Business Details
11 Years
experience
Discover 14,000 Years of Rural and Small-Town Life
We are Biggar Museum Trust, an independent, charity-run institution dedicated to preserving and showcasing 14,000 years of rural and small-town life in Upper Clydesdale. Our collections span from prehistoric times to the mid-20th century, focusing on archaeological, social, and historic heritage. Officially opened by The Princess Royal in 2015, we hold a Visit Scotland 5-star rating and offer immersive exhibits, including Gladstone Court's Victorian street scene and the skeleton of 'Thankerton Man'.We provide educational resources, group visits, and community spaces while maintaining accessibility for all visitors. Our mission is to collect, store, and record the region's rich heritage for future generations.
Services
Museum Exhibits
Group Visits
Children's Activities
Room Hire
Museum Shop
Details
- Year established: 2015
Highlights and features
- Explore 14,000 years of uninterrupted local history in one venue
- Interact with hands-on exhibits like the Victorian telephone exchange
- Free admission for ML12 residents with proof of residency
- Group discounts available for educational and community visits
- Fully accessible facilities including designated parking and toilets
Associations and certifications
- Visit Scotland
Services
Museum Exhibits
Our permanent exhibits explore 14,000 years of local history through archaeological finds, social heritage artifacts, and cultural collections. Visitors encounter prehistoric tools, medieval settlements, and Victorian-era reconstructions. The museum houses Scotland's oldest gun and the remains of 'Thankerton Man' from 4,000 years ago.
Group Visits
We accommodate groups of all ages with tailored visits outside regular hours. School groups access interactive learning resources aligned with curriculum requirements. Community organizations benefit from guided tours and specialized archive access for historical research projects.
Children's Activities
Interactive exhibits engage young visitors through hands-on experiences like operating Victorian telephone exchanges and handling replica archaeological tools. The museum provides activity trails and themed workshops that make learning about local history both educational and entertaining for children.
Room Hire
Our flexible spaces host community events, temporary exhibitions, and cultural activities. The venue combines historical ambiance with modern facilities, including archive access for academic research and presentation equipment for contemporary functions.
Museum Shop
The shop offers Scottish-made products inspired by our collections, including books, souvenirs, and artisan crafts. Items frequently change to reflect current exhibitions, with exclusive locally-produced goods available alongside museum-themed educational materials.
Questions
What historical periods does the museum cover?
We showcase 14,000 years of history from prehistoric times through to the mid-20th century, including Neolithic settlements, medieval artifacts, and Victorian-era reconstructions.
Are there interactive exhibits for children?
Yes, we offer hands-on activities including Victorian telephone operation, replica archaeological tool handling, and themed trails specifically designed for young visitors.
What are the museum's opening hours?
April-December: Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 1pm-5pm. January-March: Weekends only 10am-4pm last entry.
Is the museum accessible for disabled visitors?
Yes, we provide full accessibility with designated parking, accessible toilets, and wheelchair-friendly exhibit layouts throughout the museum.
Do you offer group visit discounts?
Yes, we provide discounted rates for organized groups and can arrange specialized tours outside regular opening hours for educational or community organizations.
Reviews (6)
Sandra Marks
Oct 25, 2021
Report
Nice little museum with prehistoric archaeology to local history of the area, including some great Victorian walk-in shops.
Sarah Bunney
Nov 17, 2019
Report
Beautifully done and very interesting museum! My Dad & I stumbled across it on a recent trip to Scotland as we have ancestry from Biggar. Museums aren't typically our go-to, but we were so very glad we stopped in. A highlight of our trip for sure! And the receptionist was just lovely. Would highly recommend!
Jayne Wilson
Sep 27, 2019
Report
The museum houses a wide variety of interesting exhibits and displays on Biggar and the surrounding area. The staff are also helpful and knowledgeable. A real hidden gem, well worth a visit.
Elspeth Roden
Jul 03, 2019
Report
Lovely little museum. Took my kids (2 at 20 and 1 at 26) who enjoyed the phone switchboard very much. They laughed at a number of the exhibits and had a great afternoon. Staff and volunteers very helpful. Will take my 22 year old the next time he is home. Will definitely recommend.
Rianna Safdar
Feb 11, 2019
Report
The staff was incredibly helpful with interesting facts and future events. There is a old time street showing what shops would have been like in the 1900s. The exhibitions are fun and you can interact with an… old fashion telephone exchange. You can also reuse your ticket to revisit within a month of purchase. Cute little gift shop too.
David Wardrop-White
Nov 17, 2018
Report
Brilliant and moving WW1 exhibition. Using stories of Biggar people really brought home the impact of the war.
