Step back in time as you enter an 18th-century blacksmith’s smiddy, carefully preserved with forge, bellows and anvil, cobbled floor, tools of the trade and beamed ceiling. The Strachur Smiddy dates back to at least 1791, and continued as a working Smiddy until 1955. It has since been repaired and restored to its original state and now acts as a working museum, with regular weekend demonstrations and a well stocked craft shop. The museum is also accessible for disabled visitors. Do watch our video and read our reviews on TripAdvisor.
The museum, one of the oldest active smiddy's in Scotland, displays the original implements of the blacksmith and farrier trades and you can see these being used by our local blacksmith most Saturdays and Sundays. You can watch him fashion ironwork such as fire pokers and candlesticks in the traditional way with hammer on red-hot metal... and even buy some of these hand made items from the shop.
Watch the film of the Smiddy’s history and read how the Montgomery family of Strachur developed and maintained the blacksmith service over four generations.
Browse through the Smiddy’s collection of fascinating artefacts and tools. Chat to Smiddy staff about the Smiddy’s story and its place in Strachur’s history.
Purchase a souvenir such as a genuine horseshoe, or treat yourself to a locally made gift from the craft shop, including pottery, ceramics, wooden toys, cards, postcards and photographs to remember your visit to the Strachur Smiddy Museum.
We also provide a selection of leaflets and local information to enhance your visit to Strachur and the Cowal area.
We look forward to seeing you soon!
The Strachur Smiddy Trust.
Transport
Getting there by aeroplane:- From Glasgow airport, follow A82 to Tarbet and then A83 over the Rest and Be Thankful. Before Cairndow village turn left on the A815, Strachur is 10 miles from this junction. Alternatively, ferry services operate from Gourock to Dunoon from the A815 lead to Strachur (18 miles).
Getting there by ferry:- From Gourock take the ferry to Dunoon Ferry Terminal, A815 to Strachur (18 miles from Dunoon).
