MHH Highland Objects - Christmas podcast goes live

The Highland Objects podcasts curated by Museums and Heritage Highland is a series of short podcasts each of which focuses on an object of cultural or historical significance located in the highlands of Scotland - Castletown Heritage Society has three podcasts in the series - the Custer Tablecloth, the Ladies Victorian Mourning Dress, and the RAF Castletown Christmas Menu.

MHH has just released a special Christmas Podcast featuring three special objects - the third of which features our much loved model of a 19th century schooner, similar to the schooner Castlehill that sailed regularly from Castlehill harbour, loaded with flagstone. Cargoes were taken south to major ports from where they would be trans-shipped to locations elsewhere in the UK and beyond. On the return trip the Castlehill would carry coal and other goods to Caithness from the North East of England. As the story unfolds we hear of the tragic loss of all hands when the Castlehill sank in the North Sea in a terrible storm in Christmas 1879 - the same storm that claimed 59 lives in the Tay Rail Bridge disaster.

To listen to the podcast, click here.

A cheery scene at Castlehill

After the hail, sleet, hard frosts (down to -8 deg C), snow and ice over the past week (and typically for Caithness sometimes them all in the same day) almost all evidence of the seasonal weather disapeared overnight. This beautiful sunrise greeted Neil at Castlehill Heritage Centre this morning.

Castlehill Heritage Centre will be open as usual over the winter period - every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons from 2pm to 4pm (Christmas Day and New Year's Day excluded). Don't forget our traditional Boxing Day opening (2pm to 4pm) where mulled wine, tea/coffee and mincemeat pies will be served. Miss it, miss out!!

Unforgotten Highland Women - podcast series launched!

Back in June earlier this year, Muriel took a leading part in a special project organised under the auspices of Museums and Heritage Highland in collaboration with Highlands and Islands creative business support organisation XpoNorth Digital. The outcome was the creation of a podcast series hosted by Pauline Moore, formerly from the BBC who is now an award-winning freelance podcast host and producer.

Focusing on uncovering the previously obscured stories of remarkable Highland women, the Unforgotten Highland Women series of podcasts uses archived material to highlight fascinating individual narratives - our contribution was to spotlight the life and career of a remarkable Castletown lass. Born in Main Street in 1872, the daughter of the village shoemaker, Margaret Swanson went to Castletown School then Wick Academy, training as a teacher specialising in needlework, dressmaking and embroidery. Margaret became a seminal artist and associate of world renowned Rennie Mackintosh. After becoming a member of staff at the famous Glasgow School of Art, she was instrumental in updating the national school syllabus for needlework building on her great knowledge of child psychology. The Margaret Swanson System of Educational Needlework was groundbreaking, and Margaret broke the mould by championing and inspiring women's independent creativity.

The podcast series has been supported by the Year of Stories 2022 Community Stories Fund, and is one of the final projects being launched in celebration of this theme. The fund is being delivered in partnership between VisitScotland and Museums Galleries Scotland with support from National Lottery Heritage Fund thanks to National Lottery players.

To listen to the podcast about Margaret Swanson, click here

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Castlehill - ten years a Dark Sky Discovery Site!

Castlehill Heritage Centre was officially recognised as a Dark Sky Discovery Site exactly ten years ago in December 2012, and since that time the venue has been host to a great many astronomical observing sessions and events organised by Caithness Astronomy Group (CAG).

CAG are very proactive in encouraging all age groups to learn about, and participate in, the fascinating hobby of astronomy. They have taken part in science festivals, supported local schools with the space related curriculum, given free talks for local group, and held public events to encourage people to look up and see eclipses, the detailed surfaces of our Moon and Sun, Mercury passing in front of our sun, comets and asteroids whizzing past our planet, aurora, stars, planets, distant galaxies, and much more.

If you want to find out more, or become a member of Caithness Astronomy Group, why not come along to one of their regular observing sessions at Castlehill Heritage Centre, or contact them by clicking here. Photo on left courtesy of Stewart Watt ©.

Breaking news - Measurement exhibition

Our latest local heritage themed exhibition opens this weekend and features over one hundred exhibits demonstrating how we have measured things over the years. From length to time, speed, weight, volume, pressure and temperature to name but a few, on display is a fascinating collection of devices and instruments, both familiar and curiously fascinating. Castlehill Heritage Centre every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons, 2pm - 4pm.

