The battle fleet tossed expectantly at anchor, their dragon prows sniffing the breeze blowing into Lamlash Bay. By October 1263 King Haakon of Norway’s patience was exhausted. He determined to teach the troublesome Scots never to challenge his authority over the Western Isles again.
No respecter of foreign kings, the Scots aided by autumn gales defeated the king’s forces at Largs on mainland Scotland. These and other historic happenings can be explored at the Isle of Arran Heritage museum. Founded in 1976 it lies on the main road just north of Brodick. The displays include a model replica of a Viking ship of the kind that assembled in Lamlash Bay before the fateful Battle of Largs.
Before the kingly presence on Arran, man had lived and worked there for thousands of years. Arran's archaeology and geology presentation are lucidly explained. There is a genuine Early Bronze Age grave (over 3,000 years old) and the pottery food vessel found in it on display. Clachaig Man, 5,000 years old re-created by computer technology from a skull found in a long cairn at Clachaig, on Arran, in 1900, and sculpted by local artist Marvin Elliot is there.
One thing I find disconcerting about rural museums is that I have worked with many of the items. I remember the change over from oil-lamp to electric lighting and from horse-drawn farm equipments to tractors. Much to by surprise I once saw a school photo containing myself at an antique fair. For those not familiar with country living, The Isle of Arran Heritage Museum is a treasure and people like myself can simply be annoying by exclaiming, "I’ve used that and that!"
The group of buildings were previously a croft and smiddy, and include a farmhouse, cottage, bothy, milk house, laundry, stable, coach house and harness room – suitable for a rural museum.
The stable and coach house contain permanent displays. Old photographs show village life and farming methods in bygone days. The island's long seafaring traditions are remember from the days of sail, through steam powered puffers, paddle-steamers and warships, to the latest car ferry.
The smiddy is still as it was when work stopped in the 1960's, and has changed little from early 19th century. Its forges, bellows, tools and other equipment are original, and horses shoeing demonstrations take place several times a year.
In the museum’s grounds sit a collection of horse-drawn farm implements, two tractors, a Victorian post box and an old telephone kiosk. The farmhouse holds a café and special exhibition area, where displays change every year.
The museum has a custom-built archive and an area where visitors can access and search the database containing the museum inventory. Computer access and microfiche readers aid visitors in tracing family history – But not going back unfortunately to Clachaig Man.
Use of this equipment is on Wednesdays or by prior arrangement. The Museum is open every day, from April to October, 10:30am–4:30pm. Entrance fee: Adults £2.25 and child £1.