An independent maritime museum with seaworthy vintage lifeboat Thomas McCunn in her original setting. Telling the important story of the Longhope lifeboats, Orkney seafaring and the RNLI. Connecting every visitor with the historical and emotional legacy of the crews, boats and island communities.
A poignant museum highlighting the bravery and sacrifice of the volunteer crews of the Longhope Lifeboat and their community. Hoy is a major draw for visitors when they come to Orkney, with most heading to the spectacular cliffs and coastline at the north end of the island. But South Walls also has plenty of things to see and do. The village of Longhope is the main hub of the area. It's a place that became known throughout the world in the late 1960s when the local lifeboat was lost in wild seas during a rescue operation in the Pentland Firth, with the loss of the entire crew of eight. You can read more about the disaster with our blog, published to mark the 50th anniversary in March 2019. The village still has a lifeboat and a long and proud association with the RNLI. This relationship can be explored at the fascinating Longhope Lifeboat Museum at Brims. Housed in the former lifeboat shed, with paintings, artefacts and memorabilia surrounding the island's former lifeboat 'Thomas McCunn' (1933-1962), the museum is run by the community and is such a special place to visit. Explore the story of the lifeboat service in Longhope, including the 1969 tragedy, and learn about the former crews and the equipment they used. The museum is generally open between April and October, from 11am until 4pm, Monday to Friday. It may be possible to visit outwith these times if arranged in advance, subject to the availability of volunteers. Contact the museum via Facebook or email.
I want to say a huge thank you to Mike for showing my children around the Longhope Lifeboat Museum last week. The care and attention that Mike showed my 4 and 7 year old, and the fun and immersive experience he created will be memories that stay with them both for a very long time. They had an absolute blast! Thank you also to the Longhope Lifeboat Museum Trust, and to all the local people that help to keep such a wonderful piece of history in existence. It is a lovely Museum that I would highly recommend visiting!
Very interesting local history museum, which is still very much an important part of modern day life here in Hoy
Michael was a supremely knowledgeable guide who explained things clearly. Anyone using sticks or crutches, be careful on the gangplank as, if you don't watch carefully, your stick may go between the wooden slats. The museum is a treasure trove of delights, including the old Lifeboat "Thomas McCunnn". Entry is free, but please give generously. If you wish to add Gift Aid, you can donate online.
Small RNLI museum with a lifeboat built in 1932 on display. Various photos and other information on display and details of the Longhope lifeboat disaster. Worth a visit but limited opening times.
Mike, who showed us around and is a retired Life boat Volunteer, was amazing! The old Lifeboat Staion that is now a wonderful museum is cramped full of History and tales of the original Lifeboat that is lovingly cared for which sits in the museum!! The walls are covered in plaques and pictures of those that served. The Museum costs nothing to go inside, however after hearing and reading the heroic things the Lifeboat Men and Women have done over the years, There is a Charity box and I for one felt compelled to donate. The History of what local people have given their lives for and if the boat could talk, the tales it would tell are fascinating! This museum is a must to visit
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Restaurant
Good for kids
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A poignant museum highlighting the bravery and sacrifice of the volunteer crews of the Longhope Lifeboat and their community. Hoy is a major draw for visitors when they come to Orkney, with most heading to the spectacular cliffs and coastline at the north end of the island. But South Walls also has plenty of things to see and do. The village of Longhope is the main hub of the area. It's a place that became known throughout the world in the late 1960s when the local lifeboat was lost in wild seas during a rescue operation in the Pentland Firth, with the loss of the entire crew of eight. You can read more about the disaster with our blog, published to mark the 50th anniversary in March 2019. The village still has a lifeboat and a long and proud association with the RNLI. This relationship can be explored at the fascinating Longhope Lifeboat Museum at Brims. Housed in the former lifeboat shed, with paintings, artefacts and memorabilia surrounding the island's former lifeboat 'Thomas McCunn' (1933-1962), the museum is run by the community and is such a special place to visit. Explore the story of the lifeboat service in Longhope, including the 1969 tragedy, and learn about the former crews and the equipment they used. The museum is generally open between April and October, from 11am until 4pm, Monday to Friday. It may be possible to visit outwith these times if arranged in advance, subject to the availability of volunteers. Contact the museum via Facebook or email.
I want to say a huge thank you to Mike for showing my children around the Longhope Lifeboat Museum last week. The care and attention that Mike showed my 4 and 7 year old, and the fun and immersive experience he created will be memories that stay with them both for a very long time. They had an absolute blast! Thank you also to the Longhope Lifeboat Museum Trust, and to all the local people that help to keep such a wonderful piece of history in existence. It is a lovely Museum that I would highly recommend visiting!
Very interesting local history museum, which is still very much an important part of modern day life here in Hoy
Michael was a supremely knowledgeable guide who explained things clearly. Anyone using sticks or crutches, be careful on the gangplank as, if you don't watch carefully, your stick may go between the wooden slats. The museum is a treasure trove of delights, including the old Lifeboat "Thomas McCunnn". Entry is free, but please give generously. If you wish to add Gift Aid, you can donate online.
Small RNLI museum with a lifeboat built in 1932 on display. Various photos and other information on display and details of the Longhope lifeboat disaster. Worth a visit but limited opening times.
Mike, who showed us around and is a retired Life boat Volunteer, was amazing! The old Lifeboat Staion that is now a wonderful museum is cramped full of History and tales of the original Lifeboat that is lovingly cared for which sits in the museum!! The walls are covered in plaques and pictures of those that served. The Museum costs nothing to go inside, however after hearing and reading the heroic things the Lifeboat Men and Women have done over the years, There is a Charity box and I for one felt compelled to donate. The History of what local people have given their lives for and if the boat could talk, the tales it would tell are fascinating! This museum is a must to visit
