Business Details
45 Years
experience
Explore Pictish Art & Local History in Rosemarkie
Groam House Museum is an award-winning independent museum located in Rosemarkie on the Black Isle, dedicated to preserving and showcasing Pictish art and local history. Established in 1981, our centrepiece is the 8th-century Rosemarkie cross-slab, one of the most significant Pictish stones on the Highland Pictish Trail. We house the nationally significant George Bain Collection, which celebrates Celtic art and design, alongside archaeological finds and local history archives.As a registered charity, we rely on donations, fundraising, and volunteer support to maintain free public access. Our mission is to bring history to life through exhibitions, educational programs, and community engagement, ensuring our collections inspire future generations. We collaborate with national institutions and offer tailored experiences for groups, including behind-the-scenes tours and hands-on workshops.
Services
Pictish stone exhibitions
Celtic art workshops
Archaeological lectures
Group tours
Virtual museum access
Community workshops
Research facilities
Gift shop
Podcast series
Online collections
Details
- Year established: 1981
Highlights and features
- We offer expert-led tours of Pictish stones and Celtic art collections
- Our museum provides free entry by donation for public accessibility
- We host unique archaeological lectures and workshops for all ages
- Our collections include nationally significant Pictish and local history artifacts
- We offer tailored educational experiences for schools and group visitors
Associations and certifications
- Museum Galleries Scotland
- Scottish Government
Services
Pictish stone exhibitions
Explore our collection of 8th-century Pictish sculpted stones, including the iconic Rosemarkie cross-slab. These intricately carved monuments reveal stories of early Christian communities and royal power. Our displays combine archaeological research with accessible interpretation for all visitors.
Celtic art workshops
Learn traditional Celtic design techniques inspired by George Bain's collection. Our hands-on workshops teach knotwork patterns and Pictish symbolism. Participants develop artistic skills while connecting with Scotland's visual heritage through practical engagement.
Archaeological lectures
Attend expert presentations on Pictish studies and local history. Our annual lecture series features university researchers and heritage professionals. Topics range from recent excavations to art historical analysis of early medieval Scotland.
Group tours
Book guided tours for schools, tour groups, or special interest parties. Options include behind-the-scenes access to our archives and object handling sessions. Our experienced guides tailor content to different age groups and learning objectives.
Virtual museum access
Access digital exhibitions and audio tours through our website. Our virtual collections showcase key artifacts with detailed descriptions. This service ensures accessibility for remote audiences and supports academic research worldwide.
Questions
What are the museum's opening hours?
We are open daily from 13:00 to 16:00 between April and October. Entry is by donation.
Is the museum accessible for wheelchair users?
The ground floor is accessible, but there's no lift to upper galleries. We offer virtual tours as an alternative option.
Can I book a group visit?
Yes, we welcome groups with tailored experiences from £8.50 per person. Bookings require 2-4 weeks' notice.
What collections can I see?
Our main collections include Pictish stones, George Bain's Celtic art archive, and local history artifacts from prehistoric to 1800s.
Do you offer educational programs?
We provide workshops, lectures, and school resources focused on Pictish culture, Celtic art, and regional archaeology.
How is the museum funded?
As a charity (SC004435), we rely on donations, membership fees, shop sales, and grants from heritage organisations.
Reviews (4)
Beth Charley
Sep 13, 2021
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Really fascinating experience. Learnt a lot about Pictish art and history. Brilliant community project and I felt very welcome and immersed in it. Would definitely visit again to learn more about the archive .
Karen Riordan
Aug 31, 2021
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Small museum and gift shop set in a pretty village. The lady was very knowledgeable and passionate about Picts and Celtic Art and we loved chatting to her.
Ted George
May 26, 2021
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Brilliant to learn about the Picts and the historical ways they created their illuminated manuscripts.
Joanne Lord
Oct 13, 2020
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Wee gem of a museum with a fabulous collection of Pictish stones, work by George Bain and the gift shop alone is worth a visit. The staff & volunteers are very knowledgeable & friendly. Must do if you're in the area.
