Museum nan Eilean Lionacleit
Free museum gallery in Sgoil Lionacleit on Benbecula showing changing exhibitions from the Outer Hebrides heritage service; entry by donation.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Museum nan Eilean Lionacleit is the Uist branch of the Outer Hebrides heritage service run by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, and a sister museum of Museum nan Eilean in Stornoway. It is housed in Sgoil Lionacleit, the secondary school on the Isle of Benbecula, and has marked parking in the school grounds.
The museum has no permanent exhibition. Its gallery shows a programme of displays that changes several times a year, including exhibitions made by the museum, touring shows from national museums, highlight objects from the collection, project displays and exhibitions by local community groups. Many displays include items from the museum collections.
The gallery is on a single ground-floor level. Staff also run workshops for schools and other groups, and the school canteen is open to the public during school holidays.
Highlights
- Changing exhibitions throughout the year
- Touring shows and displays by local community groups
- Entry by donation
- Step-free gallery on one level
- Founded
- 1989
- Operated by
- Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (Heritage Service)
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
Entry is by donation, with £5 per person suggested.
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
The gallery is on one ground-floor level. A female accessible toilet is in the school near the public toilets; there is no dedicated adult changing area. Lightweight stools are available, and a magnifying frame can be borrowed on request. There are two marked disabled bays near the entrance (a Blue Badge must be displayed). Assistance animals are welcome.
Kids & families
Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult outside school hours. The museum website points to a Families and Young People section for activities.
Getting there & parking
By car
Parking available
Parking is in the school grounds, with two marked disabled bays near the entrance. Visitors should not park in the bus parking area during school hours.
- Accessible parking
The museum is in Sgoil Lionacleit, about a 10-minute drive from Balivanich.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
No food or drink is allowed in the gallery. The school canteen is open to the public during school holidays.
Events & venue rental
As far as we know, the museum does not rent out spaces for external events.
Venue hire is not offered at Lionacleit; the Learning Room and the Special Exhibitions Gallery in Stornoway can be hired.
Plan your visit
| School programs | yes |
|---|---|
| Photography | Hand-held cameras may be used for private, non-commercial purposes. Photographing people needs their permission; commercial filming needs prior arrangement. |
| Good to know | Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult outside school hours. Staff run workshops for schools and other groups. |
