23 May 2026, 13:00
Strachur Smiddy and Craft Shop re-opens
Location:
The Strachur Smiddy Museum & Craft Shop is open for its 30th season from the 23rd of May.
This year marks the 30th year that that the Smiddy has been opening its doors to the public, running a season every year since opening in 1997. As it is a somewhat of a milestone to reach there will some special events to mark the occasion. Please look out for notices in this newsletter, or on the Smiddy Facebook page, for announcements on such activities. It is also a good point in time to appreciate all the many Trustees and Volunteers who have contributed their time, skills and good will, to keep this charitable enterprise going for such a long time.
Opening day on Saturday the 23rd of May coincides with the Flower Show at Strachur Memorial Hall. So, if you want to check out both places on the day you could got to the hall in the morning and then visit the Smiddy in the afternoon. There may be some food and drink at the Smiddy to welcome the first visitors of the year!
As always, the Smiddy is here to welcome visitors from near and far to experience a blast from the past; see the forge being used – as it has been for over 200 years by many ‘complete’ tradesmen, view the tools and other artefacts that this heritage has bequeathed, learn about the Montgomery family who founded the Smiddy in the 18th century and how the business evolved through one generation to the next to modern times.
The shop will be stocked again with handmade arts and crafts supplied locally, some of which you won’t find anywhere else. This season’s range includes an expanded set of ironwork items made at the Smiddy forge, wood turned bowls, paintings, cane baskets, painted horseshoes, printed bags, cards, Smiddy dumplings, Strachur honey, and more.
There were some interesting developments in the 2025 season that will hopefully continue this season and beyond; the forge has been in good use outside of the public openings with a regular Friday gathering of an expanding group of blacksmiths, who have been making and mending craftwork. There have also been two Storytelling events organised by Lisa, one at Halloween and one at Christmastime. These were both successful, the limited number of tickets were sold out.
Opening hours: 1PM – 4PM every Saturday and Sunday, 23rd May through to 27th September
No Entrance Fee but Donations Welcome