With more brochs per square mile than anywhere else in Scotland, Caithness is often called the “home of the broch,” and this centre offers an engaging introduction to their history, construction, and cultural significance.

Housed in the Old School House at Auckengill, the museum explores three key themes: the communities who built and lived in brochs, the archaeologists who first excavated them, and the legacy brochs continue to have in modern Caithness. Visitors can view artefacts unearthed at nearby Nybster Broch, including tweezers, bone combs, oil lamps, and even Iron Age gaming tokens—evidence that life in these towers was not just about survival, but also creativity and play.

Interactive displays, aerial imaging, and historical panels bring the story of brochs to life, making the centre a perfect stop for families, history buffs, and anyone exploring the Highland Pictish Trail or the North Coast 500.

Good to Know

Location: Auckengill, Caithness, KW1 4XP (on the A99)

Admission: Free entry

Opening Times: Seasonal – typically open April to September (check website for updates)

Nearby: Nybster Broch (500m walk), Sir Francis Tress Barry monument, Sinclair’s Bay

Accessibility: Small parking area; uneven ground to Nybster Broch

Highlights: Iron Age artefacts, interactive exhibits, broch excavation history

Photo Tip: Capture coastal views near Nybster Broch and the museum’s traditional stone exterior