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Latest Podcast - James Traill of Rattar

James Traill of Rattar, Sheriff Depute of Caithness, is probably best known as the founder of the Caithness Flagstone Industry. But there is much more to this man - he was in his time the senior law representative in Caithness, a renowned agricultural improver, and of course the talented entrepreneur who spotted the commecial opportunity that could be realised through the extraction and export of Caithness flagstone world-wide. Muriel reveals a little of the background of this talented individual.

To hear the episode, click HERE

Latest Podcast - The Tale of the Quarryside Rabbit

The sight of a rabbit at the side of the road just outside Castletown causes Muriel to ponder the lot of the rabbit and our relationship with them.

To hear the episode, click HERE

Music Panel tribute revealed at Cream Tea

Yesterday afternoon Castletown Heritage Society held one of its traditional August Cream Teas at Castlehill Heritage Centre. It was very well attended by both the local community and visitors alike. The weather was warm and sunny so many people opted to sit outside to enjoy the Heritage Garden which is looking really vibrant, thanks to the efforts of our volunteer gardener, Christine Hornby.

At 3pm a special event took place where a unique, music themed panel was unveiled in the wall of the Heritage Garden. A few years ago Gordon Gunn, the talented Caithness fiddler and recording artist, masterminded the production of "A Musical Map of Caithness" a CD featuring twelve specially composed tunes and narratives about tourist attractions in Caithness, the idea being to encourage visiting tourists to undertake a self-guided tour of interesting locations in the county using the CD as their guide, enjoying the music as they travelled. Castlehill Heritage Centre is featured in CD, and the Society was so impressed with the tune 'Castlehill Heritage Centre' that we commissioned retired Castletown blacksmith David Ritchie to create a themed metal panel featuring the opening bars of the tune for installation in a prominent position in the boundary wall of the Heritage Garden. Society stalwart Hugh Crowden worked with David Ritchie to create and instal the panel, and we were delighted that Gordon Gunn could come along on Sunday to officially 'open' it.

Also in attendance on Sunday were members of the North Highland Woodturners Association, who put on a display of turned items and artefacts which attracted a lot of attention.

Conservation Workshop

While putting away the display items at the end of a recent successful exhibition on maps, charts and plans, we realised that our storage of paper-based objects was perhaps not the best. We needed expert advice on whether to store maps for example flat, rolled up, upright or in cardboard tubes. On the recommendation of Joanne Howdle, one of our volunteers, we contacted Helen Creasy, paper conservator at the Scottish Conservation Studio in Hopetoun House Edinburgh. Funding was secured from the Gordon Fraser Trust for a two day visit.

On day one Helen was given free access to our collection in all its storage nooks and crannies for a thorough and honest survey. On the second day we were joined by volunteers from Halkirk and Wick Heritage Societies for a structured workshop addressing threats (human, animal and environmental), care, storage, access and labelling of paper collections. These might be photographs, books, documents, paintings, prints, posters and also the cardboard boxes used for their storage. The day's activities included slides illustrating good and bad practices, recommended protection and cleaning materials and storage suggestions.

The chance to handle objects, some from our own collection was very useful. Helen's easy manner in passing on her expertise made it a most enjoyable workshop. We look forward to putting many of the suggestions into practice.

Cream teas go down a treat

The first of our August Cream Teas took place on Sunday in gloriously sunny weather - perfect for enjoying some delicious home baking in the warm and fragrant grounds of the Heritage Garden at Castlehill. A steady stream of visitors and locals alike made the most of the opportunity, many staying for seconds and a good yarn with friends in the sunshine.

The next Cream Tea takes place on Sunday 21 August from 2pm - 4pm. Miss it, miss out!

Photos by Liz Buchan

If the hat fits...

A family from the UAE visiting the Flagstone Exhibition at Castlehill Heritage Centre were happy to turn “hands on” into “on heads”. Selecting a quarry owner’s top hat or a manager’s bowler was a tough decision. They were intrigued by the stories of the people who worked in the flagstone yards at Castlehill in the 1800s.

The exhibition featuring artefacts, displays and stories about people and life working in the Flagstone Pavement Works at Castlehill in the nineteenth and early twentieth century is open to experience every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons from 2pm - 4pm.

A Real Community Garden

The garden at Castlehill Heritage Centre is well known as a haven of peace filled with colour and scent. But it also reflects the efforts of our community. This year it features a Platinum Jubilee flower bed where purple blooms and silver foliage are a tribute to Her Majesty the Queen's 70 years on the throne. The nearby herb garden is flourishing. Help yourself to a sprig of rosemary, thyme or fennel as you pass.

The sensory border is filled with a heady mix of lilies, roses, carnations and sweet peas. The local Rainbow and Brownie Guides have adopted one corner as an environmental area. A redundant beehive has been brightly decorated, while insect-painted pebbles swarm between the bee friendly plants. A newly designed seating area overlooks a fresh rockery garden. Many locals have already contributed to the alpine plants there. This has become a very popular part of the courtyard.

Soon to be hung is a beautiful wrought iron panel made by Castletown craftsman, Dave Ritchie. It was inspired by a piece of music "Castlehill Heritage Centre" specially composed by local musician and recording artist Gordon Gunn, who has kindly allowed us to feature a few bars in the design.

			The smell of the Sweet Peas is just amazing!

Why not come along and enjoy a Cream Tea in the Heritage Garden on Sunday 7th or Sunday 21st August, 2-4pm each day, and experience the garden for yourself?

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Care of Paper and Photographic Collections Workshop

We will be running a full day workshop at Castlehill Heritage Centre on the 'Care of Paper and Photographic Collections' on Friday 19 August this year. The workshop will be led by Helen Creasy of The Scottish Conservation Studio. Whilst the workshop has been set up to serve our own needs we are opening it up to other heritage organisations locally.

There are still some places available which will be on a first come first served basis. If you or your organisation is interested in taking part and wish to find out more please contact us.

Latest Podcast - The Tale of the Olrig Selkie Grave

Local writer Gail Anthea Brown is passionate abut the rich folklore involving Castletown and the Parish of Olrig. In this episode Gail recounts the original tale surrounding the Olrig Selkie Grave, which lies in the Old Graveyard at Castletown.

To hear the episode, click HERE

Latest Podcast - Crop production at Mt Vernon Farm in 1822

A recently discovered page of accounting information provides a fascinating insight into the social aspects of crop production at a small Caithness farm on the outskirts of Thurso in 1822. Muriel brings the chronological entries to life, exploring the work involved, cost and extensive labour requirements to prepare the ground, sow corn and bere (early barley), harvest and gather in the crop for over-winter storage.

To hear the episode, click HERE

Margaret Swanson - our Unforgotten Highland Woman remembered!

Margaret Swanson, our choice of Unforgotten Highland Women, would have been delighted at the number of interested people who came to our special event to find out about the life and career of a Castletown lass. Born in Main Street in 1872, the daughter of the village shoemaker, she went to Castletown School then Wick Academy, training as a teacher specialising in needlework, dressmaking and embroidery. Becoming a member of staff at the famous Glasgow School of Art, she was instrumental in updating the national school syllabus for needlework based on her great knowledge of child psychology.

The event at Castlehill Heritage Centre was led by Pauline Moore, a former BBC producer and presenter now working freelance. The audience was far from passive. After hearing what CHS has been able to find out about Margaret Swanson, Pauline encouraged the audience to recall their own memories of school sewing lessons, and each person was given a square of fabric to embroider.

			Images by Muriel Murray and Wendy Newton

While tea and cake was served, there was a chance to enjoy a display of embroidery done by local stitchers. Also on show were the contents of the teacher's desk from the former Dunnet School. Tantalisingly it had remained locked since it was donated to Castletown Heritage Society. Just before the Margaret Swanson event however a key was found and its contents revealed. Inside was a large collection of paper dressmaking patterns, schemes of work for knitting and sewing, including examples of pupils work from bygone years.

The recorded proceedings will be one of a series of podcasts on Unforgotten Highland Women to be available in due course - whatch this space for further details!

This event was supported by the Year of Stories 2022 CommunityStories Fund. This fund is being delivered in partnership between VisitScotland and Museums Galleries Scotland with support from National Lottery Heritage Fund thanks to National Lottery players.

Margaret Swanson - our Unforgotten Woman

We are delighted to be one of five museums across Highland Region taking part in an exciting project organised by Museums and Heritage Highland called 'Unforgotten Women' as part of Scotland's Year of Stories 2022.

Our 'Unforgotten Woman' features Margaret Swanson, the daughter of a Castletown cobbler. Margaret went to school in Wick before completing her education in Aberdeen. She became an instructor in the Glasgow School of Art where she developed the "Margaret Swanson System of Educational Needlework" for young women. Travelling widely, Margaret broke the mould by inspiring and championing women's independent creativity.

On Friday 24th June we are hosting a special event, where you are invited to come along to see the displays, join Castletown Primary School and local crafts groups in making your own 'sampler' in Margaret's memory, and hear Pauline Moore, BBC producer and reporter and experienced podcaster, interview Muriel Murray about Margaret's amazing story. Tea and cake will be served!

This event has been supported by the Year of Stories 2022 CommunityStories Fund. This fund is being delivered in partnership between VisitScotland and Museums Galleries Scotland with support from National Lottery Heritage Fund thanks to National Lottery players.

The Queen's Platinum Jubilee Garden Party - what a great day!!!

Sunday 5 June 2022 was certainly a day to remember! After much work over the past week to prepare for our Garden Party to celebrate The Queen's Platinum Jubilee, all was ready for the gates to open - scones with strawberry jam and cream, cakes, tray bakes all ready to be served, tables set out in the Heritage Garden, kettles and teapots at the ready, bunting and Jubilee regalia in place and a fair buzz of excitement within the volunteers at Castlehill Heritage Centre.

It is no understatement to say that the weather turned out to be absolutely perfect, and during the course of the afternoon we welcomed a large and steady stream of visitors and members of the local community, friends old and new. It was great to see so many people enjoying the excellent cakes and goodies, engaging with the Jubilee celebration spirit, then staying around to relax and enjoy good conversation in the Heritage Garden, which was certainly looking at its best. Practical hands-on demonstrations by our friends from the North Highland Woodturners Association and the Caithness Astronomy Group contributed greatly to the day's proceedings - it was especially good to see so many young people getting involved with the available activities.

A highlight of the afternoon was the presentation of a thank-you gift (a folding hanging chair) to Irene Wares who recently retired after many years of service as our head volunteer gardener at Castlehill Heritage Centre. We are deeply indebted to her for the sterling work she has performed in creating and maintaining the wonderful displays in the Heritage Garden, which are admired and commented on by all who visit. We are delighted to welcome on board Christine Hornby as our new head volunteer gardener.

A special Platinum Jubilee cake baked by Castletown Heritage Society member Elspet Chapman in celebration of Her Majesty the Queen's 70 years of service was cut by Society Secretary Jayne Blackburn to resounding cheers and clapping by the assembled party-goers. You can never have too much cake!

All in all a really great afternoon!

			Image courtesy of Gordon Mackie
Image courtesy of Gordon Mackie	Jayne cuts the celebration Jubilee Cake
Past Chairman Neil Buchan presents Irene Wares (blue waistcoat) with her retirement gift Image courtesy of Gordon Mackie

Platinum Jubilee Garden Party

As part of the events taking place in Castletown to celebrate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee we will be hosting a Garden Party at Castlehill Heritage Centre on Sunday 5th June. The fun will kick off at 1.30pm - hopefully in the Heritage Garden if the weather is good, and will continue until 4.30pm.

Teas/coffees and home baking will be on offer, a raffle, plus the chance to take part in 'hands-on' activities with the North Highland Wood Turners and the Caithness Astronomy Group. Don't forget to come suitably attired - there will be a prize for the best Platinum Jubilee themed outfit!

Entry is free - donations welcome!

Castletown Heritage Society AGM

Castletown Heritage Society held its Annual General Meeting on Tuesday 26 April 2022 at 7.00pm in Castlehill Heritage Centre, the meeting taking place 'in person' for the first time since the beginning of the pandemic.

After welcoming everyone to the meeting, chairman Neil Buchan gave a comprehensive account of the Society's activities in the period since the last AGM. To read the chairman's report in full click here.

Treasurer Jayne Blackburn presented the accounts for the fiscal year Apr 2021 - March 22 which confirmed that the Society continues on a firm, sustainable footing.

A motion to adopt an update to the Constitution, dated 26 April 2022 and which had previously been circulated to Members of the Society for due consideration, was accepted through a show of hands by the Members present at the meeting.

On completion of all the formal reporting, interim chairman Hamish Pottinger presided over the election of the following office bearers for the 2021/22 session:

After a short break, guest speaker Duncan Macniven presented a fascinating talk entitled Castletown's People 1755-2011 where he explored what has happened to the population of Castletown since records began in the mid-18th century, and outlined the demographic history of the area.

Duncan, who is based in Edinburgh and was Registrar General for Scotland between August 2003 and August 2011, demonstrated an encyclopaedic knowledge of demographic statistics and societal causes of change and spoke with an enthusiastic and animated style. A thoroughly enjoyable talk!

If you would like to assist in any way with the activities of Castletown Heritage Society, be it through donation/loan of locally relevant artefacts, contribution of historical/geneological information associated with the parish, or volunteering a little time to support our activities we would be delighted to hear from you. Feel free to contact us by telephone or email.

Good news - Saturday afternoon openings restored

We are delighted to advise that as of Saturday 16 April we will once again be opening Castlehill Heritage Centre for visitors between 2pm and 4pm.

After almost two years of restricted (or no) openings due to the impact of the Covid pandemic we are excited to be returning to our traditional opening hours - Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons from 2pm to 4pm, other times by prior arrangement. We look forward to welcoming you!

Society of Caithness Artists - Ukrainian Appeal Fund - What a Result!!

Fantastic news! The Society of Caithness Artists fundraiser for the Ukrianian Appeal Fund held at Castlehill Heritage Centre on Sunday was an amazing success!

Thanks to the generosity of the public in donating at least £25 each to take part in a blind draw for a wrapped and anonymous piece of art donated by local artists, the total raised was at least £3,600 pounds and counting!

Well done everyone for a brilliant effort in support of a very worthwhile cause.

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Hurrah! Our record system works!

The task of systematically filing our many documents and records on local people and places is time consuming but fascinating.

On Sunday we were able to delve into our archives and help one family find out about the history of their new home in Castletown, while another visitor was shown a picture of the house where her ancestor - the Reverend William Sinclair who was born in Coulag, Castletown in 1799 - used to live. More than that, we were able to point them towards an unknown relative who had already asked for our help about the same person.

If you are interested in this kind of detective work, come and join us! For more information click here.

Annual General Meeting

The Annual General Meeting of Castletown Heritage Society will be held at Castlehill Heritage Centre on Tuesday 26 April 2022 at 7.30pm.

All Members, friends, supporters and interested parties from the Caithness community welcome.

We are delighted to welcome Duncan Macniven, formerly Registrar General for Scotland (Aug 2003 - Aug 2011) as our guest speaker for the AGM.

His talk Castletown's People 1755-2011 will explore what has happened to the population of Castletown since records began in the mid-18th century, and will outline the demographic history of the area.

Duncan is an entertaining and highly regarded speaker who promises lots of little known facts!

Society of Caithness Artists - Ukrainian Appeal Fund

The Society of Caithness Artists will be holding a fundraiser for the Ukrianian Appeal Fund at Castlehill Heritage Centre on Sunday 3 April between 1pm and 6pm.

Click on the poster for full details.

Do come along and support a very worthwhile cause!

The ever changing landscape of Castletown

Our current exhibition - First and Last - is proving to be very popular with both tourists and locals alike. A recent addition to the displays is a pair of black and white photographs depicting a view of Castletown village from the south, taken from the top of the clock tower at the old Established Church of Olrig.

The image on the left is believed to have been taken in the 1930s; the one on the right was taken by our Chairman Neil two weeks ago. The contrast between the images clearly shows the changes, development and expansion of the village over the past 90 years. Click on the images for a large view.

Unfortunately the modern image doesn't quite capture the same vertical angle of view as the clock tower was shortened by some 40 feet when the church was closed as a place of worship, but it is fairly close. An assembled panoramic view of the whole village is also on display at Castlehill.

We are deeply grateful to Angus and Heather Cowap for granting Neil special permission to access the roof of the clock tower. Just as well Neil has a reasonable head for heights!

Short back and sides for the Heritage Garden

Our new volunteer gardener Christine Hornby has been busy pruning and preparing all the plants and beds in the courtyard and at the main entrance, ready to encourage the usual vibrant display of colour as the season progresses. As part of this a new area is being prepared as a small rockery. After planning the layout and selecting materials to be used, groundworks have now begun. Thanks must go to Christine and her helpers for manhandling large chunks of flagstone into place and locating complementary "bools" (Caithness term for rounded stones or boulders) to add to the terrain. New plants have been ordered but donation of plants would be welcome!

Eco-aware Castletown Rainbows and Brownies have adopted one garden bed as a bee and bug haven with a traditional bee-hive serving as a bug hotel. Carefully chosen plants will hopefully encourage pollinators. The children of Castletown Primary School are also contributing to the garden by raising seedlings in class for later planting. We are most grateful to everyone who has offered to lend a hand.

Tim the Basket-Maker to return in the autumn

The impact of Covid restrictions over the past two years had unfortunately forced us to put on hold many planned workshops and activities at Castlehill, including one by Tim Johnston, internationally acclaimed master basket-maker. Tim has been a popular workshop tutor at Castlehill on several occasions, and during his last visit he became fascinated by an antique "hiave" or bait basket last used in Scarfskerry. After much research on its construction and the origins of its design Tim has already taught its construction to a group of basket weavers in the South West of England.

We look forward to welcoming Tim back to Castlehill in the autumn, when he plans to run a workshop on this intriguing basket. Watch this space for further details!

Latest Podcast - The War Knife

Muriel's research into the original owner of an old multi-blade pocketknife that was donated to Castletown Heritage Society reveals a fascinating account of a World War I Black Watch soldier and a remarkable link to a Girls School in the north of England.

To listen to the episode click HERE.

Annual General Meeting

The Annual General Meeting of Castletown Heritage Society will be held at Castlehill Heritage Centre on Tuesday 26 April 2022 at 7.30pm.

All Members, friends, supporters and interested parties from the Caithness community welcome.

We are delighted to welcome Duncan Macniven, formerly Registrar General for Scotland (Aug 2003 - Aug 2011) as our guest speaker for the AGM.

His talk Castletown's People 1755-2011 will explore what has happened to the population of Castletown since records began in the mid-18th century, and will outline the demographic history of the area.

Duncan is an entertaining and highly regarded speaker who promises lots of little known facts!

Walking Group at Castlehill

Seventeen members of the local Walking Group got a bonus preview of our latest exhibition 'First and Last' today when they visited Castlehill Heritage Centre after a walk around the village and the Harbour Road. The warmth of the Centre was a welcome respite from the damp conditions outside, and the tea and delicious scones baked by Society member Helen Gunn went down a treat!

The First and Last exhibition opens on Sunday 20 Feb at 2pm.

Latest YouTube video - Caithness Commemorations

At the end of January our Chairman gave an illustrated talk to the Caithness Family History Society, taking them on a pictorial tour around some familiar, plus lesser well visited locations, antiquities and monuments in Caithness, and dipping into the stories and people of times past associated with them.

To view a recording of the talk visit our YouTube channel.

First and Last at Castlehill - opening soon on Sunday 20 Feb!

All the amazing objects and artefacts within our collections at Castlehill have been donated by local people with the intention that we look after them and allow as many visitors as possible to see them and learn about the history behind them. We try to do this in an organised way through regularly changed themed exhibitions, displays and hands-on workshops and activity days.

Our latest exhibition focuses on contrasts - First and Last, Early and Recent, Then and Now. Be it objects, buildings, services or occupations things evolve and change - not always for the better!

The First and Last exhibition opens on Sunday 20 February from 2pm to 4pm, and every Sunday and Wednesday afternoon thereafter.

The Power of the Sea

Our latest podcast, entitled 'The Power of the Sea' has just been released.

Prompted by the name of a distant Polish port, Muriel recalls some local maritime events illustrating the power and influence of the sea which connects us all.

To listen to the podcast, CLICK HERE or use the episode player below: