Development of Heritage Awareness

Strathnaver Museum has been successful in obtaining grant funding from Highland Leader 2007-2013 and the Heritage Lottery Fund for the above project which aims to increase heritage knowledge and involve people in development of heritage awareness through improvement of the Museum’s resources.  This is an 18 month project and the three main schemes are:

1.       Cataloguing and Data:   Our aim is to arrange the present archive in an easy flexible searchable database which will promote local and global demand for this work by building up website archive access.  We will also be going out to the community with Antiques Roadshow type events to encourage people to bring artefacts and collect their stories assisting with research into the origin of the objects.

2.       Genealogy:   We intend to train volunteers in genealogy to create a genealogy provision and market a service.  We propose to identify family trees from Strathnaver and detect themes including military, occupations, geography and migration.

3.       Events Programme:   We plant to arrange guided walks and talks series focused on local history, language, music and archaeology, based on the museum collection.

After advertising the Project Manager post, Ronnie Lansley from Durness has been appointed.  He is at present employed in the part-time post of Development Officer with CVS North and has wide experience of working with the community and voluntary sector.

Other short-term posts have been advertised:  4 short-term Residencies in a mixture of media, a part-time Administrator to supervise the database/cataloguing of archive materials, and a part-time Curator advisor consultant to mentor and ensure correct procedures.  For further information about these posts contact Ronnie Lansley at Ronnie@durness.org or Tel: 01971511346.

We ask everyone to look out for posters and on our website advertising these forthcoming events and we look forward to local participation in this exciting project over the next 18 months.

Alan Joyce Environmental Project

Sutherland’s Environmental Photographic Competition for Primary Schools 

The Alan Joyce Young Environmentalist Competition has been set up to encourage young people from P4 to P7 pupils in schools throughout Sutherland, to demonstrate their awareness of the natural world around them and to take an interest in Sutherland’s natural fresh water habitat.

The Competition has 4 subject categories:  Environment, Work, Play and Landscape.   The winning photographs will form an exhibition which will visit museums, schools and halls across Sutherland.  This project is promoted by Strathnaver Museum but funded and supported by Awards for All, Scottish National Heritage and the Highland Council Countryside Rangers who are supervising and instructing the children in taking the photographs.

The project is running throughout this school year to close prior to summer holidays 2012.

Resettlement after the Clearances

As you walk round our museum you will discover much about The Highland Clearances which were, and are, particularly relevant to our area's history.

In the aftermath of the 1745 Jacobite Rebellion the Government set out to ruthlessly destroy the feudal way of life in the Highlands. Clans were disarmed and forbidden to wear the kilt or tartan, symbols of clan individuality and loyalty. Most significantly, clan chiefs were stripped of their hereditary right to administer justice, almost certainly their most effective weapon of control, and the reins of jurisdiction were taken over by the Crown.

Clansmen no longer compelled to obey him were of little use to a chief but his land, rented for a pittance, was invaluable. The south of Scotland had already lived through its Agrarian Revolution and farmers had discovered the value of sheep. Highland land was particularly suitable for the hardy and profitable Cheviot breed and southern landowners were ready to pay for it. Land had become more profitable than people so the people had to go.

In many areas evictions were carried out with a considerable degree of consideration for tenants; in others, as in Strathnaver, with such ruthless cruelty that local feelings remain angry and bitter to this day.

Museum Displays

For our 2011 displays we have researched these two very similar coastal clearance villages of Poulouriscaig (near Armadale) and Sletell (near Skerray). We have researched their history and people and have amassed a collection of photos. Why not pay us a visit and see it for yourself. Also the villages, though both now deserted, are well worth a visit as they hold a magical atmosphere of serenity and calm.

Sletell

In 1819 Lord Reay instructed his factor to survey his lands at Skerray in North Sutherland so that he could place there, "able young men as small tenants who could be employed as fishermen".

Sletell was the first area surveyed and it was expected to provide home and work for four tenants. The township was one mile from a proposed harbour, Lord Reay planned to build at Skerray.  However, in 1829 the Sutherland family, notorious for the eviction of their Strathnaver tenants between 1813 and 1819, acquired Lord Reay's property.

But unlike the Strathnaver Clearances, Skerray Summons seem to have been issued in order that the size of the holdings could be adjusted, rather than to remove the tenants.

George Mackay's memories of staying with his grandparents at Sletell painted a picture of a wonderful place - "I loved Sletell, it was the most fantastic place I knew.  We boys had a wonderful time there with bows and arrows, catapults, picking crowberries and fishing in the loch and burn."

Poulouriscaig

Poulouriscaig was probably settled some time between 1815 and 1823.  The 1835 Sutherland Estate Rent Roll for the parish of Farr lists 7 tenants living there.

Poulouriscaig is a typical coastal post-Clearance settlement, where all the resourcefulness inherent in the Highland character had to be called on to ensure survival in a harsh, inhospitable terrain.  Tenants were expected to augment their diet with fish but the coastal cliffs are very high and rugged and although Poulouriscaig is thought to mean "Pool of the Anchorage" fishing was not an easy option.

The houses have lost their roofs but most of the walls are still intact and the land is still green in contrast to the surrounding heather, clearly showing where each boundary existed. 

