Waterlines
Heritage museum and visitor centre at Lybster harbour telling the story of the village and its herring fishing, with a coffee shop and craft shop.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Waterlines is the home of Lybster Heritage Trust, a community group set up in December 1997. The centre occupies restored buildings beside Lybster harbour on the Caithness coast and tells the story of the village, from its natural history to the 19th and early 20th century fishing industry. At the height of the herring boom more than 100 herring boats used the harbour, and the displays show how fish were salted and smoked.
Besides the permanent exhibition, which includes an outdoor timeline looking out over the shore, the centre has a space for changing exhibitions with work by local artists and objects linked to the village. It also hosts events, social groups and workshops. A coffee shop with indoor and outdoor seating and a small gift shop with local crafts are part of the centre. The harbour is still used by a few local boats that set creels for lobster, crab and prawn.
Highlights
- Permanent exhibition on Lybster and its herring-fishing heyday
- Outdoor timeline overlooking the shore
- Changing exhibitions by local artists
- Coffee shop and gift shop with local crafts
- Sheltered pebble beach and lighthouse by the harbour
Permanent exhibition
- The story of Lybster – Displays on the village’s natural history and its 19th and early 20th century herring-fishing industry, with an outdoor timeline.
- Founded
- 2001
- Operated by
- Lybster Heritage Trust
Admission & discounts
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
The centre describes itself as family and dog friendly. A sheltered pebble beach is beside the building.
Getting there & parking
By car
Parking available
Customer parking in front of the building.
The centre is reached by a winding single-track road down to the harbour. The John O’Groats Trail walking route runs behind the centre and the North Coast 500 driving route passes through the village.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
- Museum shop
Coffee shop with indoor and outdoor seating, and a small gift shop selling local crafts.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Good to know | The centre also runs events, workshops and social groups; see the events page of its website. |
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