Clan Macpherson Museum
Free clan museum in Newtonmore telling the story of Clan Macpherson through artefacts such as the Black Chanter and Jacobite memorabilia.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Clan Macpherson Museum opened in 1952 to house clan treasures that had previously been kept by individual families. Over the decades it has grown in size and standing and now holds a wide collection of objects of historical importance, displayed in the Highland village of Newtonmore in the Cairngorms.
The exhibition is arranged as a chronological journey from the early origins of the clan to the present day. Artefacts, Jacobite memorabilia, personal items and documents are grouped into themed displays on family and belonging, land and landscape, and loyalty and rebellion. The galleries were refurbished in 2020. Well-known items include the Black Chanter, the Cumberland Medallion, portraits of Eliza and Robert, a portrait of Ewen Macpherson of Cluny, Jamie Macpherson's broken fiddle and a caman about 200 years old.
The museum is owned and run by the Clan Macpherson Museum Trust, a registered Scottish charity. It receives no government or local authority funding and relies on visitor donations and on support from members of the Clan Macpherson Association. It is accredited by Museums Galleries Scotland and Arts Council England.
Highlights
- The Black Chanter and the Cumberland Medallion
- Jamie Macpherson's broken fiddle
- A 200-year-old caman
- Jacobite memorabilia and clan portraits
- Guides in eight languages via QR codes
- Children's play area and dress-up box
Permanent exhibition
- Clan Macpherson permanent exhibition – A chronological display of artefacts, portraits, Jacobite memorabilia and documents telling the story of Clan Macpherson, refurbished in 2020.
- Founded
- 1952
- Operated by
- Clan Macpherson Museum Trust (Scottish charity SC020005)
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
| Adults | free |
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Entry is free. A donation of 10 pounds is suggested to support the museum's running costs.
Accessibility
- 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
Ramp access for wheelchairs and prams, an accessible toilet with baby changing and dedicated disabled parking spaces in the free car park. Dogs are welcome inside on a lead.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
- Stroller-friendly
- Baby changing facilities
- Playground / play area
The museum lists family-friendly activities, including the children's play area Cluny's Cave with books, colouring and toys, and a dress-up box with costumes for all ages. There is a baby-changing facility in the accessible toilet and ramp access for prams.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Newtonmore railway station · 10-min walk
The museum is a 10-minute walk from Newtonmore railway station, and buses stop directly outside the entrance. Cyclists can use National Cycle Route 7, which passes through Newtonmore.
By car
Free parking
Free car park behind the museum with disabled spaces, also for bicycles and small coaches; entry from the A86.
- Accessible parking
The museum is on Main Street in Newtonmore, just past the petrol station when arriving on the B9150. From the A9, leave at Kingussie for the A86 or at Newtonmore for the B9150. What3Words: hours.parrot.evolution.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
Gift shop with souvenirs, books, local crafts and clan memorabilia. Multilingual guides are available through QR codes in eight languages.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Good to know | Guides in eight languages are available by scanning QR codes. |
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