The Story behind Strathnaver Museum

If you are interested in the history of Clan Mackay and want to learn more about some of the historical events that shape Scotland today, then we'd suggest adding Strathnaver Museum to your bucket list! The museum is located in the ancient province of Strathnaver, scene of some of the most brutal acts of the Highland Clearances. First opening its doors to the public in 1976, the museum has been telling many stories for over 40 years and has been going from strength to strength thanks to the efforts of their many volunteers.

Over the years, many well received local history exhibitions have been staged at the museum, which have helped narrate the story of Mackay Country and its people. Previous exhibitions have included Pibrochs and Poppies - exploring WWI through music (2015) and A Mackay Journey - Bicentenary of the Strathnaver Clearances (2014). The Mackay Journey exhibition was so popular that it was extended and can still be viewed in their Mackay Room today!

Strathnaver Museum is home to the only Clan Mackay centre in Scotland, which attracts visitors from all over the world. Within the centre, you will find Mackay memorabilia and a wealth of Mackay family histories which have been kindly donated to the museum over the years. Who knows what unique piece of Clan Mackay you might come across by paying a visit?

What do you know about the Highland Clearances? This is one of the main stories that the Museum tell and we'll give you a brief overview! Thousands of tenants in the Scottish Highlands and Islands were removed from their homes between the mid-18th and mid-19th century. The main motive behind this was that landlords discovered they could earn more money by using the land to farm sheep rather than having people there and Clan Mackay were very much affected by the this movement. Mackay Country covers an area of about 2000 square kilometres and it is believed that the Highland Clearances had a devastating effect, not just on the area but for the clan as a whole.

In order for the museum to try and reach out to as many Mackay descendants or people with a connection with the clan as possible, they have set up their project "Clan Mackay Goes Global". Clan Societies and individuals from around the world are invited to supply their photos and family history information so they can be added to the Mackay gallery. If you've got a story to tell, they would certainly love to hear from you.

If you are lucky enough to visit Strathnaver Museum, you will learn about the fascinating Gaels of Mackay Country. It is commonly known that various people and clans have helped shape the identity of the people who still live there today (also known as The Gaels of Dùthaich Mhic Aoidh). This has come from various levels of settlement from Norse-speaking Scandinavians, Lowlanders and Borderers bringing Broad Scots and the English of more recent incomers.

Gaels from other parts of Scotland often initially struggle to understand speakers of Dùthaich Mhic Aoidh Gaelic! The dialect is quite distinct and different to that spoken even by the nearby Gaels of Caithness (of East Sutherland) and the Gaels of Assynt. Although influenced by many people and clans, there is no doubt that this area was, and to an extent remains, defined by the Gaelic of the people of Mackay Country.

Built in 1774, the museum (also a former parish church) is a category B listed building, signifying its regional importance to the area. As with any building that has been around this long, the need for repair and maintenance becomes ever more necessary. Not only will the refurbishment project carry out essential repairs, one of the upgrades that they are looking to make include adding an additional space for the Mackay Centre, with new digital displays and films. A unique way to tell the Clan Mackay story with a modern spin!

We are always interested in learning more about clan history and Strathnaver Museum do a fantastic job of telling the story of one of the most powerful clans, Clan Mackay. If you love the work that the museum do in telling fascinating stories, displaying their collections and attracting visitors from all over the world, then paying the museum a visit is definitely for you! In the mean time, why not donate to their refurbishment project and support their incredible initiatives?