The Burr's Memories day, held to celebrate the firm of Burr's of Tongue, was a great success; locals and visitors alike gathered to view the large collection of photographs, newspaper cuttings and other memorabilia collected by volunteers from the Strathnaver Museum. These illustrated the way in which the Burr's family and their growing businesses serviced the remote areas of North Sutherland for the greater part of the twentieth century bringing to local villages groceries and gossip, both of which were appreciated by their customers.
The exhibition was enjoyed by young and old alike, as can be seen from this photo of visitors looking at the books of reminiscences which formed part of the display.
There were 151 visitors on the first day and 73 on the second In fact,there was so much interest in the exhibits that some people came back for a second look on the Sunday. One exhibit which attracted particular attention was the mock up of a Burr's van built around a quad bike.
Several members of the Burr family were present at the exhibition including the late Gordon Burr's sister, Marjory Strachan from Inverness, the only survivor from that generation and his daughter, Maggie Miller from Wick as well as two Peter Burrs, from Wick and Kilmalcolm respectively and Gordon Burr, for all of whom this was a special occasion.
There was also a Car Treasure Hunt organised by Joan Mackay of Naver, assisted by Morag Macleod of Strathnaver; around a dozen cars took part in the hunt for clues around the local area. The route was based on one of the Burr's grocery runs and the clues took the participants round Braetongue, Coldbackie and Skerray. The winners, pictured on the right, were Martin Reid and the runner up was his brother, Neil.
The prizes were donated by the museum and the home-made sandwiches and cakes, provided by museum staff and local people, were much appreciated by those in attendance.
For those who missed the exhibition at the Kyle Centre, the Strathnaver Museum has put on display the panels of photographs and memorabilia which traces the Burr's Story. But this is not the end of the story, the project is on-going and anyone who has anything to add should send in their contribution to the museum by email or by post; any memories, photos in fact anything at all connected with the business would be most welcome.
As part of Museums & Galleries Scotland, 'Show Scotland Weekend', a unique event is to take place in Tongue next month when former employees, customers and visitors are invited to go along and enjoy a ‘Burrs of Tongue Memory Day’ in The Kyle Centre, Tongue on 1st and 2nd May.
This event aims to allow as many people as possible to learn about the huge impact that Burr's of Tongue made in this area. 
Burr's of Tongue was a family firm which ran grocery vans throughout the Far North. They covered a large geographical area with van runs to Durness, Laid, Strathnaver, Altnaharra, Melness, Bettyhill, Melvich and Strathy as well as daily bus runs to Thurso. Their HGV fleet of lorries travelled all over Britain.
Strathnaver Museum Volunteers have interviewed the Burr family and their relatives; the people and family of those who worked in the business, as well as the customers who used the weekly van service and other people who had memories and information to contribute to the project. The museum would still like to hear from anyone who wishes to be interviewed and also from people who may like to be involved in the interviewing process and the ongoing project work.
The volunteers have collected memorabilia, a wonderful selection of photographs and other relevant objects which people have kindly allowed to have copied or photographed for the archive, or loaned or donated to the museum collection. These will be on public display.
The Kyle Centre, Tongue will be open from 11.00 am to 5.00 pm on Saturday 1st May and 11.20 am to 3.30 pm on Sunday, 2nd May. Light refreshments, sandwiches and home baking will be on offer at the Kyle Centre and lunches will be served at the two local hotels.
If you live locally and need transport to this event please contact Transport for Tongue on 01847 611287
There will also be a Car Treasure Hunt which will allow treasure seekers to follow part of the wonderful scenic route that Burrs vans took for so many years. The Treasure Hunt starts from Burr's Shop at 2.00 pm on Saturday, 1st May, no entrance fee, cars moving off at 2 minute intervals, time allowed 2 hrs and finishing at the Kyle Centre, where there will be a presentation of some unique prizes.
For more information about the event or if you would like to contribute in anyway phone 01641 521418 or e-mail HYPERLINK "mailto:strathnavermus@ukonline.org.uk" strathnavermus@ukonline.org.uk
The Canadian Mackay White Banner (Bratach Bhan)
The Chas Mackay family tradition is that the Banner was made for W.M.Mackay who was involved in the Canadian Lumber business in the Nineteen
th Century. The Banner, shown in the photo, has been in the family since that time and was donated to the Strathnaver Museum on the day of the 'Clan Mackay Goes Global' event by two ladies who brought it all the way from Canada on behalf of Chas Mackay, W.M.Mackay's Great Grandson. The Banner was "touched" by Chas's son and Grandson making six generations of the family who had "touched" the Banner.
