Iron Age museum Scottish Crannog Centre in Aberfeldy reopens three years after being destroyed by fire

The Scottish Crannog Centre in Perthshire has re-opened after being destroyed by a fire three years ago.

Using traditional skills and materials recreating Scotland’s past, carpenters, archaeologists and architects have rebuilt the Scottish Crannog Centre in Kenmore, Aberfeldy.

The Iron Age museum was completely gutted in a blaze in June 2021.

The reopening marks an important milestone, helping modern day Scotland connect with its Pictish roots.

Mike Benson, director of the museum said: “The following morning was quite difficult, we called everyone together and said ‘we’re going to move.’

“No one has been hurt and the collections were fine, the personal belongings of the Crannog dwellers weren’t damaged at all and we set out to move.”

The project was part funded by locals.

Mike added: “We have just had terrific support, it’s been quite humbling really, people giving £5 or big funders giving millions of pounds.

“Volunteers are putting in hours and hours of their time in and people giving us materials. It’s been gorgeous really.”

All of the materials used in the rebuild were locally sourced, including heather from the hills and thatch from the Tay.

And, a new Crannog will be built on the loch in the next phase of the project.

The plans are continuous, with the roundhouses expected to last for around seven years.

They will then be rebuilt using the same traditional skills as were used 2,500 years ago.

Lara McLeod from The Scottish Crannog Centre said: “We’ve got seven archeologically inspired buildings.

“You go to the cooking and blacksmithing area, and at every area you’ll do an activity whether it be making oatcakes and seasonal foods, or welding at blacksmithing.

“There’s wired jewellery and woodworking, textiles spinning and weaving. Then you can visit the beach where there are puppet shows and live performances.”