Things to do in Scottish Highlands, Scotland: The Best Specialty Museums

At the centre of Scotland’s only Pictish Monastic National Monument, the Museum at Tarbat unravels some of the mysteries of the Picts, explaining through its award winning archaeology programme fascinating details about these enigmatic people and their way of life on this intensely historic peninsula. ‘A’ Listed Tarbat Old Parish Church, home to the Discovery Centre, is in itself an historic timeline of six churches that have stood on this site with the remains of part of the crypt dating from as early as the 8th century. On display, beautiful sculpture and craft-working objects, architectural features, local exhibitions, photo archives and detailed interpretation provide the contents of our Museum – ‘a real gem of history well worth the visit.'

We are a museum set in Cameron Square which is just off of the centre of Fort William High Street. We have eight rooms packed with fascinating objects, from treasure from a shipwrecked Spanish Armada galleon to the bagpipes played at Bannockburn in 1314. Whether its archaeology, natural history, Commando training and weaponry, Highland crofting life, costumes and charms, Victorian times, silver, coins and medals, or even the history of mountain rescue, it can all be found at the West Highland Museum.

Discover how Highland people lived, worked and played at this award-winning museum. Experience life portrayed from the early 1700s to the mid 1900s. Find the difference between a “cruck” and a “croman”, smell the “reek” of a peat fire, relive early school days and life on the farm, or just enjoy a “blether” and reminisce with our friendly staff. Extensive play area, shops, café, and picnic sites throughout grounds. A great family day out for all ages. Free admissionOpen Easter to end of October – 3 to 6 hour visit recommended

The Highlanders Museum (Queen's Own Highlanders Collection) is situated within the the stunning grounds of Fort George, Nr Inverness, overlooking the Moray Firth. In the summer months the local dolphin school can be seen from the ramparts. The Museum covers three floors of Fort George's former Lieutenant Governors' House. The museum has roughly 20,000 artifacts and an estimated 10,000 documents and photographs. The museum is the largest regimental museum in Scotland, outside Edinburgh.

Clan Macpherson House and Museum displays historical items from Clan Macpherson and Scottish history. Open April 1-October 31.

An award winning museum dedicated to the Picts and to displaying and interpreting the stunning examples of their sculptural art found in Rosemarkie, including the magnificent Rosemarkie cross-slab. The museum also cares for the George Bain Collection, which has been Recognised as being of National Significance, and is a Visit Scotland 4-star visitor attraction. The museum shop stocks high quality gifts with Celtic and Pictish themes. There are activities for children and videos to watch as well as a suite of interactive computer programmes.

A museum dedicated to the history of the Clan Cameron. With displays on the Jacobite rising of 1745, and military history of the Cameron Highlanders and Commando training during WW2.