Mystery Objects and Boxing Day Opening

Our archive of local related documents, photographs, objects and ephemera is a fascinating trip down memory lane - we gratefully accept donations of local themed objects that help tell the story of our area. Every object has a story to tell, sometimes personal to the person/family that donated it, sometimes just evidence of a trade, organisation, business or pastime that thrived at some point in our rich local history.

Can you identify these two recent donations to the Castlehill collection? Are you able to tell us what they were used for, or perhaps a story about them? Do drop by Castlehill Heritage Centre to let us know, or contact us by email. We would love to know more about them!

Castletown is looking resplendent with our new Christmas lights and the festive season feels well underway. You are invited to come along to Castlehill Heritage Centre on Boxing Day for some mulled wine, mincemeat pies and a good chinwag with friends old and new. You can be assured of a warm welcome! We'll be open from 2pm to 4pm, perfect for warming up after a post lunch stroll along Dunnet Beach.

Sweet music and our new podcast booklet at Castlehill

The last few weeks have been really busy at Castlehill, with our Pastimes from Past Times exhibition proving to be very popular with visitors. From board games and sport to music, handicrafts, and everything in between, the exhibition features articles, photographs and artefacts from recent times to a bygone age. Pictured are some visitors enjoying the sweet sound of an antique music box, and the less sweet sound from an early gramophone!

We know from our platform analytics that there have been almost 1200 downloads of episodes from our Olrig Observations series of podcasts - fantastic! Each podcast explores a variety of topics, ranging from objects of interest and stories of characters from history, to reminisences about past events of importance or amusement! Created by our volunteer members, each podcast offers a sometimes personal glimpse into some aspect of the social, industrial, agricultural, maritime, military and archaeological heritage of the village of Castletown within the Parish of Olrig in Caithness. All episodes are available to listen by clicking here or via the 'Podcasts and Videos' tab above.

It occurred to us that not everyone is 'podcast friendly' so we have transcribed and collated a selection of the podcasts and published them in booklet form. Olrig Observations - Volume 1 is now available to purchase for £5 - collect your copy at Castlehill Heritage Centre. Perfect, perhaps, for that Christmas stocking filler or sending to family members and friends, or why not treat yourself!

In our latest podcast released today - Apprenticeships -Muriel explores the concept of learning through an apprenticeship, a process which has, of course, a very long history. Looking into local examples from the past throws up some interesting facts! To listen to the podcast click the PLAY button.

Beekeepers Workshop at Castlehill

A large number of beekeepers and their families took part in a recent workshop at Castlehill organised by Olrig and District Beekeeping Association. Under the watchful eye of tutor Bryce Reynard they learned the art of constructing traditional bee-skeps from straw. Some participants also made straw hats with the same material. The photos below show the beekeepers hard at work.

Look out for more of the beekeepers' activities based at Castlehill Heritage Centre.

Pastimes from Past Times Exhibition

After a very successful run over the summer months, our ever popular Flagstones exhibition has now been replaced with Pastimes from Past Times, which explores how local people spent their leisure hours in times gone by.

From sport to music, handicrafts, and everything in between, the exhibition features articles, photographs and artefacts from recent times to a bygone age.

As usual, Castlehill Heritage Centre will be open from 2pm to 4pm every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday afternoon throughout the winter period (Christmas Day and New Year's day excepted).

Caithness & Sutherland Vintage & Classic Vehicle Club visits Castlehill

Castlehill Heritage Centre was delighted to host a visit from Caithness & Sutherland Vintage & Classic Vehicle Club on Sunday. Some forty enthusiasts arrived in an impressive range of beautifully tended vintage cars, classic cars, and commercial vehicles. Small groups of visitors were shown round each area of interest within the heritage centre by our knowledgeable guides.

By the end of the visit the volunteers at Castlehill had renewed old acquaintances, made many new contacts and were able to share stories of the flagstone industry, and the Second World War and its local impact. Also on display was our recently curated collection of fossils from Caithness and Sutherland, donated by the family of renowned amateur palaeontologist Jack Saxon.

With the visitors' interest in engines it is probably fair to say that the star attraction for most was our Rolls Royce Merlin engine from a war-time Hurricane aircraft. On hearing that the topic for the next exhibition was to be "Pastimes in past times", some of our weekend visitors immediately offered to contribute objects to the display. This is the spirit of collaboration from the public that makes Castlehill Heritage Centre such an interesting place to visit.

40th Anniversary Photo Competition Winner!

Over the summer months, as part of our activities to celebrate the 40th birthday of Castletown Heritage Society, we have been running a Photography Competition, the aim of which was to encourage children and young adults under 18 to become more aware of our wonderful Caithness landscapes, people and heritage. The results, as they say, are now in!

We are delighted to announce that Castletown youngster Jack Robertson was the winner with his entries in the landscape and heritage categories, both of which had a sea theme. The judges were impressed with his entries and offered helpful comments on how he could improve his technique even further.

Renovation of the old mill at Stanergill progressing well

We are delighted to see the progress in the renovation of the Old Mill at Stanergill. Congratulations to Martin Murray and Dunnet Bay Distillers for taking on the challenge of transforming this historic local building into a whisky distillery. The archives at Castlehill Heritage Centre have provided them with various forms of help both photographic and documentary.

The latest collaboration is evident in the firm's new product - a blended whisky aptly called Castletown Mill, whose labelling features James Traill of Rattar and Castlehill with the House at Castlehill in the background.

Mystery Object - Can you help identify it?

Whilst sorting through our eclectic collection of artefacts, we were puzzled as to the purpose of this object. The nameplate on the top states that is was manufactured by Melvin Bros Ltd, Causewayside, Edinburgh, and may date from the late 1940s/early 1950s. There is a perforated container set into the top surface (a strainer?) which is closed off by a sliding flat plate. There is a tubular canvas bag between the top and bottom wooden plates, with a hose connection at the edge of the bottom plate. There are two 'D' rings on the top surface - might this suggest that it is intended to be worn on the body using a strap of some sort? All suggestions welcome!

If you think you are able to help us identify the object and it's purpose, please get in touch by email, or why not drop into Castlehill Heritage Centre for a closer look? We are open every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons from 2pm - 4pm.

40 Years and still going strong!

Hugh Crowden, the current chairman of Castletown Heritage Society was eager to mark the 40th anniversary of the founding of the society in 1984 - as well he might, as he was one of the original committee members. For many years the society met and held events without a base until the present premises at Castlehill steading were finally secured in August 2004.

An evening of reminiscences was arranged to which were invited people who had contributed to the acquiring and restoration of the former farm steading close to the site of the flagstone works. Thanks to them contributing time and expertise the rough walled dairy was transformed into a bright, vibrant community led heritage centre. Hugh had no hesitation in choosing Neil Buchan to lead the audience through the forty year life span of the society. Neil is a former chairman and has been involved in the practical and technological development of Castlehill Heritage Centre right from the outset. Furthermore, as an avid photographer he was able to illustrate the building's progress through some of his vast store of photos. The audience marvelled at the speed with which bare walls were sealed, insulated, plaster boarded and painted; lighting and heating installed; and drainage and access paths laid. The vast majority of the work was undertaken by a small band of society members and their families. This first successful phase was followed by work on other parts of the building and the laying out of the courtyard garden.

It was particularly gratifying to welcome back John Crowden, John Moar, Gordon Buchan, David Swanson who along with Hugh and Neil were the main construction volunteers, plus Tony Birdsall of A J Building Services, who supported us in creating our Archaeological Research Facility. Roy Blackburn joined the team for later phases of works.

Neil then presented an alphabetical list of well over two hundred and thirty events, talks, exhibitions and projects undertaken by CHS within the centre since it opened, and on occasion elsewhere. From Basket Making workshops to WWII concerts, even long term members were amazed and proud of the achievements.

