The Centre provides a focus for the work of Dunbeath Preservation Trust: Registered museum; archaeological exhibition, Neil M Gunn literary landscape, engaging approach to landscape interpretation through art installations, photography and unique floor map.
Guided Tour
Guided Tour
What is it?
A guided tour is the practice of an individual leading a group of people around a point of interest and giving them information about it, which can cover topics such as religious significance, cultural history and how it relates to other locations and events in history.
What does it involve?
Attending a guided tour basically just involves paying attention! All the work is done for you in finding out the facts and presenting them in an interesting manner; the role of the participant just calls for a level of interest in your surroundings and an eagerness to learn!
Why do it and what are the benefits?
Tour guides can be extremely educational - physically interacting with the place while learning about its history will provide a different kind of academic experience to the classroom by giving the students something more tangible to focus on.
What equipment do we need?
You shouldn't need any equipment for a guided tour, but check beforehand to make sure; some tours involve their participants even further by getting them to write down their own thoughts, or make drawings - so you may need to ensure students have something to write on!
Who is it suitable for?
Guided Tours are suitable for pretty much anybody if you pick the right one - smaller children will find it harder to focus on more complex subjects and will need more visual aids, but if they are engaged correctly they will have a great time! Likewise, teenage students will get bored if the subject isn't engaging enough, so make sure to choose the tour appropriate for the age and interests of the group.
Costs?
Around £20 or less per person, but it can vary greatly depending on the location of the tour - for example, a minibus tour around a park will cost more than a short walk around a country manor! Make sure to shop around to get an idea of the prices in your area.
Issues/Things to think about? (unsuitable for age groups, medical conditions etc)
A guided tour should be suitable for all ages, but students with condtions such has ADHD may have trouble focusing for an extended period of time - make sure to be aware of the specific needs of your group.
How do we include?
Many guided tours have disabled access for those with limited physical movement, but it would be wise to doublecheck beforehand. Those who are deaf and blind can also be included in guided tours but may need more specialist staff - again, you will need to check with the specific establishments.
Doing it abroad?
There are points of public interest all around the world, so wherever you can find something well known chances are there will be a guided tour available! Foreign tours may be conducted in another language though, so make sure to confirm the specifications of the tour before booking it.
Main website:
This website gives a good overview of places where you can go for a tour guide, but you're best looking at the specific areas around you to find out details!
Venues with this Activity
Dingwall Museum presents many local artefacts and fascinating tales of human exploits which are unique to Dingwall within a landmark building, once the centre of local government. Over the years members have designed displays to create pictures of the past for visitors to study and enjoy.
The Museum's award-winning displays use extensive research and the latest technology, including a tape tour of the town, to help you share the enthusiasm for Cromarty past and present.
Discover the romance, loyalty and valour of one of the last of the Jacobites: Cluny of the '45 who was hunted for 9 years after Culloden. He hid in caves and he held the horse for the officer who was searching for him!
The museum has displays relating to Bonnie Prince Charlie and the ’45 Rising, a portrayal of the history of the clan and artefacts relating to the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders. It also holds photographs and items from the time that the Commandos trained at Achnacarry during the Second World War.
Museum Features
Caithness Horizons Collection comprises approximately 8,050 artefacts relating to the following subjects/themes:
Archaeology: This Collection mostly consists of archaeological material from Caithness, although there is a small Collection of material from elsewhere in Scotland and from other countries
Come and explore the Viking Heritage of Caithness. Discover the pre-Viking kingdom of the Catti and follow the progress of the Norse settlers from their Scandinavian homes to Shetland, Orkney and Caithness.
The galleries integrate Shetland’s museum and archives collections for the first time to tell Shetland’s story in the most complete and accessible way.
We have a wide range of tours, talks, films, workshops, trails and resources that will help you discover more about Shetland’s Past.
The Chambers Institution was established by William Chambers, one of the founders of the famous publishing house, in 1859. It houses a museum and gallery which present a lively programme of exhibitions throughout the year.
The Story of the Roman Capital of South Scotland
Trimontium Fort was the name of the Three Hills Place - in the lee of the Eildon Hills one mile from the town of Melrose beside the village of Newstead in the Scottish Borders.
Thirlestane Castle, originating in the 13th century, is one of the oldest and finest castles in Scotland. Exquisite 17th century plaster ceilings; Victorian kitchens; Historic Toy and Country Life Museum; adventure playground; woodland walk and picnic tables. Lunches and teas served in “The Old Servants Hall”.
This historic spa hosts exhibitions telling the story of Innerleithen and St Ronan's Wells, describing their connections with the great Scottish writers Sir Walter Scott and James Hogg.
The origins of the unique Cleikum ceremonies held in July each year are also explored.
Built in 1803 as the Sheriff Court this is where Sir Walter Scott, author of such classics as The Heart of Midlothian and Rob Roy, dispensed justice to the people of Selkirkshire.
Explore Scott’s life, his writings and his time as Sheriff.
Whilst we offer fun kids trails and activity sessions throughout Summer- a range of specially tailored school visit are available year round.
Old Gala House is a composite building which has been added to and altered over a period of more than 400 years. The house has been a museum site since 1988.
As well as the permanent collection, there are three main spaces which cater for a changing programme of Fine Art and historical exhibitions: the Christopher Boyd Gallery and the Pringle Gallery.
This fine example of a 16th century bastel house is set in a beautiful garden of pear trees. Displays tell the story of Scotland’s tragic queen through objects, paintings and textiles associated with Mary. One room is dedicated to exhibits relating to the Queen and her visit to Jedburgh in 1566.
Trophies won by Jim Clark OBE, the former motor racing champion whose home town was in Duns.
Jedburgh Castle Jail gives visitors a taste of what life was like in an 1820s prison, whilst also telling the story of the Royal Burgh of Jedburgh.
Hawick Museum's parkland location and fascinating displays reflect the endeavour of the town and its people. The objects and fine works of art collected are not just about Hawick but a window on the world.
The permanent displays allow many of our wonderful artefacts to be shown. The Jimmie Guthrie and Steve Hislop exhibitions make us a motorcyclists' Mecca.
An extensive collection of ironmongery is displayed in a recreated ironmonger’s shop. Other lively displays relate to the history of the building and to Selkirk. Temporary exhibitions are held in the Robson Gallery and video and audio-tape programmes are available.
The central point of the exhibitions is the magnificent 15 × 4ft tapestry which was sewn by local ladies to commemorate the Great East Coast Fishing Disaster of 1881, when 189 local fishermen were drowned. There are exhibitions also on farming, milling, the occupations of blacksmith and wheelwright, and of course the fishing heritage.
Permanent displays relating to the Coldstream Guards and the town of Coldstream, featuring artefacts on loan from the Coldstream Guards, the Provost's Robes and Chain of Office. There is a changing exhibition programme in the Courtyard Gallery.
The knitwear and tweed story
The Borders Textile Towerhouse tells the story of our proud industrial past in a lively hands-on exhibition. There is also an exciting taste of textile fashions here and now, in our catwalk and design studio display. Carding, dyeing, spinning, weaving, knitting, finishing and design …. learn about the processes, people, craft and history behind the clothes that we take for granted.
The home of Walter Scott
Perhaps nowhere else in the world can evoke the power of the romantic past more than Abbotsford.
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