace of Aonghas Mor MacAsgaill (Giant MacAskill) who was born in Berneray in 1825, and who grew to be the world's tallest man. At the Visitor Centre we also provide information on the wildlife and natural history of our island, as well as general tourist information. Berneray Historical Society is a community group and the Centre is staffed entirely by volunteers. Entry is by donation - please give generously to support the continuing work of the Society and the upkeep of our building. We have a number of historical publications available for sale at the Centre. We are open June - August from 11am to 3pm, Monday to Friday. We look forward to welcoming you!

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