Scotland Peter Irvine’s the best History and heritage
How better to spend the present than to learn about the past? Pop these in your day-out diary
Atlantic Islands Centre
Great contemporary building telling the story of Luing and the Slate Islands. A superb day out only 40 minutes from Oban: take the scenic B844 seven miles south of Oban, then the B8003 at the fork for the ferry at Cuan (also seven miles); ferry every half hour (fewer in winter), Three minutes on board. Fine walking but best by bike or car. Orientation/interpretation then explore the island. Café has great community baking. atlanticislandscentre.com·
Verdant Works
Award-winning, superior heritage museum in Dundee. The story of jute and the city it made. Immensely effective high-tech and designer presentation of industrial and social history. Excellent for kids (the Red Box!). Guided tours by volunteers, many of whom
worked in the mills. Lofty High Mills event space. verdantworks.com·
Knockando
On the B9102 off the A95 below Grantown-on-spey and Keith. Well signposted. Lovingly restored cottage woolmill complex in woody, watery Speyside setting. With reactivated Victorian machinery, this mill has been continuously running for over 200 years and all its history is here. You can still buy their products or just sit in wonder by the stream. kwc.co.uk
Timespan
In Helmsdale. Far-northern town, where a historic strath comes down to the sea, was a special place (presumably) then and now. This museum and arts centre records and cleverly presents this, well, span of time. Makes you think! Great wee café by the bridge in its geology garden. timespan.org.uk
Peter Irvine is the author of the essential travel guide Scotland the Best published by Collins, priced £15.99