Auchindrain Township

About the museum

Auchindrain is described as the last remaining Highland township of its type. A township was a small farming community where several families shared the land and the work, growing food and raising cattle and, from about 1850, sheep. From about 1750 landowners pursued agricultural improvement, which over roughly a hundred years pushed most townships out of existence. Auchindrain remained a genuine township into the 1930s, when the number of tenants fell to one.

Farming at Auchindrain ended in 1963 and the last residents left in 1967. The site has been open to visitors as a museum since 1968 and is accredited as a museum. It is owned and run by the Auchindrain Trust, a Scottish charity, with help from Historic Environment Scotland towards running costs.

The 22-acre site keeps its traditional scatter of simple buildings rather than having been rebuilt as a modern farm, and the Scottish Government recognises the buildings as nationally significant. Visitors can walk freely through the houses and farm buildings, which are furnished with everyday objects, and see the grazing areas and former crop land. The barns hold old farming tools and implements.

Highlights

• Preserved Highland township with restored longhouses
• Houses furnished with everyday objects
• Barns with traditional farming tools
• Walks through the former grazing and crop land
• Online interactive tour

Permanent exhibition

• The township – A preserved township with restored longhouses, byres, stables and fields, showing how families lived and worked the land together.

Founded

1968

Operated by

Auchindrain Trust (Urras Achadh an Droighinn), Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation

Admission & discounts

Local residents pay the concession price of £5. Tickets can be used at any time during opening hours and are valid for one year from purchase. Children aged 16 or under must be accompanied by an adult. Prices may change without notice.

Accessibility

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

The paths are outdoors and the ground varies, so surfaces can be uneven, grassy or gravel and sturdy footwear is recommended. The museum advises contacting the team for further accessibility information.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

Auchindrain is on the A83, six miles south of Inveraray and two miles north of Furnace. Drive times: about 1 hour from Oban and 1 hour 40 minutes from Glasgow.

Amenities & dining

The website does not list a café, shop or toilets; the team can be contacted for details.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit