Auchindrain Township

Find Scotland Tours that visit Auchindrain Township.

Auchindrain Museum is a unique example of an original 18th century Highland township. We rate this attraction highly because it has an authenticity that is tangible. Sometimes when you are visiting other museums the exhibits feel a bit "staged", but at Auchindrain you know you are seeing something genuine.

What makes Auchindrain of particular interest is the fact that other villages of this type were destroyed by the Highland Clearances. This little community survived those turbulant times and the last inhabitant only left in 1962.

The tour of Auchindrain township starts with a display of some of the more fragile and valuable articles that would have been owned by the villagers. The most notable of these exhibit items is a large and ingeniously constructed weaving loom made from bits of drift wood. It looks like something from the "Flintstones", but is a marvellous example of the skill and self reliance of the Crofters.

After this exhibition you are free to wander around the buildings of the township. Each of them has an information board giving details about its use, its distinctive features and some snippets of information about the occupants. You appreciate just how easy we have it these days when you see the small box beds and basic living conditions. For example, only one of the crofts has a sink in it!

Some of the houses retain period furniture and there are lots of old farming tools in the barns. It really does look as if the villagers just gathered up what they could carry and left. However, there are still some occupants! A very bold group of free range hens who aren't in the slightest bit intimidated by visitors.

Auchindrain Township has a lot of charm and we really enjoyed our visit. This isn't a polished visitor attraction, but this is what adds to its individuality and is part of its appeal.

If you are a Scottish descendant returning to trace family roots, then you should consider a visit to Auchindrain. It is one of the best places in Scotland for "touching" the history of ordinary people.

It is located about 6 miles south of Inveraray, on the A83 to Lochgilphead, and is easily seen from the road.

 

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