Top 5 History Museums in Outer Hebrides, Scotland

Enjoy a beautiful new museum set in the stunning Castle Grounds in Stornoway. Discover the distinctiveness of the Outer Hebrides, shaped by a unique combination of land, sea and people, and view our islands as never before in a wrap-around audio-visual presentation. Hear from islanders in a series of videos and audio interviews about the Gaelic language, work, religion, emigration and community. Youngsters can dress up to perform various island jobs, learn some Gaelic, and enjoy imaginative activities.

This site is closed for now. We’re working hard to gradually reopen the places you love while making sure the experience is safe for everyone. Gain a unique insight into island life at no. 42 Arnol. This traditional, fully furnished thatched house once sheltered a family and its animals under the same roof. The ruined blackhouse at no. 39 can also be seen, together with the 1920s ‘white house’ that replaced it. White houses – in which a wall separated byre and dwelling – replaced many blackhouses around this time. Gaelic-speaking members of staff are usually on hand to answer queries about the crofting life on Lewis. Smell the peat smoke – even today the fire at the heart of the blackhouse is never allowed to go out. Peek inside the cosy box-beds in the bedroom, still complete with their original fabrics and furnishings. See the byre just as it was left in 1966, only without the cows.

The Visitor Centre is located at The Nurse's Cottage on the Isle of Berneray, North Uist, in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland. The facility is managed by Comann Eachdraidh Bheàrnaraigh (Berneray Historical Society) and contains much interesting information about the history of the island, it's people and their unique Gaelic culture. There is a large genealogical database, which can be used for tracing the ancestry of those people all over the world whose ancestors left the island at at various points in its history to start new lives elsewhere in the world. There is also information on particular Berneray attractions, including the birthplace of Aonghas Mor MacAsgaill (Giant MacAskill) who was born in Berneray in 1825, and who grew to be the world's tallest man. At the Visitor Centre we also provide information on the wildlife and natural history of our island, as well as general tourist information. Berneray Historical Society is a community group and the Centre is staffed entirely by volunteers. Entry is by donation - please give generously to support the continuing work of the Society and the upkeep of our building. We have a number of historical publications available for sale at the Centre. We are open June - August from 11am to 3pm, Monday to Friday. We look forward to welcoming you!

A small local museum run by volunteers of the Bernera Historical Society telling the story of the island of Great Bernera and its people. The genealogy collection is of interest to all with connections to Bernera. The society also run the Bosta Iron Age House and artifacts from the dig are on display in the museum. The Bernera Community café is also found in the same building