20 September 2025 (10:00 - 17:00)
Gairloch Museum is located in a converted nuclear bunker with galleries showcasing the history, culture and natural heritage of this beautiful area of the North West Highlands. Displays include the original lens from Rubh Re lighthouse, a replica croft house showing how people used to live and an interactive gallery about our magnificent natural world, midges and all!
During the day our staff team and volunteers will be delivering guided tours of our store room where you can discover our extensive behind the scenes collections as well as guided walks along the Achtercairn Archaeology Trail exploring the various roundhouse settlements behind the museum.
A team of local wool spinners will also be on site throughout the day for ‘World Spin in Public Day’ giving demonstrations and offering visitors the chance to have a go on a spinning wheel.
Museum Store Tours
Join us for a special behind-the-scenes tour of our object store – the place where we carefully preserve hundreds of items from the local area that aren’t currently on display. This is a unique opportunity to explore more of the collection and hear the stories behind objects you won’t see in the galleries. Led by a member of the museum team, the tour offers insight into how we look after the collection and why some pieces remain in store. From everyday tools and domestic objects to rare finds and local curiosities, the store is full of fascinating material that reflects the history and heritage of our community. There will be plenty of time to ask questions, and we’re always happy to hear your own memories or connections to what’s in the collection.
Tours will last approximately 45 minutes and are limited to 6 people.
Achtercairn Archaeology Walk
Join volunteer Jeremy Fenton as he leads you round the Achtercairn Archaeology Trail. A good level of fitness is needed for this 2 hour exploration of the fascinating early structures and settlements behind the Museum.
Jeremy will lead you round the trail, sharing details about some of our areas earliest settlers and the discoveries made during recent archaeological digs. The walk will begin and end at the museum.
Please arrive 10 minutes before the walk is due to start and meet at the museum welcome desk. Jeremy will be wearing a museum lanyard with a bright orange ribbon and holding a clipboard.

Quiet space available.
Water refills in the café
Museum guide in English, French, German and Dutch.
Museum Store Tour: the store room is a small cool space. Wheelchair access is possible although space is tight. Please indicate on booking if you have accessibility requirements you would like us to be aware of. The store room is also cold so dress appropriately.
Achtercairn Archaeology Trail: sturdy footwear is advised, the trail may be wet and muddy in some places. Ticks and midgies may be present. The route is along an uneven hill track, which is narrow, steep, rocky and muddy in places.

Address
Gairloch Museum, Achtercairn, Gairloch, IV21 2BH