The occasion was also chosen as the moment to officially open an area of the building newly dedicated to WW II, including artefacts illustrating the impact on the village of the arrival of RAF Castletown in 1940. Drew Guttridge, a well-known local war-time historian ably declared the display open. We were delighted to welcome the family of the late Don Mason (latterly of Thurso) who have loaned us mementoes illustrating his heroic career as a bomber pilot and navigator. We were pleased to share the evening with representatives of our fellow heritage groups in the county and of the local interest groups which regularly use our premises.

Drew Guttridge reflects on RAF Castletown

Our friends at Wick Heritage Society have amassed a fantastic collection of 'Wick Voices' - audio recordings of people describing aspects of their life or interests in respect of the social heritage of Wick and Caithness in general.

One of their latest offerings is by Drew Guttridge from Dunnet, in which he reflects on the impact of the WWII fighter airfield RAF Castletown, and the many personnel associated with it, on the village of Castletown during WWII. He also describes his role in the steering group for the recently launched Caithness At War heritage trail project.

To listen to Drew's recording, click here: https://www.wickvoices.co.uk/voices_listen.php?id=1405202420120111572

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Latest podcast now available

Muriel, our fastidious researcher has been very busy over the past few weeks creating our latest podcast "A Wartime Photograph" . Click on the PLAY button to listen.

Ramsay Macdonald film premiere a reflective success

Last night's insight into the family life of a politician was enjoyed by an interested audience.

The name Ramsay MacDonald, the first Labour Prime Minister, probably rings a distant bell with most. Having watched the film on his life curated by Yvonne Lindsay at Castlehill last night we were struck by the similarities endured by present day politicians. Torn by conflicting political ideals, hounded by opponents, the victim of vandalism on his home, ostracised by one time allies, accused of cronyism.

But it is the domestic realities faced by this man, who as Prime Minister of Great Britain and with little or no income, found himself as a widower with a young family which made an impact on the audience. No 10 Downing Street was at the time was unfurnished. Ramsay's young daughter clad in a home knitted cardigan had to act as hostess at her father's side entertaining all manner of dignitaries.

Yvonne's film which included family cine film and was narrated by family members and old friends of Macdonald surviving at the time, brought the political and personal life of this unusual man to life. The fact that the audience left with much to reflect on, is testament to a well thought out presentation.

40th Anniversary Photography Competition Launched!

As part of the activities to celebrate the 40th birthday of Castletown Heritage Society we are holding a Photography Competition. Our aim is to encourage children and young adults to become more aware of our wonderful Caithness landscapes, people and heritage.

The competition is open to all amateur photographers aged 17 years or under and is free to enter.

Full details, rules and entry form can be downloaded HERE, requested by email, or collected from Castlehill Heritage Centre.

Get snapping!

Castletown Heritage Society AGM 2024

The Annual General Meeting of Castletown Heritage Society took place at Castlehill Heritage Centre on Wednesday 24 April 2024 at 7.30pm. Approximately twenty persons were in attandance. Following acceptance of the Chairman's Report presented by outgoing Chairman Hugh Crowden, and the Annual Accounts by Hon Treasurer Helen Gunn, Neil Buchan took the chair as Interim Chairman for the election of the following officers and members of the Management Committee:

The formal business of the meeting being over, the audience were treated to a very entertaining and informative presentation by Isobel and Angela from Above and Beyond Tours of Caithness.

If you would like to get involved with, or wish to find out more about the activities of Castletown Heritage Society, please contact us HERE.

Flow Country talk a great success

Big thank you to Milly from RSPB Forsinard for a hugely interesting talk last night. Who knew there was a blanket bog in the Congo! That a blanket bog heaves the odd sigh. Or that we have to maintain the peatlands or else the malevolent genie (carbon) will escape from the bottle.

If you missed this one, Milly is returning in the autumn. She should have news of their UNESCO Heritage Site bid.