Chas Mackay's ancestors arrived in Canada on the Brig Hector which left Loch Broom on June 15th 1773.
The White Banner (Bratach Bhan) of the Clan Mackay is said to have been carried at the battle of Druim an Coup, near Tongue in Sutherland, in 1433 when Ian Abrach, the illegitimate son of Angus Dhu, led a charge against the Sutherlands. (Am Baile Highland History and Culture).
The original banner is in the Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh.
Christmas Fayre at Bettyhill, Saturday 28 November 2009 - 2.00 to 4.00 pm
It had been hoped to hold a Ceilidh to follow up on the very successful Clan Mackay Day held in May but the North Coast is a very busy place with events on every weekend and it was impossible to find a slot. We would however, like everyone who had their photo taken to see the finished result and perhaps order copies for Christmas presents so we have booked a stall at the Bettyhill Christmas Fayre being held in Bettyhill Village Hall on Saturday, 28 November 2009, between 2.00 and 4.00 pm. We are also having a sales table and perhaps we can also interest you in some of our merchandise to incorporate in your Christmas present list.
Raffle: We also have a raffle which has been running since some time with some exciting prizes, as detailed below. You can have a last chance to buy tickets and it will be drawn at the end of the afternoon.
Friends of the Museum: Why not also take this opportunity to become a 'Friend of Strathnaver Museum' for the annual membership of £10 for adults, £6.00 for concessions or £25.00 for a family. Friends can visit the museum for free with half-price for accompanying friends, get a museum badge and receive regular Newsletters of Museum events. By becoming a Friend of the Museum you will also be playing a part in keeping Strathnaver Museum as a a major part of your heritage.
'Rosal Thru Time'
As part of ‘Homecoming Scotland 2009' a living history event was held at the Rosal Clearance Village in Strathnaver on 25 July. 
Three shows were held throughout the afternoon and afterwards everyone enjoyed free venison burgers straight off the BBQ.
The performers were ASE who have been operating in the Highlands since 1991. Their core work is interactive Live Role Play and they have been doing adventures at Borgie and Rumster for about three years. They have also done more than 600 Living History shows for schools since the company was founded.
The cast on the day were:
Niamh of Sidhe: Jenny Neesham, company director, storyteller and role player, formerly Arts Officer for the Highland Regional Council;
Willie Chisholm: Andy Wilkie, Shakespearean actor, also does a lot of film work.
Donald Macleod: Jamie Bird, member of the Historic Saltire Re-enactment Society, also works sometimes with Ian Devanney, who is a well-known Living History producer.
John Dryden: Nicky Nicholl, actor and former Living History worker at Fort George;
Patrick Seller: Ro Goodwin, Re-enactor, Live Role Player, actor, film maker and currently community activist deeply involved in the protest against the Invergordon Incinerator.
The Event was organised by Forestry Commission Scotland, North highland Forest District, The Links, Golspie, Sutherland.
Raffle: The museum is running a raffle to raise funds for their Redevelopment Project and prizes are as follows.
A fabulous Highland Weekend Getaway: 2 nights Dinner B&B (1 night Tongue Hotel & 1 night Mackay's Durness)
Special Strathnaver Museum Clan Mackay Strathspey Malt Whisky ● Clynelish 14 Year Old Malt Whisky ● Old Pultney Malt Whisky ● A signed Mark Edwards Print of Ben Loyal ● A Mey Selections Pack of gourmet goodies● A handmade Crochet Tote Bag in Mackay Tartan colours by Christine Hague-Clarke ● 'Mackay Country' Book ● "Tales of the North Coast" by Alan Temperley plus more...... We will send your prize to wherever you live......
The raffle is to be drawn at an event to be held in the Museum on Saturday, 3 October 2009. If you would like to support the raffle you can get your tickets by visiting the museum or sending us an email and we can forward them on to you. Please help to support the cause.
