Historic Assynt

05/09/2026

Stories from the archive - The Ardvreck Brooch

This twenty-carat, gold ring brooch was found near Ardvreck Castle in 1999.

As Scottish ring brooches are usually silver or copper alloy and fairly plain this is a particularly rare and valuable find. With its traces of blue, white and green enamelling on both sides and carving of the highest quality, it is a fine example of craftsmanship.

The old Scots inscription "Feir God In Hiart" with the initials "C.M.A." and the date "1600" give tantalising clues to the owner's identity. No connection with any of the local families has been established and it may have belonged to a visitor of some wealth, possibly from the south of Scotland.

It's currently in the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery.

30/08/2026

Fancy getting involved in archaeology in Assynt?

We’re exploring the potential for an archaeology and heritage field school in Assynt from 2027 — and we’d like to hear from people who might be interested in taking part.

The idea is still at an early stage. We’re looking at what a pilot field school could offer, who it should be for, what kinds of skills people would most value, and what practical barriers might affect participation.

Potential activities could include archaeological excavation, survey and recording, landscape archaeology, archive research, finds work, GIS and digital methods, crofting landscapes, community archaeology and interpretation.

We’re particularly keen to hear from:

• local residents and volunteers
• archaeology and heritage students
• early-career archaeologists
• people interested in gaining practical archaeological skills
• lifelong learners

You do not need any previous archaeological experience to complete the survey.

Your responses will help us shape the pilot before any final decisions are made.

https://forms.gle/2J46G4uTeaBUkexw9

The survey will remain open until 21 September 2026.

Please feel free to share this with anyone who may be interested.

Thank you

29/08/2026

Stories from the Archive - Ministers and Missionaries of the Old Parish Church of Assynt.

The religious history of Assynt can be traced through a long succession of clergy associated with the parish. Records extend back into the 15th century, through the post-Reformation parish ministry and into the period when ministers based at Lochinver also preached at Kirkton, Stoer and Elphin.

This compiled list records known early churchmen, parish ministers and summer missionaries connected with the Old Parish Church of Assynt.

24/08/2026

A question for you all. We are thinking of making some more videos (ideally with a proper mic and not on a windy day) but it is you our audience who decide.

Would you like us to do some more of this stuff?
Personally don't like being in front of camera, but would you prefer scenery or a presented video?
Any suggestions for stories we should be sharing?
All thoughts welcome!

22/08/2026

Stories from the archive - MacLeod of Assynt Family Tree

For several centuries the MacLeods of Assynt were one of the principal families shaping the history of Assynt. Their story is closely connected with Ardvreck Castle, built by the family in the 16th century, and with the wider political and social history of the area.

This family tree traces the MacLeods of Assynt from the medieval period through the generations associated with Ardvreck, showing marriages, succession and connections with other Highland families.

A few years ago, our very own Helen Morrison had an encounter with the current Chief!

The church was open one Saturday morning & cleaning was being done, when a couple came in & asked if they could look around. The conversation that followed eventually revealed that the visitor was John MacLeod of Raasay , the eighteenth chieftain of that family line. This was his first visit to the churchyard & his interest in the family burial vault was naturally evident, being able to go into the vault and to take photographs. His family has been in Tasmania for four generations.

As Helen says, we should never be surprised who visits the church, but we often are!

15/08/2026

Stories from the Archive - Loch Assynt Golf Course

As we've been doing so much with the archive over the last few months, we thought we'd start sharing some of the wonderful maps, plans, stories and more that we hold.

Just before the First World War, a nine-hole golf course was laid out in the area between the ruins of Ardvreck Castle and Calda House.

It was designed by Eric Chaplin, the Duke of Sutherland’s grandson, and maintained by James MacKenzie of Inchnadamph with his grass-cutting machine and roller, both pulled by a pony. He also issued tickets to golfers and collected their fees, which were fixed at one shilling per day.

Chaplin’s guests from Loch Assynt Lodge would often arrive at the course on a steam launch and remnants of the jetty where it moored can still be seen near the castle.

Looking closely in the landscape you can still see the remains of one of the greens, across the road.

At a recent roadshow we heard tell of a 9 hole course at Stoer Green. If anyone has any more information about this, we’d love to hear from you!

04/08/2026

We love a little oddity and probably walked past this one a few times without even noticing it. Just to the right of the Ardroe path as you come down from the wee lochan on the top at the Glendarrach end. Im assuming a shelter for sheep, but open to any better ideas.

Don't forget, the old kirk is open on Thursday afternoons for the next 3 weeks.

01/08/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us at our Community Archive Roadshow events.

It was wonderful to see so many people exploring historic maps, tracing the history of their homes and crofts, and sharing stories about the area's rich heritage.

We're always looking to improve these events and would really appreciate your feedback.

If you attended, could you spare just one minute to complete our short survey? Your comments will help shape the rest of this year's programme and future Historic Assynt projects.

Thank you.

📋 Survey link

Thank you to everyone who joined us at our Community Archive Roadshows! It was wonderful to see so many people exploring historic maps, tracing the history of their homes and crofts, and sharing stories about the area's rich heritage. We're always looking to improve these events and would really app...

23/07/2026

Just a reminder that the Community Archive at the Old Kirk, Inchnadamph is open this afternoon, 1.30pm til 4pm, and Thursday afternoons for the next 4 weeks.

Maybe we didn't have a plan or map at a roadshow that you wanted to see? Come see the full archive and of course the cannons! 🤩

22/07/2026

A huge thank you to everyone, both local and from further afield who came along to the Community Archive Roadshow - Unapool. It was wonderful to see such a fantastic turnout.

One of the highlights of the day was having the original plans for the school building that now houses the Rock Stop. It was a real pleasure to meet former teachers and pupils, and to hear so many memories sparked by the archives.

I may have been gently lured across the Assynt boundary once or twice during the conversations, but it only served to remind us that these lines are administrative, not community ones. Our shared history doesn’t stop at a map!

In fact, those conversations have already led to plans for another collaboration later this year. Watch this space!