MGS Festival of Museums Saturday 14 May 2011

Ulpan

Saturday morning started early with a taster of Ulpan Gaelic by Alasdair Macleod a fun way of learning Gaelic which was enjoyed by all who took part, particularly the game of charades which was real light hearted fun. Everyone was full of enthusiasm for this method of Gaelic teaching and declared an interest in the Ulpan classes to be held later in the year.

Afternoon Events

After the Ulpan, refreshments were provided while the children searched for ‘odd man out' - modern items misplaced in a mseum. They also had to search for four small boxes, press a button and learn a Gaelic word. Following on from this was musical entertainment by the young children of the Feis, Hannah, Anna & Jolie. A guided tour was given by long standing stalwart of the museum Elliot Rudie with his usual knowledge and enthusiasm for the museum.

The afternoon followed on with a Harmonica workshop by Donald Black. He gave an enthusiastic talk about the instrument and provided Harmonicas, recommended for his workshop. After getting everyone kitted out with with the notes taped to the instrument they were all blowing enthusiastically practicing the scales and a few well known tunes. He advised "No Coronation Street or Emmerdale practice practice practice".

"Voice of the People" Talk

The weekend concluded with a talk by well known historian Malcolm Bangor Jones on "The Voice of the People" in the Farr Edge. The people in question were the tenants of Sutherland Estates in the centuries leading up to the Sutherland Clearances and through that period itself.  Only a small number attended the talk but it was an appreciative audience who were enlightened and entertained.

"Facal"

The museum staff were assisted with the events of the weekend by "Facal" (www.facal.co.uk) partners Alasdair & Catriona Macleod and much credit has to be given to them for all their work in securing the artistes and putting the programme of events together.

MGS Festival of Museums

Ceilidh

Friday the 13th, unlucky for some, but it was a lucky night for the Strathnaver Museum when they held their Ceilidh as part of the Festival of Museums Event in Bettyhill Village Hall as the visitors flocked in and extra tables had to be put out so they all could get a seat.

One of our museum directors Frances Gunn from the nearby village of Tongue was a very able ‘Bean an Taigh' for the evening. The Ceilidh opened with the skirl of the pipes from Hannah MacDonald of Bettyhill. This was followed by a varied programme of music, song and dance.

Young Duncan and Rhona Macleod, grandchildren of locals Flora and Billy Gordon sang in beautiful harmony and Colin MacDonald from Farr also sang in his native Gaelic. Step dancing was performed by Tara Smart accompanied by the voice of Catriona Macleod. Another grandchild of locals Greta and John O'Brien, Sophie Mackay, entertained everyone with traditional Highland Dancing. Music was provided by local girls Eilidh and Lynsey Munro on the accordion and fiddle respectively amd Erin Cook playing a solo on the fiddle who also accompanied the local Feis children in a folk group led by Carol-Anne Mackay of Hannah, Tori, Claire, Lexie and Anna selection of music and song. Frances and Muir Grant, the Grandchildren of Emily Campbell, a past Trustee of the Museum also entertained us with tunes on the accordian.

The guest artiste Donald Black proved to be as outstanding as was portrayed on his Harmonica amazing everyone with his skill. He was ably accompanied by Catriona Macleod on keyboard and Rhona Sutherland on guitar.

There was an interval where tea and home baking was provided and a raffle drawn, followed by a second half of equally high standard entertainment by the same artistes.

A total of £426 was raised including raffle money of £181.

04/05/11 Festival of Museums

Museums Galleries Scotland "Festival of Museums"

Strathnaver Museum are holding the following events over the weekend.

Friday 13 May 2011 at 8.00 pm:

Ceilidh: Bettyhill Village Hall
Guest Artiste Ace Harmonica Player Donald Black with supporting local artistes in Song, Music and Dance - Admission £5.00, Concessions £3.00 - Tea and Home Baking - BYOB.

Saturday 14th May:

At the Museum:
10.30 to 12.00 am: Come along for a Free Taster Class in "Ulpan Gaelic for Adults" - the new fast, fun and effective way to learn Gaelic. Book your place by phoning the museum (01641 521418).
This event will be followed by Tea & Home Baking and Entertainment by the children of the local Feis, a Guided Tour of the museum by Elliot Rudie and a Treasure Hunt for children.

3.00 pm to 5.00 pm:
Donald Black "Harmonica Workshop" - Come along and learn to play and don't worry if you don't have a Harmonica you will be able to purchase one for a small charge.

At the Farr Edge:
7.30 pm Farr Edge:
Talk by Malcolm Bangor Jones on "The Voices of the People" - Excellent speaker and author of "Population Lists of Strathnaver, Strathy & Strath Halladale" and "Assynt Clearances".

08/08/10 Mineral Collection

OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF NEW COLLECTION

In April 2010, the Museum received part of a mineral collection from the late Alaisdair Mackay of Bettyhill.

The official launch of the collection took place at the Museum on August 8th 2010 with Mr Mackay's family in attendance as well as staff and Directors from the Museum. Other parts of the collection have gone to Glasgow University and the USA.

His widow and mother spoke about his life-long fascination for collecting minerals which started out as a boy and continued throughout his life resulting in a large and varied collection of minerals from many countries.

A short speech was made by Tommy Mackay, Chair of the Trustees, thanking the family for the collection.

The mineral collection can be viewed in the Clan Mackay room at the Museum.