Museums, archives and heritage in Sutherland

Sutherland, maritime county in the extreme N. of Scotland; is bounded W. and N. by the Atlantic Ocean, E. by Caithness and the Moray Firth, and S. by the Dornoch Firth and Ross and Cromarty; greatest length, NW. and SE., 63 miles; greatest breadth, NE. and SW., 60 miles; area, 1,297,846 acres, population 23,370. The surface consists chiefly of mountainous moorland, varied by numerous straths or narrow valleys which open towards the sea. The highest summit is Ben More Assynt, alt. 3273 ft. The angling in the lochs and streams is good, especially for trout. The coast fisheries are considerable. The amount of arable land is comparatively very small. There are extensive deer forests, and sheep are grazed in great numbers. The county comprises 13 parishes, with part of 1 other, and the parliamentary burgh of Dornoch.

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

Historylinks Museum

The Meadows

Dornoch IV25 3SF

01862 811275

www.historylinks.org.uk

The museum is dedicated to the history of Dornoch parish. The permanent exhibition shows the cathedral, feuding clans, the shameful burning of Scotland’s last condemned witch and the treachery and violence of Picts and Vikings.

Strathnaver Museum

Clachan

Bettyhill Thurso KW14 7SS

01641 521418

www.strathnavermuseum.org.uk

Journey from Strathnaver’s mystical past, through the emergence of the Clan Mackay to the tragedy of the Highland Clearances.

Timespan Heritage Centre & Art Gallery

Dunrobin Street

Helmsdale KW8 6JX

01431 821327

www.timespan.org.uk

Timespan Museum offers a journey through the colourful historical themes of the area. It provides the visitor with a wealth of information about past ways of life and some of the more turbulent events in Sutherland’s history.