Explore history at Laidhay Croft Museum
Visit Laidhay Croft Museum in Dunbeath
Laidhay Croft Museum is a historic thatched long house, which was home to the Bethune family from 1842 to 1968. Since 1974 it has been a public museum, which shows what life and work was like for a traditional crofter family in Caithness. Here, you can explore the house, stable, byre and detached buildings, all frozen in time. There is also a modern shed which displays the museum’s large collection of farming equipment.
On a 14-day NC500 trip staying in 10 different hotels, this one stood out food wise as the best, including over some more expensive accommodation. We had a DBB rate. Usually hotels only provide a table d’hote menu if dinner is included but McKays allowed us full range of the menu. Our dinner was perfect even without a glass of wine to go with our steaks due to covid regs in Scotland. The breakfast was also the best on our trip. Top marks to the kitchen staff. I gather the hotel is family run over a couple of generations and it shows. Friendly, attentive staff at reception and restaurant. Warm and welcoming.
Discover local Caithness history
The croft is laid out over 16 acres of arable land. The single-storey long house is typical of a 19th-century crofter’s dwelling. The main house is in the centre of the building, with the byre on the right and the stables on the left. There is a detached barn with an original cruck roof and a cart shed on the croft. A visit to Laidhay Croft Museum is like stepping back in time. The building remains as it was in the 1800s and 1900s, filled with old family furnishings and possessions.
Visiting the museum
How to get there
Laidhay Croft is just off the A9, about a mile northeast of Dunbeath village. Get directions. There is a small admission charge to visit the museum, and there is also a welcoming tea room on the croft.
Dunbeath village, Caithness
While visiting the Dunbeath area, you may also wish to stop at historical attractions such as Dunbeath Castle Gardens, Dunbeath Heritage Museum and the Clann Gunn Heritage Centre. Dunbeath has a rich history, stretching back to the Iron Age, and it is the birthplace of the influential novelist and writer, Neil M. Gunn.
Caithness history and heritage
Explore more local history with Mackays
Mackays Hotel is located in a historic area, with so much to discover during your stay with us. So, find more history and heritage sites in the far north of Scotland, and check out lots of other great things to do near Wick in our See and Do Guide.
Explore more below…
