What to do and see in Argyll and Bute, Scotland: The Best History Museums

Sorry, closed at present due to COVID-19 restrictions. Entertaining and fascinating historic displays, models, pictures and videos. Home to a collection of photographs, artefacts and genealogical records related to the social and industrial life of the Slate Islands of Argyll. Located in the picturesque seaside village and departure point to Easdale Island Ferry. Entry free, donations welcome. Local artwork and souvenirs available.

Fully OPEN pre-booking not required. The health and well-being of our visitors and team is our highest priority and special arrangements will be in place for the foreseeable future. Step back almost two centuries and discover the stories of the real men, women and children who were tried and served their sentences in this prison. Visit the Courtroom; explore the Cells in the Old and New Prisons; try out the wooden beds and hammocks; sample the punishments; experience the Whipping Table; take your turn at the Crank Wheel. Meet the Warder and Prisoners and get locked up in the Airing Yards. Listen to dramatic true tales from the characters in the Jail’s past brought to life with our FREE interactive audio guides. Available in six languages.

A visit to Auchindrain is a chance to see a forgotten way of Highland life. Auchindrain is the last surviving Highland farm township, a type of settlement found across Scotland from the Middle Ages until the late 18th century. Social and economic change arising from industrialisation and new ways of farming then saw most townships improved out of existence, but Auchindrain survived until the 1960s as the last of its kind. The site is now run as a museum and visitors can explore the land and buildings with the assistance of our interactive guide-tablets. Auchindrain, which is run by an independent charity, is a conservation work in progress. It is a Category A listed site that remains proudly authentic and true to history. Gritty realism and the ever-changing Highland weather are not for everyone, so please visit us properly prepared, ready to learn about and understand the hard every day life of our ancestors.

A small museum with craft shop. The museum is a working Smiddy with traditional fire forge, anvil, bellows and a wide range of blacksmithing tools dating back hundreds of years. At weekends there is a local blacksmith who demonstrates how to make traditional items such as pokers and toasting forks etc.