Caithness Horizons: Museum, Gallery Shop & Cafe

Caithness Horizons is an enthralling new visitor attraction located in Thurso which acts as a hub for the surrounding Caithness area.

The magnificently restored building houses a permanent exhibition which uncovers the story of mankind's past and present interaction with the environment of north east Scotland. A gallery houses temporary exhibitions including the display of work by local artists.

Commanding attention on arrival are the newly returned Skinnet and Ulbster standing stones, which have undergone two years' intensive restoration in Edinburgh and now reveal significant new Pictish carvings.

A series of themed displays bring to life the fascinating heritage of Caithness. Highlights include archaeological objects that date from the Stone, Bronze and Iron Ages and relate to the lives of the Broch dwellers, Picts and Vikings that made Caithness their home. A particular treat is the impressive array of Viking artefacts from a male Viking burial at Reay, Thurso, which are on loan from the National Museums of Scotland.

Visitors can also wander through displays of birds, track bird migration routes and meet Thurso's famous geologist and botanist Robert Dick. The displays feature Robert Dick's herbarium, now accessible to the public for the first time in many years, along with personal items, geological and fossil specimens.

The social history of Caithness is brought to life by displays which include a Penny-farthing bicycle and film clips. Caithness Horizons explores the activities that took place at Dounreay over a period of more than 40 years, its environmental impact and its influence on the local community.

Caithness Horizons takes visitors on a truly remarkable journey into all that Caithness has to offer. There is a cafe and gift shop onsite to ensure visitors have a fully enjoyable experience.