winteropening

As the evening’s grow longer and the days shorter, many of our Highland museum adjust their opening schedule. Some go into hibernation for a few months, re-launching with gusto around Easter, but a growing number stay open during the quieter season – just with slightly reduced hours. Will you be travelling to the Highlands this winter and looking for a heritage fix? Then please do check ahead to ensure you time your visit just right. Many that are closed, will open just for you if you get in touch in advance so even if the hours don’t suit – all is not lost

Seasonal opening isn’t just about visitor numbers — it’s about balance. For many Highland museums, closing or scaling back in winter is what keeps them sustainable the rest of the year. It’s a time to care for collections, rest and retrain staff and volunteers, fundraise and prepare new displays, projects and/or exhibitions. For those that stay open, even on reduced hours, it’s a lifeline for local people — a warm welcome, a place to connect and a reminder that heritage is about people. The rhythm of opening and closing mirrors Highland life itself: responsive, resourceful and rooted in community.