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Three fossils sit on a foam mat
The Highlands

Hugh Miller’s Birthplace Cottage & Museum

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About this place

Humble abode of inspirational geologist, folklorist and fossil hunter with a Garden of Wonders.

  • Explore the historic thatched cottage with a rare ‘hanging lum‘.
  • Discover the fascinating collection of Hugh Miller’s fossils, tools and manuscripts in the museum.
  • Look out for the sundial pedestal carved by Hugh himself.
  • Don’t miss the letter written by Charles Darwin.

Fossil hunter, folklorist, man of faith, stonemason, geologist, editor, writer and social justice campaigner – Hugh Miller was one of the great Scots of the 19th century. His quests and writings have left a huge legacy of knowledge, but as these two adjacent properties testify, he came from ordinary beginnings.

The thatched cottage where Hugh was born in 1802 was built by Hugh’s great-grandfather – a pirate! The cobbled courtyard adjoining the cottage was an external working space. Next door, the handsome Georgian villa, now an interactive museum, was built by Hugh’s father – its distinctive central spiral staircase winds around a ship’s mast.

Outside, Miller’s Yard: Garden of Wonders is a sheltered corner where you can experience the amazing ancient worlds that fascinated Hugh Miller.

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Today's Opening Hours

Birthplace
11.00–16.00 (last entry 15.30)
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Entry prices

Adult
£7.00
Family
£16.00
One adult family
£12.00
Concession
£6.00
Young Scot
£1.00
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Membership

At all Trust places, admission is free for members.

Join from £5.55 / month

TripAdvisor Rating

Accreditations and awards

  • 4 Star Visitor Attraction
  • Green Tourism Silver

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