Auction:
The Auction is for one special item: The Book Of Mackay Limited edition No 71 of 500 1906, signed by the author Angus Mackay M.A. We shall be promoting this opportunity to own such a special book around the world to as many of the Mackay Global family as possible. The bidding will be sealed and a reserve of £250 has been set. To make a bid please post or e-mail your bid to the museum at address or e-mail below and please include your full name, address & contact details plus the sum you wish to bid. Good Luck. Remember all proceeds will support the refurbishment of The Clan Mackay Room.
Some More Photos from Clan Mackay Virtual Gathering
The photo shown below (left) 
was taken outside the museum on the day of the event of all the Directors, Volunteers and Staff. The Mackay Banner is being held by Tom Mackay, Chairman of the Directors of the Museum.
The second photo (right) 
shows the Museum Volunteers greeting visitors on the day and it can be seen from the photo how busy they were.
A display of the Mackay photos taken in the museum on 5th May 2009 is to be launched in the museum on 31 July 2009. The Mackay photos from abroad will also be launched on the website quite soon, keep your eyes peeled.
Clan Mackay Global Gathering Strathnaver Museum May 2nd 2009
As this article is being written; the ground floor area of Strathnaver Museum, Bettyhill, is full to overflowing with Mackays. The contingents of this Mackay body are, while waiting to be photographed, being entertained by the highly accomplished members of the Feis and enjoying baking supplied by members of the community who would apparently give Mr Kipling a run for his money.
Such has been the response to the day that mid way through the afternoon the head count is 174. It is expected that the final figure will be near to 200.
The day began with the museum staff and volunteers welcoming The Hon Elizabeth Fairbairn, President of the Clan Mackay Society and Patron of Strathnaver Museum. Following hot on her heels were the next Mackays, sisters from Inverness and Conan Bridge, clad in Clan garb ready to be the 1st Mackays to be photographed for the Mackay gallery. 
Thereafter the flow of people continued, some of the early visitors were Canadians, who gleefully donned kilts to pose under the cruck frames of the croft display.
All ages joined in this Clan gathering; the youngest being a mere 5 weeks and the oldest being in their ninth decade. On at least two occasions four generations of Mackays converged to create wonderful family portraits. Many, many pictures were taken; one person even struck a pose in the pulpit.
The other aspect of this event was the involvement of Mackays from around the globe. Images and information were received from Australia, Canada, The USA and England. Mr Brian McGee Davis Rank Commissioner, Clan Mackay Society Western Australia said:
"This is a very wonderful and timely project which allows Mackay descendants from all over the world to come hame and participate despite the vagaries of distance and capacity to travel".
Mr McGee's sentiments echoed that of The Hon Elizabeth Fairbairn, expressed following meeting and greeting Mackays throughout the day: ‘It has been a wonderful event, the turnout has been fantastic. It has been great to see young and old from across the area come together in the museum enjoying the music, the exhibitions; being part of this gathering'
As the sound of the pipes fade; the final tally is requested. The volunteer who diligently counted throughout the day, happily exclaims that the final number is 201! The final Mackay arrived late in the day, in a vintage lorry emblazoned with the Mackay badge.
Thankyou to The Feis; Bettyhill Pipeband and others for the kilts and clan dress; The Clan Mackay Society; Mackay Country Project; Mike Roper and to the many other people who made the day so successful.
"Clan Mackay Goes Global"
Show Scotland, the Museums & Galleries big events weekend is back, this year taking place 1-4 May 2009 with lots more creative and unusual events for all the family. Throughout Show Scotland weekend museums and galleries across the country will open their doors to a fantastic range of events, including late night openings with live entertainment, fun family activities and specially created arts performances.
Strathnaver Museum has organised 'Clan Mackay Goes Global' on Saturday, 2nd May 2009, especially for the Show Scotland 2009 weekend. 
The museum represents the history of the communities of the ancient province of Strathnaver; which comprises the parishes of Tongue, Melness, Farr and Melvich. Strathnaver was the ancient homeland of the Clan Mackay and as such the Clan Mackay are an intrinisc part of North Sutherland's history and is therefore rightfully represented within the museum.
Strathnaver Museum, in this the year of Homecoming, would like to develop this area of the museum further. This work will contribute to the future refurbishment of the museum; which, if funding is secured, will be the most significant project ever undertaken in the museum's history.
Working together with the Clan Mackay is an essential apsect of this and the museum was most pleased when The Honourable Elizabeth Fairbairn, Honorary President of the Clan Mackay Society, recently agreed to be patron of this cause.
In order to try to reach out to as many Mackay descendents, people with a connection and.or interest in the Clan Mackay as possible; an exciting and ambitious project has been devised 'Clan Mackay Goes Global'. Thanks to funding from Museums & Galleries Scotland, augmenting the museum's own budget, Strathnaver is to host a launch event within the museum on Saturday, 2nd May 2009 as part of 'Show Scotland' activities.
The two main aspects of the Global Clan Reunion are:
- Mackays of all ages will be encouraged to come to the museum, dress in their own or provided Clan attire and be photographed in the museum to create a 'Mackay Gallery', visit the exhibitions and enjoy music and hospitality.
- As we hope there will be hundreds of people who may wish to take part but are too far away to visit, Clan Societies and individuals from around the world will be invited to supply their own photos and then send the images by e-mail or on disc to be added to the Mackay library.
The images collected will be exhibited within the museum in 2009 'The Year of the Homecoming' and will also be used to create a virtual gallery on the museum website. The geneology information gathered will be used to initiate a Strathnaver Museum Mackay database.
Strathnaver Museum needs the Clan Mackay to make this a reality. Are you a Mackay and want the chance to participate in this important Homecoming 2009 Mackay porject? We will look forward to hearing from you soon.
Please register your interest with the museum by e-mail or phone. Bookings for photographs will be taken from now up to 25th April 2009.
For details of all Show Scotland events taking place across the country visit http://www.showscotland.com/.
'Highland' Television Programme
The story of the Highland Clearances was covered in this programme shown on our screens at the end of March 2009, including a visit to Bettyhill and the clearance village of Achanlochy and an interview with museum Director and long-term volunteer Elliot Rudie. This programme is also out on DVD.
Burr's of Tongue Oral History Project 2008/09
Burr's of Tongue general stores and merchants began in the early 1900's when Robert Gordon from Orkney set up the business in Tongue, Sutherland. This business was then bought by Peter Burr, pictured on the right, whose name still resonates today at the Spar shop Tongue.
Peter Burr's empire comprised a bake house, garage and stores of agricultural supplies; coal and fuel; general household goods; groceries as well as a bus and van delivery service. The business from the outset was very much a family concern but in addition to the family, numerous people both local and those who came into the area for work, were employed within the shop; tearoom; office; back store; as drivers on the vans and the heavy goods and livestock lorries as well as the many other jobs which kept the cogs of this business turning.
Peter Burr's son Gordon took over the reins from his father and ran the business with his wife Tot , one of Strathnaver Museum's original Trustee's, for decades. His family continued the tradition of working within the business until the 1980's when the business was sold to a family from the Borders. The business has remained under the ownership of this family for the past 20 years.
Strathnaver Museum has secured funding from Museums and Galleries Scotland to undertake a new oral history project about Burr's of Tongue. The project aims to interview as many people about Burr's of Tongue: Burr's family/relatives; people who have worked in the business; family of those who worked there; people who shopped/shop at Burr's; people who used the weekly van service and anyone else who has memories and information to contribute.
It is also hoped to collect memorabilia, photographs and any other relevant objects people are willing to have copied/photographed for the archive, loan or donate to the museum collection as they feel is appropriate.
Burr's of Tongue covered a large geographical distance with van runs to to Durness; Laid; Strathnaver and Altnaharra; Melness; Bettyhill, Melvich, Strathy and Thurso and the HGV lorries travelled all over Britain. It is hoped to gather interviews from all over the county of Sutherland and also even further afield by using e-mail or phone.
It is hoped that the capturing of this valuable collection of memories from people will be the initial stage of a bigger project. In the short term the priority is the collection of interviews, image/objects.
The museum would like to hear from anyone who wishes to be interviewed and also people who may like to be involved in the interviewing process and project work. Please call 01641641418 or e-mail strathnavermus@ukonline.org.uk. There will also be information available in local shops as well as collection boxes where you can submit contact details to indicate you wish to be contacted about/involved in the project.
