The Arisaig Land Sea and Islands Centre is a great place to visit during your visit to the area. The exhibition tells the fascinating history of Arisaig and the villages nearby, including the importance of the locality during the Second World War.

If you are unsure of the significance of Czech soldiers when you see the nearby war memorial, it’ll all become clear after a visit to the Arisaig visitor centre.

You can pick up a copy of the local SOE (Special Operations Executive) trail in the gift shop to visit some of the important sites and if it’s really taken your interest, there are several publications containing more information. You can also order these on their website.

Of course, the history goes back long before that and you will also learn about the Clanranald Kingdom and the life of crofters.

Arisaig Land Sea and Islands centre was built on the site of the village smiddy, or smithy. The workshop of the local blacksmith contained a forge, large bellows and all the tools of the trade and they are still there today. The information boards explain

The museum has some quiz sheets for children to complete while they’re learning at the exhibition so be sure to pick one up.

Through the back of the centre, there are some children’s activities and games and lots of reference books for you to look through while they’re busy with that. There are also binoculars there for you to see what birds are flying around Loch nan Ceall and a webcam to watch the resident herons nearby.

If you’ve finished reading all your holiday books, there are book swap boxes for both adults and children.

Arisaig Land Sea and Islands Centre Shop

There are plenty things to spend your money on in the shop including books about the area, novels, toys, handmade soaps and lotions, jewellery, coasters, calendars, homemade tablet and jam and more.

The centre is run by Arisaig Community Trust and supports local crafters and businesses as well as providing information to visitors.

I have to say I never leave without a jar of delicious homemade preserve and a bag of equally delicious tablet! If you have any empty jars while you’re there, just wash them and drop them to be used for the next batch.

The staff at the centre will gladly help you with information about Arisaig and there are several booklets of walks and on the flowers at Larachmhor Garden.

Arisaig Sea, Land and Islands Centre is located in the main village on the banks of Loch nan Ceall and opposite Spar supermarket and The Old Library Lodge. It’s sometimes also used for events.

Opening hours in the summer are 10am-4pm daily and in winter, Mon, Sat and Sun 10am-4pm and Fri 1-4pm. Entrance is free, however, contributions to the Arisaig Community Trust are welcome to help them continue their excellent work.

Visit the official Arisaig Land Sea and Islands website.