Biggar and Upper Clydesdale Museum

About the museum

Biggar Museum Trust is an independent registered charity that collects, stores and records the archaeological, social and historical heritage of Biggar and Upper Clydesdale. Its modern museum was opened by The Princess Royal on 16 October 2015 and holds a VisitScotland 5-star rating.

The galleries follow the story of the area from Scotland's earliest people through Neolithic farmers, the Copper and Bronze Ages, the Iron Age and medieval settlements. Later sections cover Biggar and the House of Fleming, the Covenanters and other religious protesters, upland farmers of the 17th century and rural life in the 19th century.

Other displays tell of the Crimean heroes and of the Polish soldiers who were based in the district, and the Gladstone Court streetscape recreates a street of historic shops and rooms. The trust also keeps an archive that can be explored digitally or in person.

Highlights

• 14,000 years of Upper Clydesdale history
• Gladstone Court streetscape
• Galleries from the earliest people to the Iron Age and medieval settlements
• Displays on the Covenanters, Crimean heroes and Polish soldiers
• Archive open to visitors

Permanent exhibition

• The Land and People – Galleries on the history of Upper Clydesdale from the earliest people to the 20th century, with the Gladstone Court streetscape.

Founded

2015

Operated by

Biggar Museum Trust

Admission & discounts

Residents of the ML12 postcode area enter free with proof of residency. Group discounts are available.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• 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 museum describes itself as fully accessible. There is a hearing loop, a museum wheelchair for loan, large print guides and audio transcripts. Flexible opening hours can be arranged for visitors who need a quiet space.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Baby changing facilities

Children can use a dress-up box, historic games and toys, a working telephone exchange and museum quizzes, and can try writing their name in a historic alphabet. A baby changing facility is available.

Getting there & parking

Biggar is on the A702, 30 miles south-west of Edinburgh and 10 miles south-east of Lanark. It is 15 minutes from junction 13 of the M74 at Abington. Sat nav postcode: ML12 6DH.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

There is a museum gift shop.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

A special exhibition room of 6.7 m by 7.4 m can be hired for meetings, exhibitions and community events. A hanging system, projector and lectern are included, and outside catering is allowed.

Plan your visit