Highland 2007 Project
The museum participated in the Highland 2007 Year of Culture, together with funding from Awards for All, by running a project to commemorate the bi-centenary of the Highland Clearances.
Mr George Gunn of Thurso Grey Coast Theatre was employed as writer in residence and local resident Miss Donna Murray, an Arts Graduate from Borgie, Skerray as Artist in Residence. The project was overseen by Project Manager, Linda Savage, from Halkirk. Both George and Donna each held separate events in the village. Donna held a Craft Taster Event in Bettyhill Village Hall where traditional crafts were demonstrated, ie weaving, spinning, making nets for lobster creels and drye stone dyking. George's event was a Rob Donn commemorative ceilidh in the Farr Bay Inn.
They also both worked with the local schools. George worked with the children of Farr High School who wrote poems "A Walk in Strathnaver" which they recited at an event at the school which was also recorded and reproduced on a DVD. Donna's classes at Farr High School produced sculptures which were photographed in displaced positions and these were reproduced on postcards. The pictures were also framed and displayed in the museum as part of an exhibition.
The exhibition also included some fifteen pictures of George's own version of a poem :
"A Walk in Strathnaver" each verse being represented by a visual by Donna. These have been exhibited all season at the museum, beginning with a launch to coincide with "Show Scotland Weekend", an event run nationally by the Museums & Galleries Scotland in May each year. This event was very successful, particularly on the Saturday attracting over 80 visitors to the museum.
Also included in this project has been the production of a catalogue designed by Lindsay Skene and produced by her sister Rachel. This catalogue illustrates George's poem and artwork by Donna and also includes pictures of events during the project.
All the items from the project are available on sale at the museum, which includes a DVD, postcards and catalogue.
Bettyhill Gala 
The museum staff get together every year to support the local Bettyhill Gala by entering a decorated float. Last year they represented "Not the Summer Walkers" who preferred to holiday in the Carribean. This year they were Bettyhill's version of "The Village People with "Your Museum Comes Alive".
The Bettyhill Gala was reinstated four years ago after an interval of several years. It was the general opinion that this year was the best one yet with seven decorated floats taking part on the Saturday and the field was busier than ever with a selection of large inflatables on hire from Perth and the addition of Archery, Bowls and Golf as well as the usual stalls. On Sunday after once again holding a popular raft race at Loch Duine in Skelpick following by the traditional Duck Race at Telford, there was a hilarious new event - "The Sheep Race" and ending the day with a "Tug of War".
Keep the first weekend in August 2009 free and come and join the fun next year.
Bumblebee Project
See how many different species of bees you can spot at the Bumblebee Site behind the Museum. This site was set up and launched in 2006 through funding from Scottish Natural Heritage and the initiative of Paul Castle the local Highland Council Ranger who involved pupils from Farr High School in helping to design the information plinth and leaflet. Shown here is the very rare "Great Yellow Bumblebee". By protecting this site it is hoped to help to preserve this species. When visiting the museum you can pick up a free information leaflet about the bees.
Their Past Your Future
As part of the oral history research undertaken through the Mackay Country project, the Museum coordinated workshops, interviews and storytelling sessions to create a unique DVD for posterity. The DVD which includes a booklet are available to purchase from the Museum – see the Book Sales section.
The project was coordinated by Rachel Skene and the quilt shown here was designed and created by her sister Lindsay Skene from photographic memorabilia and photos taken at events held during the the project. The quilt can be seen on display at the museum.
BBC Coast series
Farr High School and Strathnaver Museum coordinated a Strathnaver Clearances walk from the Achanlochy village site to the sea at Bettyhill. Over 300 people turned out for the event and 77 year-old Alick John Mackay from Swordly related the story of his ancestors who were among the first to be cleared from Truderscaig to Grummore in 1807 to make way for the 'Great Sheep Tenement'. www.bbc.co.uk/coast
Province of Strathnaver Excavation at Klibreck
An excavation of the old township at Klibreck was undertaken in June 2006 by a team from the Glasgow University Archaeology Research Division.
The project was directed jointly by Dr Olivia Lelong (GUARD) and Dr Amy Gazin-Shwartz (Assumption College, Massachusetts).