Author: Sue

Join us to investigate different writing equipment through the ages, from the wax tablets of Roman times, to the slate and pencil of a Victorian school room. Admission is free. Donations welcome.

Ever wondered what people did for fun before the internet? Join us to discover and try your hand at some old-fashioned toys and games. Admission is free. Donations welcome.

We are thrilled to announce that Cruck Cottage has been awarded £73,730 from Museums Galleries Scotland for a project to unlock its potential and make it sustainable into the future. Over recent years the cottage has been open regularly for daytime and evening events, increasing visitors, donations and the profile of the museum in the More …

Ever wondered how people once lit up their dark cottages? Join us to discover a range of lighting equipment from across the ages which would have been used in a home like this. Some are unusual, mysterious and ingenious, and we challenge you to discover how they work. Admission is free. Donations welcome.

Gather by the peat fire in the atmospheric setting of the cottage for a Halloween evening from days gone by. Explore Scottish traditions for Samhain such as divining the future, guising and Galoshins, and how to keep witches from your door. Enjoy our storyteller’s ghostly tales by candlelight and tumshie lantern. This is a traditional More …

Join us for a creepy day at the cottage to celebrate Halloween; with spooky stories, trails, crafts and potion making. Admission free. Donations welcome.

Join us for an introduction to the Cruck Cottage, its history and its famous neighbour John Paton who was a missionary to the New Hebrides (now Vanuatu). The talk will be followed by tea and cake. This event will take place in Torthorwald Village Hall. Free admission. Please book here. We will also use this More …

Cruck Cottage will be open as part of Scotland’s https://www.doorsopendays.org.uk/ weekend. This year’s theme is all about Architectural Heritage, so our knowledgeable volunteers will tell you all about the history and restoration of the cottage. It’s also Scarecrow weekend in Torthorwald village, so seek out those scarecrows and make your own mini Tattie-bogle to take away!

Join us for a kirn nicht and fireside clatter as we celebrate the Scottish customs of the harvest season. Discover the clyack and how to respect this spirit of the corn. Enjoy farming folk tales, poetry, and traditional music, along with Scottish themed nibbles. Tickets £6. Book here (https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1404568023769?aff=oddtdtcreator)

Discover the folklore of wool, spinning and sheep! You’ll be surprised at how many words, placenames and phrases that we still use today come from these woolly flocks. There will also be a display of felted pictures depicting local folklore and stories. Part of our Everyday Folklore programme. Admission free, donations welcomed.