Originally established in Moffat’s old bakehouse, Moffat Museum provides a fascinating insight into the town’s history – from early Roman times, the Border Reivers, the heyday of its coaching era, to the discovery of the Well and Moffat’s popularity as a spa town.
The generosity of an Australian benefactor, John Moffitt, along with funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund, Clyde Wind Farm, Foundation Scotland and the local community, enabled the Museum Trust to purchase the adjoining building and undertake a big modernisation project. The new and expanded Museum opened in 2013 and now features stunning artefacts on loan from the Museum of Scotland.
The Museum is on two floors. The lower floor illustrates Moffat’s history through several key exhibits. Included is a Neolithic bow found in the hills above Moffat and a Roman brooch found on Ericstane Brae. The upper floor has eight displays covering different aspects of Moffat’s history, such as education, agriculture, the history of the Spa and famous people associated with Moffat. An outside yard hosts a display of agricultural tools and exhibits relevant to Moffat’s railway history.
The museum now includes a new space dedicated to the Merlin Trail, of which Moffat is the hub. For more information, visit the Merlin Trail Website.
The Moffat History Trail is also featured on this site.
A seven minute video tells the story of the town and regularly changing exhibitions mean that there is always something new to see.
A town trail map is available for visitors who want to to explore the town on foot.
Please note that access from the front pavement is level and the building is accessible with a wheelchair. Exhibits housed on the upper floor are available for viewing on a computer for people unable to use the stairs.