The Old Haa Museum - Discover Shetland's Island Heritage, Local History and Traditional Crafts on Yell

The Old Haa Museum is a fascinating heritage attraction situated in the village of Burravoe on the island of Yell, one of the northern islands of Shetland, Scotland. Housed in a beautifully preserved historic building dating from 1672, the museum offers visitors an engaging insight into the island's rich cultural heritage, maritime traditions and everyday life through the centuries. Originally built by local merchant Robert Tyrie, the Old Haa of Brough later became associated with merchants and Hanseatic traders who played an important role in Shetland's trading history. The building was eventually restored and transformed into a museum, preserving its distinctive architectural character while creating a welcoming space for local history, natural history, art and traditional crafts. Today, the Old Haa Museum is an important cultural centre for the island of Yell, bringing together historic collections, community archives and changing exhibitions that celebrate the people, landscapes and traditions of Shetland.

Visitors to the Old Haa Museum can explore a variety of displays covering the history, wildlife and cultural traditions of Yell. The history rooms contain fascinating collections of domestic objects, photographs, fishing equipment and memorabilia that illustrate island life, including crofting, herring fishing, whaling and the experiences of local communities during wartime. The museum also holds family history resources and archival material, making it particularly interesting for visitors researching their Shetland ancestry. In the natural history room, displays explore the island's wildlife, geology and natural environment, including collections associated with the renowned Shetland naturalist and photographer Bobby Tulloch. A changing programme of exhibitions showcases work by local artists and craftspeople, while the museum shop offers traditional Shetland knitwear, handmade gifts and locally produced crafts. Visitors can also enjoy the welcoming tearoom, known for its homemade cakes, or spend time in the attractive walled garden, which features colourful planting, seating areas and distinctive stone Inuksuit sculptures. The peaceful garden provides a lovely setting for relaxing and enjoying the atmosphere of this historic island property.

The Old Haa Museum offers free admission during its seasonal opening period, although donations are warmly welcomed to support the museum's continued operation. For the 2026 season, the museum was open from 5 April until 4 October, with opening hours of 10am to 4pm Monday to Saturday and 2pm to 5pm on Sundays. Visitors should check the official website for future seasonal dates and opening arrangements before travelling. Groups of 10 or more are required to book in advance and are subject to a group admission charge. The museum is located in Burravoe on the island of Yell, which can be reached by car ferry from Toft on mainland Shetland to Ulsta, followed by a drive through the island. Due to the historic nature of the building, wheelchair access inside the museum is limited, although the garden is accessible via the side entrance and remains open throughout the year. Visitors with specific accessibility requirements are encouraged to contact the museum in advance. The tearoom, gift shop and exhibitions operate during the museum's opening season, and visitors should enquire directly about any restrictions on bringing dogs indoors. With its remarkable historic collections, traditional Shetland crafts, peaceful garden and welcoming atmosphere, the Old Haa Museum is an excellent attraction for anyone exploring the history and culture of Yell and the Shetland Islands.

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