Findhorn Village Heritage Centre and Icehouse volunteers aim to inform more than 5000 visitors this tourist season
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A museum in a local village is set to re-open for the season - with the help of 40 volunteers.
Findhorn Village Heritage Centre and Icehouse feature displays focused on the history of the area, including artefacts from the Second World War discovered near the beach.
Spokesman Tim Negus confirmed the facility was founded in 1989 and opened to the public in 1993 by fellow volunteers concerned about the loss of Findhorn’s historic heritage.
He said: “The Heritage Centre and Icehouse attract around 5000 visitors each season, including many from South of the border and overseas. Our opening hours are Saturdays and Sundays from 2-5pm in May and September, and 2-5pm daily in June, July and August.
“Admission is free but donations are much appreciated!”
The centre is in two former salmon net storage sheds at the north end of the village. With the help of the North East Scotland Preservation Trust, Findhorn Heritage acquired the nearby nineteenth century commercial icehouse formerly owned by the Moray Firth Salmon Fishings Company.
After extensive fundraising, the group restored the listed building and installed exhibits telling the story of the local salmon fishing industry that ended in 1987.
The 150-year-old icehouse was opened to the public in 2004. The building was used for packing salmon en route to London.
The displays in the Heritage Centre now reflect the history of Findhorn and its sands, from its earliest Bronze age inhabitants, through its years as a busy seaport, to World War II and the opening of the airfield at RAF Kinloss.
Also on display is information about local flora and fauna, including a regularly updated board listing what birds can be seen around the bay.
Tim added: “This year we’re trying a new venture: QR codes will be placed at strategic locations around the village for visitors using smartphones to see pictures of them as they would have looked 100 years ago.
“Also, a display of WW2 artefacts donated by local metal detectorist Ade Smith attracted a lot of interest last season. Most of the finds were made near the back shore and relate to the D-Day practice landings by 3rd British Infantry Division in late 1943 and early 1944 which involved the use of amphibious tanks and live ammunition.”
Findhorn Heritage Centre and Icehouse reopens on Saturday, April 29. For more information visit www.findhorn-heritage.co.uk