WWII Coastal Watcher memorabilia donation

Today we welcomed the three daughters of Dorothy Calder who was a young woman from Murrayfield, Castletown in the 1940s. They were eager for the war-time role of their mother to be honoured and publicised. Dorothy was one of a small group of Coastal Watchers who observed aircraft and ships in the Pentland Firth from a base on top of Olrig Hill. They were led by Stroma Sinclair, whose father Admiral Edwyn Sinclair built Dwarwick House aka the House of the Northern Gate. Completing those from Castletown were Lizzie Junor and Vida Houston. They had an envied reputation in accurate spotting and skilled identification. Among several objects relating to her time in the Coastal Watchers, her daughters brought Dorothy's leather satchel for carrying her pencils, pens and a tiny notebook containing beautifully hand-drawn images of the sea and aircraft to spot and report.

We at Castlehill were particularly delighted to accept the objects on long term loan as a new display area in the centre is almost ready for visitors. This will focus on the role of RAF Castletown and the impact the WWII had on the life of the village. Dorothy Calder's memorabilia will help to complete this story.

Standing room only at Drew's talk!

It was standing room only as the last attendees arrived for the talk on RAF Castletown by Drew Guttridge on Tuesday 27 February. His fascinating presentation included photos, plans and contemporary aerial shots of the aerodrome. Drew took the audience through the early days of its birth from the compulsory purchase of the land, its necessary drainage and the laying of runways using rubble from the slag-heaps dating from the days of the flagstone industry.

As squadrons arrived, work on the layout and surfacing continued. Drew outlined the types of action undertaken by each squadron and the aircraft used by each. The roll call of illustrious visitors from princes to air vice -marshalls and squadron leaders emphasises the importance placed by the Ministry of Defence on this remote and relatively tiny airbase. Gradually the need for the site as an RAF base faded and landings of aircraft diminished. For Drew the last arrival was symbolic of the future of air power. A Hoverfly helicopter from 771 Squadron landed in 1945. It later became the first aircraft to land on an ordinary ship, proving the advantages of manoeuverable helicopters in years to come.

The audience greatly appreciated the amount of research done by Drew over time and the engaging way it was presented. As CHS Chairman Hugh Crowden said in his thanks, it is important that people go home and tell the next generation about this vital spell in the history of our village.

Watch Out - Latest Podcast

While checking her watch, Muriel ponders on the local history of the timepiece.

Click on the PLAY button to listen.

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Evening talk on RAF Castletown - Tuesday 27 February 7.30 pm

The outbreak of World War II thrust Caithness into the front line, not least due to the threat of German invasion from Norway. In late 1939 the site for a new airfield for fighter aircraft was chosen at Castletown and, on 7 June 1940, just one day before the fall of Norway, RAF Castletown became an operational fighter station of No 13 Group, Fighter Command.

Drew Guttridge reveals the fascinating story of RAF Castletown - its birth, facilities, operations and demise.

All at Sea at Castlehill

Our highly successful Castlehill House exhibition has now drawn to a close. Castlehill Heritage Centre will be closed to visitors for the next two weeks to enable our latest exhibition "All at Sea" to be installed, and will re-open on Saturday 20th January.

“All at sea” will look at the maritime heritage of the area with stories of heroes and villains at sea, the earliest examples of sea going craft, the importance of our local harbour and much much more.

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New Year visitors to Castlehill House Exhibition

Among the many visitors to our Castlehill House themed exhibition over the festive season, young Brooke Bain was delighted to discover and play with dolls furniture which had belonged to her great grandmother in the early 1900s.

The exhibition, which closed this weekend, featured photographs, documentation, stories and memorabilia from the era when Castlehill House was the centre of the Traill Estate. James Traill's house proudly overlooked Castlehill Harbour, which was purpose-built to enable the export of finished flagstone from the adjacent Castlehill Pavement Works. Sadly the house fell into ruin following a devastating fire in 1967.