Explore the Museum at North Coast Visitor Centre
Housed in Thurso’s beautifully restored former Town Hall (built in 1870) and Carnegie Library (1910), the North Coast Visitor Centre opened its doors in November 2021. Today, it serves as a vibrant cultural hub and museum, celebrating the rich heritage of Caithness.
Discover Caithness through time
Set across three floors, our permanent exhibition takes you on a journey through millions of years of history. From the Devonian geological period (around 416 - 359 million years ago) to the present day, the museum uses its extensive collection to tell the story of Caithness - its land, its people, and its culture.
Museum highlights
The Stones Room
Unearth the fascinating world of the Picts with locally discovered carved stones and artefacts.
Robert Dick Room
Explore the life and work of Caithness’s renowned botanist and geologist, Robert Dick.
Dounreay Exhibition
Learn about the history of Dounreay and its profound cultural and social impact on the county.
Collections blog
The Collections blog features some deep dives into the history of additional artefacts, items, and curios.
Collections blogThe North Coast Visitor Centre is jointly funded by The Highland Council and NRS Dounreay.
