Visit Museums

The Heritage Centre houses the Applecross Historical Society’s collections of archival documents, paintings, photographs and museum artefacts. Located in the vicinity of where St Maelrubha’s monastery is reputed to have been located and in one of the most stunning parts of the Highlands, it can be found opposite Clachan Church and graveyard.

Caithness Broch Centre has a fascinating exhibition on Caithness brochs and the 19th century archaeologist, Sir Frances Tress Barry, who excavated many of them. Nybster Broch, which has evidence of Pictish use, is located nearby. NOTE: the centre is not currently open to the public.

Dingwall and District Museum houses a fascinating collection of local artefacts with fascinating tales of human exploits to discover. It is now also the proud home of the recently-discovered Conan Stone, an additional gem of Pictish art. There is always something happening at the Museum!

Dunbeath Heritage Museum, home to the Ballachly Pictish cross slab, takes you on a journey through the past, places and people of Dunbeath; their stories and history. The museum is a hub for the arts, culture and the work of Neil Gunn. There is a changing programme of exhibitions.

Perched on a high terrace above walled gardens, Dunrobin Castle, with fairytale spires and turrets, rises above the North Sea like an illustration from a storybook. The Museum is located in the Castle grounds and houses an important archaeological collection, including some superb Pictish symbol stones and cross slabs.

For more than 40 years the museum has been preserving and promoting the history, culture and natural splendour of the Parish of Gairloch. In 2019 the museum moved to a new building, attracting visitors to the area and receiving great acclaim. The Gairloch Pictish stone in the museum is a must-see west coast stone.

Groam House museum is in the seaside village of Rosemarkie near Inverness. It is renowned for its display of Pictish carved stones – originally part of the vibrant early Christian monastic settlement here, around 1200 years ago. The museum always has activities for children and families and an excellent small shop.

Discover more about the unique history and culture of the city of Inverness and the Scottish Highlands at Inverness Museum and Art Gallery. Explore the fascinating artefacts and collections celebrating Highland life and heritage, including one of the largest collections of Pictish carvings and artefacts in the Highlands.

The Kyle of Sutherland Heritage Society is based in the Old Church of Kincardine situated on the A836 going through the village of Ardgay in the County of Sutherland. Visit the Church to learn more about the Kincardine Gravemarker Pictish stone and local history. .

North Coast Visitor Centre is home to a permanent collection that tells the story of the county of Caithness from 416 million years ago to the present day. There is also a cafe and gift shop.

The Seaboard Centre, also known as the Seaboard Memorial Hall, is a community-run hall based in the Seaboard Villages of Easter Ross. It is a hub for local people and visitors, with a café, local history displays and the intricately original base of the Hilton of Cadboll Stone.

Strathnaver Museum, housed in the former parish church of St Columba, is a treasure trove of unusual objects, gripping stories and wonderful Clan Mackay memorabilia. The impressive Farr Stone is located in the churchyard. Note: the museum is undergoing major refurbishment – please check website for details.

Tain & District Museum is home to an extensive and varied collection of objects, photographs and archives of local, regional and national significance. The museum is also home to the Clan Ross Centre and acts as a point of welcome for all Rosses and septs of the clan. Visit the Ardjachie Stone located outside the museum.

The Tarbat Discovery Centre is a fascinating building with an intriguing story set in a beautiful location. Its displays include; ‘the treasury’, home to a fantastic display of Pictish carvings and the Viking silver hoard; The Crypt, a a barrel-vaulted, ancient sacred space; alongside changing exhibitions, a shop and activity space.

Timespan is a cultural institution in Helmsdale, a village in the very north east of the Scottish Highlands, with local, global and planetary ambitions. It is comprised of a local history museum, contemporary art programme, geology and herb gardens, shop, bakery and cafe. The Borrobol Pictish Stone can be seen here.

Discover more than 1,000 years of stirring history centred on the Great Glen. The magnificently situated Urquhart Castle, on the shore of Loch Ness, has seen some of the most dramatic chapters in our nation’s story. Was this where St Columba visited a Pictish chieftain on his way to see King Bridei?