Land, Sea and Islands Centre

About the museum

The Land, Sea and Islands Centre stands on the shore in Arisaig on the site of the village smiddy, and the blacksmith's original forge and bellows are still there. The collection of objects and photographs has grown since 1999, when the former smiddy first opened to the public. The Arisaig Community Trust took over the running of the building in 2012, a full asset transfer followed in 2013, and in 2015 the interior was refurbished with sustainable materials as part of the Arisaig Eco Project.

Today the centre is the village's heritage, wildlife and visitor hub. It is owned and run by the community, with one part-time manager and a team of volunteers. The exhibitions cover crofting, fishing, knitting, archaeology and natural history, and a large section is devoted to the Special Operations Executive, which trained more than 3,000 agents around Arisaig during the Second World War, including Czech soldiers. The centre also looks after the Arisaig and South Morar Record of Service, an illuminated book that commemorates local people who served in the First World War. Planning permission has been granted for an extension with more exhibition space.

Highlights

• The blacksmith's original forge and bellows
• Displays on the Special Operations Executive training in Arisaig
• Arisaig and South Morar Record of Service 1914-18
• Neolithic stone found on the Rhu peninsula
• Room with a View over Arisaig bay, with binoculars to borrow

Permanent exhibitions

• Local heritage on land and sea – Objects and photographs on crofting, fishing, knitting and archaeology around Arisaig, with the smiddy's original forge.
• Wartime espionage – Material on the Special Operations Executive agents, including Czech soldiers, who trained around Arisaig in the Second World War.
• Natural history – Information on the land and marine wildlife of Arisaig bay, with natural history books and binoculars for spotting birds and otters.

Founded

1999

Operated by

Arisaig Community Trust

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Admission is free; donations are welcome.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• 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 centre reports that it has reserved disabled parking and that the building is accessible to all.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

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

The centre describes itself as family-friendly, with hands-on exhibits and activities for children, bird-spotting charts and natural objects to handle.

Getting there & parking

The centre is in the village of Arisaig on the shore of Loch nan Ceall.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

The gift shop sells Scottish books, local crafts, walking leaflets and maps. A reading and viewing area looks out over Arisaig bay, and binoculars can be borrowed.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit