Kenmore, Perthshire, Scotland – March 27, 2024 – Almost three years since a devastating fire razed the Scottish Crannog Centre, a new and improved facility is set to open its doors on the north side of Loch Tay near Kenmore. This exciting development marks a significant boost to Perthshire’s cultural tourism landscape.
The fire, which occurred on June 11, 2021, swept through the iconic replica of an Iron Age dwelling house, leaving locals and enthusiasts alike in shock. However, amidst the ashes, the spirit of resilience and determination prevailed. Mike Benson, the director of the centre, expressed mixed emotions at the time, saddened by the loss but relieved that no one was harmed, and the museum’s precious artefacts remained unscathed.
Now, after almost three years of hard work and dedication, the new Scottish Crannog Centre is set to open its doors to the public on April 1, with a special preview for guests on March 31. The anticipation surrounding this re-launch is palpable, especially considering the significant enhancements the new centre boasts.
Courier Journalist Gayle Ritchie, in a recent sneak preview, highlighted some of the exciting features awaiting visitors. The new centre, occupying a space twelve times the size of its predecessor, promises not just one but three crannogs – reconstructions of stilted loch dwellings. Additionally, visitors can explore an Iron Age settlement, complete with a magnificent giant roundhouse intricately woven from locally-sourced hazel branches.
The construction site buzzes with activity, with craftsmen diligently crafting using a variety of traditional tools and materials. Rich Hiden, the assistant director and operations manager, shares the centre’s ambition to become Scotland’s most sustainable museum, deeply rooted in prehistory and community engagement:
We aim to be Scotland’s most sustainable museum – in touch with prehistory and our roots. It’s a fantastic chance to give back to the community, and expand what we had at the old site.
Meanwhile, a new video released by site developers JML Group on Linkedin has captured some of the excitement around the new location:
Visitors to the new centre will have the opportunity to witness live demonstrations of traditional crafts, including bread baking, jewellery making, spinning, woodturning, metalwork, and textiles. Rich Hiden emphasized the importance of these hands-on experiences in immersing visitors in the Iron Age lifestyle.
The grand opening on April 1 promises to be a celebration of culture and heritage, with the Iron Age village coming to life through music, singing, storytelling, and craft workshops. This momentous occasion heralds a new chapter for the Scottish Crannog Centre and reaffirms its status as a premier destination for history enthusiasts and tourists alike.
The re-opening forms part of a spring of landmark cultural initiatives in Perthshire, with the new Perth Museum, new permanent home of Scotland’s ‘Stone of Destiny’ also opening in early August.
For more information, read Gayle Ritchie’s full article on The Courier website.