Explore the Historic Assynt archive
The Historic Assynt archive brings together material relating to the people, places, archaeology and history of Assynt. The archive is houses at the Old Kirk at Inchnadamph.
The collections include documentary records, photographs, maps, research material and archaeological objects, with material ranging from estate and crofting history to community projects and more recent memories.
The archive is continuing to develop as material is catalogued, researched and digitised.
What we hold
Our collections include:
Historic maps and plans. We hold copies of a number of historic map and original estate plans of many of the buildings in Assynt.
A small selection of artefacts and archaeological finds are also held at the Kirk.
Archaeological records and research material, including Historic Assynt survey records. These span 25 years of activity by a number of volunteers.
The original croft records for all of the crofts in Assynt since the 1800’s. This set of four volumes tracks back the tenets on each croft in Assynt to when they were allowed in the early to mid 1800’s.
We also hold;
- books, reports and local history research, which can be borrowed by members. A current list of the library can be found here.
- community-contributed photographs, memories and information.
- Census, marriage, school and graveyard records
- Sporting Estate records
Some collections are already well documented, while others are still being catalogued and researched.
Using the archive
The archive is a resource for anyone interested in the history of Assynt.
Enquiries might relate to:
- a particular croft, township or family;
- a historic building or settlement;
- archaeology and past excavations;
- historic photographs;
- estate records;
- maps and landscape change;
- local events, industries or community history.
If you have a research question, you are welcome to contact Historic Assynt and we will let you know what relevant material may be available.
Cataloguing and digitisation
Historic Assynt is working to improve the documentation and accessibility of its collections.
This includes cataloguing archive material, recording archaeological finds, scanning photographs and creating consistent digital records.
Over time, selected material and project outputs will be made available through this website, helping more people explore the collections wherever they are.
Featured collections
As the website develops, we hope to highlight particular collections and projects.
From the Archive
Objects, photographs and documents often have stories that reach far beyond the catalogue entry.
Our Stories from the Archive series uses individual items to explore the people, places and events connected with Assynt’s past.
Contribute to the archive
Historic Assynt welcomes information that can help strengthen the archive and our understanding of local heritage.
You may have:
- historic photographs;
- family or croft information;
- documents or copies of documents;
- memories and oral histories;
- information about archaeological sites or finds;
- knowledge that adds context to material already in the collection.
You do not need to give original material to Historic Assynt. In most cases, photographs or documents can be copied or digitised while the originals remain with their owners.
Access and enquiries
Because Historic Assynt is volunteer-led and the archive is not currently open as a permanently staffed public facility, access arrangements may vary.
During the July and August 2026 we are open Thursday afternoons, 1.30pm until 4pm.
Please contact us if you would like to arrange a visit outside of these times or ask a research question.