The Highland Council has approved funding for a new Iron Age roundhouse at Gairloch Museum, marking a significant step forward for a project designed to bring the region’s ancient past to life.
Councillors agreed a £45,000 grant from the Community Regeneration Fund at a meeting on Monday 27 April, supporting a wider project valued at £279,725.
The full scale roundhouse will be built within the museum’s outdoor site, creating an immersive space focused on the history and culture of prehistoric Wester Ross.
The development is intended to serve as both an educational resource and a visitor attraction, offering a hands on way to experience life in the Iron Age.
Councillors said the project would deliver a range of benefits, including heritage preservation, community wellbeing, education, skills development and tourism growth.
Plans have also highlighted the potential to create local employment and volunteer opportunities, with strong backing already shown through community consultation.
The development phase is expected to run from June 2026 to June 2027, with construction and programming continuing into 2028.
The funding comes through the Community Regeneration Fund, which supports projects aimed at strengthening communities, tackling poverty, supporting economic recovery and promoting sustainable development.
Alongside the roundhouse approval, councillors also confirmed a series of smaller awards through the Ward Discretionary Fund to support community initiatives across the area.
Projects receiving support include a micro eco village in Kyle and Lochalsh, community connectivity work in Garve, improvements to facilities in Torridon and Kinlochewe, and investment in local groups such as Aultbea’s Men Shed and Toybox Children’s Centre.
The committee also reviewed local service updates, including reports from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, housing performance across the region and progress on the area’s place plan.
Taken together, the decisions reflect a continued focus on supporting local communities while investing in projects that strengthen both heritage and future sustainability.
