Arctic Convoy Museum

About the museum

The idea for a museum goes back to 1998, when four veterans proposed a place at Loch Ewe to remember the Arctic convoys that sailed to northern Russia during the Second World War. The project was registered as a charity in 2011 under the name Russian Arctic Convoy (Museum) Project and was renamed the Arctic Convoy Museum in April 2024.

In 2017 a former butcher’s shop on the edge of Aultbea became the exhibition centre. The museum bought the building in 2018 with support from the Scottish Land Fund and Highland Leader and later had it refurbished and fitted with air-source heat pumps. Visitors see a single gallery with display cases, text panels and a short film.

Many objects were given by veterans and their families. The museum also keeps an archive of stories and images from more than 5,500 veterans and is working towards full accreditation. Outside the building, the Loch Ewe Wartime Trail, opened in 2021, links former wartime sites around the loch with information boards, mosaics and silhouette sculptures. About 7,200 people visited during the 2024 season.

Highlights

• Displays on the Arctic convoys and the wartime role of Loch Ewe
• Archive of stories and images from more than 5,500 veterans
• Austin 8 NAAFI van “Bertie”, on loan to the museum
• Loch Ewe Wartime Trail with information boards and sculptures
• Learning area and convoy quiz for children

Permanent exhibitions

• Arctic Convoys and Loch Ewe – A single gallery with display cases, text panels and a film about the Arctic convoys of the Second World War and the role of Loch Ewe as a convoy base.
• Loch Ewe Wartime Trail – An outdoor trail of information boards, mosaics and sculptures at former wartime sites around Loch Ewe, open at all times.

Operated by

Arctic Convoy Museum (registered Scottish charity)

Visitors per year

approx. 7,200 (2024)

Admission & discounts

Members enter free. A one-off membership fee gives unlimited entry for one year.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The centre is a single-storey building with level access in the gallery. There are two steep steps up to the front door, which has a handrail; a portable ramp can be put out if you call ahead. The entrance door is 83 cm wide and the door into the display area 78 cm. One bay in front of the building can be reserved for a visitor with a disability. The accessible toilet needs no key. A wheelchair can be reserved in advance, and seating is available in the gallery. There is no induction loop. The introduction is available as text and in large print. All dogs, including assistance dogs, are welcome.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide

The museum offers children a learning area and a convoy quiz.

Getting there & parking

The car park is entered directly from the A832, part of the North Coast 500 route, just north of Aultbea village. The entrance is marked by flags at the roadside.

Amenities & dining

• Café: not available
• Museum shop
• Wi-Fi

There is no café, but tea and coffee are served at reception and there are picnic tables in the grounds. The shop sells books, gifts and local crafts and takes card payments. The museum lists Wi-Fi among its visitor facilities.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit