Heritage in Action ‘makes a splash’ at the Highland Folk Museum.
Autumn has arrived but there’s still time for one final ‘Heritage in Action Day’ at the Highland Folk Museum before the site is closed for the winter. But this time, there’s a watery element to the event so bring your wellies because the theme for the last ‘Heritage in Action Day’ for 2025 is endangered crafts relating to water!
Taking place on Thursday 23 October, the day will include the launching of Scotland’s oldest boat and the unveiling of the restored water powered timber mill.
There will also be demonstrations in Highland thatching, natural dying and historic cookery in the 18th century township throughout the day and a kids’ nature trail in the pine woods.
The Highland Folk Museum, which is operated by High Life Highland, is Britain’s first open air museum and houses over 35 historic buildings, as well as demonstrating ancient crafts and skills.
Coracle making, millwrighting and thatching are all designated as ‘critically endangered’ by the Heritage Crafts Association, and at risk of dying out if they’re not passed on to future generations.
Coracles are the oldest boats in Scotland, originally made of a light wooden frame and covered in a rawhide animal skin. They resembled elongated baskets and were made of hazel wands or split willow lathes and were rigid and strong, providing a craft that could carry people and goods, as well as for fishing. 
The coracle being launched at the ‘Heritage in Action Day’ is a replica Bronze Age design, that was discovered in Fife in 1975. Visitors will be welcomed and encouraged to have a go in a coracle with expert tuition from volunteers at the Insh Coracle Club.
Buildings Curator at The Highland Folk Museum, Alex Gibbons, said: “We’re very proud at the museum to be able to act as a crucible for the preservation of intangible cultural heritage, particularly through practicing and demonstrating traditional crafts. We’re really looking forward to welcoming everyone here on 23 October and are hoping for a really good turn out at our final event of the season.”
Visitors are encouraged to make a day of it and visit the historic buildings and a variety of historic agricultural tools and machinery. Entry is by donation, and the café and shop will be open for refreshments.
For more information, please check the Website and/or Facebook page of The Highland Folk Museum at www.highlifehighland.com/highlandfolkmuseum/
Details…
- Date: Thursday 23 October
- Coracle Launch: 1100
- Unveiling of restored timber mill: 1145.
