PICTURES: 5 fascinating objects you can see on display at Tain Museum as part of its 2025 exhibits
The doors to one of Easter Ross’s most fascinating heritage hotspots are set to open on Tuesday April 1 for the beginning of museum season.
Tain & District Museum is preparing to welcome history buffs and lovers of local heritage from the Tain community and much further beyond for its 2025 season – with a fresh line-up of artefacts and curiosities on display to whet the appetite.
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To mark the beginning of the season, we take a look at just five of hundreds of intriguing items you can expect to see by popping in to the museum and its visitor centre in Tain from Tuesday onwards.
1. Imperial German Air Service WW1 pilot’s helmet
2. Possible Colditz Rolex, A Nickel Open-Faced Military Pocket Watch
3. Zulu iZenze or selepe battle axe from the 19th century
4. A drinking beaker made from cow horn
5. A letter sent from Criock School to Ann Ross, 1942
Complementing its existing exhibits on Tain Silver, sport, slavery and Tain Tolbooth, the museum shall this year unveil two refreshed displays – one offering a powerful look at the Highland Clearances, and the other showcasing its collection of military artefacts.
The Highland Clearances exhibit on the clearances explores various aspects of life before and after the event.
The beautiful cow horn cup, pictured above, will be displayed alongside other artefacts, highlighting the central role of cattle farming in Highland life.
One particularly moving piece is a letter sent from Criock School to the granddaughter of Ann Ross.
Ann and her family left the Highlands for Australia six months after she had been violently assaulted while protesting the Greenyard Clearances in 1854.
This remarkable letter, written by 13-year-old Helen Ross in October 1941, reveals how the Ross family, despite being scattered across the world, remained in contact over 80 years later.
The museum’s growing military collection includes a wide range of artefacts, including some particularly rare items such as a WWI German Flying Officer’s helmet and a French Napoleonic campaign medal.
Among the newly displayed pieces is a broken weapon originally believed to have been found near the site of the 1651 Battle of Carbisdale.
However, it was later identified as a 19th-century Zulu battle axe!
This artefact is exhibited alongside the medals of Duncan Bethune of Tain, which include a Zulu war medal and two Coronation medals from ceremonies he attended as a Yeoman Guard (Beefeater).
Tain Museum curator Jason Ubych said: “For the full experience, we highly recommend booking a guided tour of the museum site or a Clan Ross tour.
“It’s the best way to explore the rich history we preserve—and a wonderful way to support the museum.
“If you’d like to book a tour or arrange a visit outside regular hours, we’d love to hear from you!”
To book a tour or arrange a visit outside regular hours, call 01862 894089 or email info@tainmuseum.org.uk.
Tain Museum is open Tuesday to Friday, from 10am to 4pm, from April 1 right through to the end of October.
