Castlehill Heritage Centre

About the museum

Castlehill Heritage Centre is run by the Castletown Heritage Society in the village of Castletown, near Thurso in Caithness. It occupies a steading and dairy that date back to the 17th century, which were renovated in stages from 2006, and it was operating by May 2007. The centre uses renewable energy, including a biomass boiler.

The centre stands beside the former flagstone quarry and cutting yard. The workings were the first in the country to exploit the commercial possibilities of flagstone, started by James Traill in the 18th century, and the stone was exported around the world, which is why Castletown is known as the Flagstone Village. The Traill family estate and the RAF station that defended Scapa Flow in the Second World War also form part of the local story.

Themed exhibitions through the year cover the history, heritage, biodiversity and social history of Castletown and the parish of Olrig. An archaeological research facility next door has a public viewing gallery where visitors can watch finds being washed and catalogued. Outside, a Flagstone Heritage Trail explains how the stone was produced and a Sculpture Trail in the community woodland shows artistic uses of it. The courtyard Heritage Garden was completed in 2010. The society also runs workshops in skills such as rope making and drystone dyking and offers guided village walks.

Highlights

• Exhibitions on Castletown, the flagstone trade and the parish of Olrig
• Flagstone Heritage Trail beside the former quarry and cutting yard
• Sculpture Trail in the community woodland
• Heritage Garden with a drystone raised bed shaped like a boat
• Viewing gallery of the archaeological research facility

Permanent exhibition

• Castletown and the parish of Olrig – Themed displays on the industrial, maritime, military, agricultural and social heritage of Castletown, including the flagstone trade and RAF Castletown.

Founded

2007

Operated by

Castletown Heritage Society

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Entry is by donation. Cash, cards and phone payment apps are accepted.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• 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 and the Heritage Garden are step-free; the narrowest access point inside the building is 860 mm. Wheelchairs and assistance are available on request, and a hearing loop is available during evening talks and presentations. Blue Badge parking is next to the entrance. Assistance dogs and well-behaved pet dogs are welcome.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

Families and schoolchildren are especially welcome, and dressing-up experiences may be available on certain days and with some exhibitions.

Getting there & parking

The centre is about six miles east of Thurso and is signposted from the A836 in the village centre, opposite the SPAR shop, and on the approach from Dunnet. There are no electric vehicle charging points in the village; the nearest are in Thurso (6 miles) and at Gills Ferry (9 miles).

Amenities & dining

• Café: not available
• Museum shop

There is no café. A small retail area sells the society's publications and local souvenirs, packed lunches can be eaten at picnic tables in the Heritage Garden, and heritage-themed cream teas are served on Sunday afternoons in August.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit