July 2026 Message from the Centre Manager: Sam Grove

Message from the Centre Manager – July 2026

When the pupils of Tarbat Old Primary school came to the Discovery Centre for a visit, they probably weren’t expecting to be face to face with a Victorian school mistress. Yet that is exactly who they encountered, and they swiftly learned not to step a single foot out of line. 

Lynn, or ‘Mrs Cook’ for the day, was fantastic in her role as headmistress. Apprehensively, the children lined up in order of age ready to have their hands inspected for cleanliness before being admitted into her classroom. After practicing the ‘Three Rs’ of reading, writing and arithmetic the children were rewarded for their hard work with some Victorian games set up around the museum including marbles, quoits, and chess. We were all so impressed by how polite and enthusiastic the children were as they got stuck in to the activities. 

It wasn’t just local children who received an education this month. Our most recent talk was given by Dr David Petts, Professor of Archaeology at Durham University, on his recently completed fieldwork at Lindisfarne. Surprisingly, very little excavations have taken place on the site so David’s talk was very informative as he took us through the challenges, mysteries and revelations of his work. It seems there is a lot more to the story of the Lindisfarne monastery than previously thought…

Looking ahead, we have what promises to be a summer full of fun. Our next talk on 16th July will be given by well-known local salmon fisherman Will Paterson, who has a long family tradition in the fishing industry. This will be a great chance to learn about Will’s experiences and insight into an industry which was central to the lives of generations in Easter Ross. 

Of course we can’t forget the Portmahomack Gala week at the end of the month which we are delighted to be taking part it once again. On 21st July we will have our very own Pictish sculptor, Barry Grove, doing a clay workshop to create your own Pictish designs. Hopefully the weather is kind to us as we also have a graveyard tour and nature walk with Jim Ritchie on 22nd July, who will point out all the fascinating gravestones and spooky stories which fill the graveyard outside the museum. Finally, as always you will find us on the main street with our marquee on Gala Saturday 25th July, so come along and say hello!