How the Scottish Crannog Centre put responsible tourism at its heart

In 2021, a fire sadly destroyed the original reconstructed crannogs. But staff, volunteers and local craftspeople came together to rebuild and develop the centre into something even bigger than before. In less than three years, the Scottish Crannog Centre re-opened with a site 12 times the size of the original.

The museum collection - which was untouched by the fire - is now housed in a single storey building, next to a café and bookshop which all opens out into the main attraction: a living, working Iron Age village.

Mike told us how the fire started and within six minutes the crannog was gone. Luckily “with the wind blowing the right way onto the loch, the building nearby that housed our collection was not harmed.”

The team quickly started to receive calls and words of support and a local business set up a fundraising page. The staff rallied and they decided to re-open within a week.

Mike said: “We were unsure if anyone would want to come to a crannog museum without a crannog. But on the Friday as we opened people were queuing - our music night the following Monday sold out and we continued to do what we do best - tell the inspirational stories of the original crannog community around 500 BC.”

The Crannog Centre team had strong support from politicians and funders and were visited by the then Deputy First Minister John Swinney and Jenny Gilruth MSP. The team presented their plans and met with many of their community partners. “After their visit, we felt that we felt we were in with a real chance of succeeding”. In December 2021 Jenny Gilruth MSP announced in parliament a package of £2.3 million to help rebuild the centre.

Developing the new site

Mike took this as an opportunity to establish a pathway to move and expand their offering. “Our new development team created a plan that would get us across to Dalerb as our new home - first we decided to build an Iron Age Village and flexible visitor centre and museum capable of being reconfigured.”

They pushed on with planning, and appointed a main contractor.

“We were so lucky to have the most amazing collection of incredible craftspeople join the team from thatchers and green woodworkers to stone builders. And we were had terrific support from volunteers! - we would open March 31st 2024.”

Enabling their staff

The Scottish Crannog Centre employ a diverse team, some with disabilities and others neurodiverse. Mike has reached out to local charities to ensure they are providing both staff and visitors with the support they need. “A diverse workforce best engages with diverse audiences.”

“Our team are ready to work with visitors with a variety of additional needs. There are always hands-on activities that are inclusive and interactive and we offer sensory play. For example there are always pieces of the handling collection for visitors with impaired vision to have a tactile experience.”

“If an area is busy, loud and overstimulating for visitors, there are areas on-site to go for a walk, sit quietly, or play and our team can work with visitors to provide these spaces and give everyone a welcoming and friendly experience.”

The team work alongside Perth Autism Support who provide training and support and are a disability confident Leader employer. This is a government initiative that supports employers to make the most of the talents disabled people can bring to the workplace.

Accessibility

Accessibility was embedded into the rebuild plans. "The interior of our café and museum buildings were built to standard for wheelchairs, including lowered reception and café till areas and café counters for those in wheelchairs (both staff and visitors).”

All their entry points to the buildings have double doors that can be opened to accommodate larger wheelchairs, prams, buggies, and mobility aids.

In the museum, the rooms are large and open to allow for easier movement. The exit from the museum to the site is equipped with a set of three stairs to one site and a gradual declining ramp on the other to allow access to the Iron Age village site. From the museum exit, the site is flat earth and accessible to walk around. Each area is equipped with seating.

They also now have three disabled parking bays (one now housing a charging port for electric cars) close to their reception doors with both a bench and picnic table in between for those that may need a seat.

When booking a tour online, they incorporated a question page where visitors can state if they have additional needs prior to their arrival. This ensures that the team are ready and equipped in advance to give them the best experience possible.

AccessAble assessment

Mike and the team wanted to ensure they’re meeting industry standards for accessibility. “At the end of 2024, we had an AccessAble assessment and guide done for our site. The guide is now live and linked to on our website so all visitors have the information they need before they visit.”

“Every person has different requirements, so having the facts accessible before a visit, each person can make an informed decision and know what we have that will support each of their individual needs.”

After the assessment a list of recommendations was sent over to the team which will allow them to make the site even more accessible in the future. They will use this guidance as they start to prepare for their second phase of building.