Presenting Our Past: Caithness Broch Centre, Auckengill
AOC recently worked in partnership with numerous partners, including Highland Council, Caithness Archaeological Trust and Nevis Design, in the funding and delivery of the Caithness Broch Centre, based in Auckengill. Along with the National Museums Scotland AOC were involved in the conceptual design, the displays, and the overall funding and design of the project.
The innovative museum was centred on two key themes: brochs and the communities associated with them. Brochs - tall imposing circular drystone towers built over 2000 years ago - are some of the most remarkable structures ever built in Britain. Caithness is the home of the broch, having the greatest concentration of brochs than anywhere else. The Caithness Broch Centre was designed to explore three key areas: the 19th- and early 20th- century communities who first excavated the brochs; the communities who lived in the brochs; and the legacies the brochs bring to the present day communities.
Opened in July 2009 the museum is a key hub for the community, not only a source of pride but also a key education facility. Associated activities undertaken include a county-wide teacher’s pack.
The local community hope to continue their Broch project by surveying, excavating and interpreting their nationally important monuments in the coming years.