Weaver's Cottage
National Trust for Scotland cottage in Kilbarchan that recreates a hand-loom weaver's home and workshop, with a working loom and a dye garden.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Weaver's Cottage is a traditional hand-loom weaver's home in Kilbarchan, a village that was once at the centre of a thriving textile industry. The cottage is more than 200 years old and is cared for by the National Trust for Scotland. It recreates the living and working conditions of a typical hand-loom weaver, with low ceiling beams and period furniture that show life before the Industrial Revolution.
The last working hand loom in the village stands in the cottage. Today the weavers who work here specialise in making tartan on a 200-year-old loom. The shop sells items woven by hand on a traditional loom, which is unusual in Scotland.
The cottage garden grows traditional dye plants such as woad and madder alongside a wide range of cottage garden plants. The cottage also holds an art collection of local townscapes and a collection of historic shawls that is currently being researched and conserved. The story of Willie Meikle, one of the last Scottish hand-loom weavers of his generation, is part of the interpretation.
Highlights
- The last working hand loom in Kilbarchan
- Weaving of tartan on a 200-year-old loom
- Recreated weaver's living and working rooms
- Garden with traditional dye plants such as woad and madder
- Shop with hand-woven goods
- Collection of historic shawls and local townscape paintings
Permanent exhibition
- Weaver's home and workshop – A recreated hand-loom weaver's home with a working loom, period furniture and a dye plant garden.
- Founded
- 1955
- Operated by
- National Trust for Scotland
Admission & discounts
| Adults | £10 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | £7.50Concession |
| Children & teens | £5Child ticket |
| Families | £25Family ticket |
| One adult family | £15 |
| Young Scot card holders | £1 |
Admission is free for National Trust for Scotland members. The cottage takes part in ScotRail's 2-for-1 offer: two adults enter for the price of one with a valid rail ticket and a voucher.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- 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
Access to and around the cottage is difficult: there are two steps into the cottage, uneven floors, winding stairs and low ceilings. The garden is uneven and sloping with narrow gravel paths. A subtitled audiovisual programme is available.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Family ticket | £25 · Family ticket |
|---|
- Hands-on stations
The cottage is described as a hands-on museum and offers children's activities.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Bus 38 stop at the cottage
Bus 38 from Paisley, Glasgow and Johnstone rail station stops at the door.
By car
Free parking · 100 m to the entrance
Street parking beside the cottage and a free public car park about 100 m away.
Johnstone rail station is about 2 miles away. Kilbarchan lies 12 miles south-west of Glasgow.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
Shop selling items woven by hand on a traditional loom, as well as cushions, honey and preserves.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Guided and self-guided tours are available. Dogs on a lead are welcome in the garden. |
