Museums in Thurso

Scotland, United Kingdom

Thurso, the northernmost town on the British mainland in Scotland, offers visitors a range of museums that provide a deep insight into the history, culture, and nature of the region.

North Coast Visitor Centre

The North Coast Visitor Centre, opened in November 2021, is located in the historic Thurso Town Hall and adjacent Carnegie Library. Spanning three floors, a permanent exhibition tells the history of Caithness from the Devonian period to the present. Highlights include the "Stones Room" with locally discovered Pictish artifacts, the collection of botanist and geologist Robert Dick, and a detailed look at the history of Dounreay and its impact on Caithness.

Thurso Heritage Museum

Housed in the former Carnegie Library, the Thurso Heritage Museum offers a comprehensive overview of local history. The collection includes artifacts from various epochs, including prehistoric finds, Victorian items, and memorabilia from the time of the Dounreay nuclear power plant. The museum provides a vivid impression of life in Thurso and the surrounding area over the centuries.

Castlehill Heritage Centre

Located in a historic building, the Castlehill Heritage Centre is dedicated to the history of the region, particularly the time of the Vikings and the Picts. The exhibitions include artifacts, replicas, and interactive displays that illustrate the life and culture of these early inhabitants of Scotland. Visitors can learn more about the archaeological finds and the historical significance of the region.

These museums offer a deep insight into the rich history and culture of Thurso and the surrounding region and are of interest to any visitor.