Museums, archives and heritage in Caithness

Caithness-shire, a maritime county, in the extreme NE. of the mainland of Scotland. The side adjoining Sutherlandshire measures about 33 miles; the coast on the Pentland Firth about 41 miles; and the coast on the North Sea about 43 miles; area, 438,878 acres; population 38,865, or 57 persons to each square mile. The coast along the N. and partly on the E. is bold and precipitous; between Wick and the Ord of Caithness, in the SE., it is mostly low and sandy. The chief promontories are Duncansbay Head and Dunnet Head, the latter being the most northerly point of the mainland. The surface in general is slightly undulating, and is much interspersed with small lakes and tracts of morass. It rises into mountains along the landward border, the chief summit of which, Morven, has an altitude of 2313 ft. The streams are numerous, but small; the principal are the Berridale and the Wick Water, flowing to the North Sea, and the Thurso and the Forss, flowing to the Pentland Firth. Flagstone is extensively quarried for exportation. The soil, though generally poor, is well cultivated. The coast fisheries are among the most important in the country; great quantities of herrings are annually cured and exported. The river Thurso is famed for its splendid salmon-fishing. There is railway communication to Thurso, in the extreme N. The county comprises 9 parsishes and part of 1 other, the parliamentary and royal burgh of Wick (part of the Wick Burghs).

– John Bartholomew, Gazetteer of the British Isles (1887)

Caithness Archive Centre

Wick Library, Sinclair Terrace

Wick KW1 5AB

01955 606432

www.highlandarchives.org.uk/caithness.asp

As part of the Highland Archive Service, the Caithness Archive Centre, Wick, is responsible for collecting, preserving and making locally accessible archives relating to the history of the county of Caithness.

Caithness Broch Centre

Northlands Viking Centre, The Old School House, Auckengill, Keiss

Wick KW1 4XP

01955 631377

www.caithnessbrochcentre.co.uk

Brochs, unique to Scotland, are amongst the most studied monuments in British prehistory. A broch is a drystone tower with cells or galleries contained within the thickness of the wall.

Caithness Family History Society

Dwarick Park

Dunnet KW14 8XD

01847 851 295

www.caithnessfhs.org.uk

Caithness Family History Society was formed in September 1999 by a small group of enthusiasts and has already grown to some 350 members worldwide. Our aim is to promote an interest in genealogy and, wherever we can, to help others trace their roots – especially families originating from Caithness.

Caithness Horizons

Old Town Hall, High Street

Thurso KW14 8AJ

01847 896508

www.caithnesshorizons.co.uk

Caithness Horizons contains: 1) Permanent exhibitions which interpret the cultural and natural heritage of Caithness from prehistory to the present day 2) An audio-visual presentation which provides an overview of the natural and cultural heritage of Caithness.

Castle of Mey

Mey, Thurso

Caithness KW14 8XH

www.castleofmey.org.uk

Since 1952 the property of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, the castle of Mey is situated on the north coast of Caithness, in the parish of Canisbay, about 15 miles east of Thurso and 6 miles west of John O’Groats. It stands on rising ground about 400 yards from the seashore, overlooking the Pentland Firth and the Orkney Islands.

Clan Gunn Heritage Centre & Museum

Old Parish Church

Latheron KW5 6DG

01593 721 325

www.clangunnsociety.org

The Clan Gunn Heritage Centre and Museum is housed in the old parish church, Latheron which was built in 1734. The centre tells the story of the clan from its Norse origins to the present day against the background of the history of the north of Scotland.

Dunbeath Heritage Centre

The Old School

Dunbeath KW6 6ED

01593 731233

www.dunbeath-heritage.org.uk/heritage.html

The centre provides a focus for the work of Dunbeath Preservation Trust: Registered museum; archaeological exhibition, Neil M Gunn literary landscape, engaging approach to landscape interpretation through art installations, photography and unique floor map. Repository for research data, manuscripts, photographs and items of local material culture; venue for lectures, storytelling and workshops; gathering place for local people and visitors – young and old – alike.

Laidhay Croft Museum

Laidhay, Dunbeath

Dunbeath KW6 6EH

01593 731244

goo.gl/FGLkjJ

Typical rush thatched Caithness longhouse incorporating dwelling, stable and byre under one roof. House furnished and with artefacts common early 1900s.