The Heritage Centre

Following the winter break, we’ll be opening the museum in The Square at Ellenabeich for Easter weekend, from Good Friday to Easter Monday (29th March to 1st April, 2024).
For the remainder of the Easter Holidays, the museum will be open as much as possible, depending on staff availability, although would-be visitors need to bear in mind that we’re always closed on Saturdays (in this case, 6th and 13th April).
From Sunday 14th April, the museum will fully re-open for the 2024 season, Sundays to Fridays from 11am to 4pm.

The Heritage Centre houses an interesting collection of artefacts and records relating to the social and industrial life of the Slate Islands of Argyll. There are photographs and records of the people engaged in the former slate industry covering the period 18-20th century. School parties and other groups are very welcome to visit the Centre by appointment and individuals and small groups are welcome when we are open.

Displays include:                       

  • Living in the 19th century
  • Quarry workings
  • Public Health
  • Flora & Fauna
  • Genealogical records and information

The centre is open to the public 6 days (Sunday to Friday) a week between 11.00 to 16.00hrs from April to October.

The centre houses our Archives including original papers, documents and artefacts. It also contains various census returns and Rent Rolls which are used to assist enquirers with Genealogical research.

As well as displaying exhibits relevant to the local slate industry the heritage centre offers an interesting selection of reasonably priced gifts and souvenirs to take away. From Jean Adams’ world famous stone cats to photographs and paintings of the area there is a good range of local items, some of which are shown below.