Restoring a unique piece of Scottish history
Strathnaver Museum
Client
Strathnaver Museum
Services
Location
Bettyhill, Sutherland
Progress
Complete
Breathing life back into this historically significant museum campus through its rationalisation and restoration has been a labour of love for the design team and surrounding community.
The background
Situated on the north coast of Scotland, Strathnaver museum is housed in the former parish church of Farr, a listed building and site of the delivery of the clearances notices. The museum opened in 1976 and portrays the tragic story of the Highland Clearances.
The design approach
Our masterplan for the museum campus included the rationalisation and restoration of the existing building and the addition of a new annex to the east of the graveyard.
A somewhat radical intervention to form a new bridge link from the east to the west wings of the existing building allows a circular exhibition route and provides, for the first time since the 1880’s, an elevated view of the original pulpit from which the clearance notices were delivered. Glass balustrading and floor planks create a contemporary and lightweight structure.
The new annex houses outsize exhibits and explores the agricultural story of the area. Improvements made to the internal layout of the church increase visitor movement and have opened up access to the collection, with a dedicated research space created in the conservation room.
The impact
Given its remote location, the new museum campus is a welcome attraction to visitors following the North Coast 500 route, as well as a valuable addition to the community.
It will be a source of inspiration and pride for future generations. It's clear to see what can be achieved when people come together with a shared vision.
Dr Fiona McLean
National Lottery Heritage Fund
Credits
Photography
Ewan Wetherspoon
