Freshwater Pearl MusselsGrantown Museum Freshwater pearl mussels are large molluscs that live in the bottom of clean, fast-flowing rivers. The River Spey is a vital breeding sanctuary for the mussels, which can live for up to a hundred years. Pearl fishing was once...
Horsehair Fly Whip Strathnaver Museum Sometimes called a fly whisk, this horsehair whip would have been used to swat flies. The term horsehair refers to the manes of the animal, as well as the tails which can grow very long. Horsehair has been used throughout history...
Raptor Claw Brooch Grantown Museum This set of talons come from a bird of prey, probably a golden eagle. The claw has been made into a brooch and dates from the late 1800s. During this period, jewellery made from animal and insect parts was considered the height of...
Bioran Strathnaver Museum Content warning – some visitors may find this object distressing. This object is known as a bioran. It was placed over the nose of a calf to prevent it from sucking milk from its mother. This was because the milk was wanted for humans. The...
Grouse BasketBrora Heritage Centre Grouse driving and shooting became very popular during the Victorian period, becoming an important part of the tourism industry in the Highlands. This basket is on loan from the Dudgeon family at Crakaig Farm and Estate, to the north...
