Explorer finds once-loved museum ‘destroyed by vandals’ after it was abandoned

An urban explorer has managed to venture inside an abandoned museum, only to see it has been ‘destroyed by vandals’.

Natasha McCallum shared footage of the derelict Archaeolink museum in Aberdeenshire, Scotland.

Situated in Oyne, Archaeolink Prehistory Park first opened its doors in 1997 and it closed in 2011 as a result of Aberdeenshire Council withdrawing funding.

The failed tourist attraction was dedicated to the ancient inhabitants and culture of the north east.

But Natasha’s recent visit showed it to be vandalised as it lay untouched for nearly 15 years.

She said: ‘It was said to be a great fun day out for everyone involved. To see it in the state it is now is heart breaking. The vandals have been in and have destroyed it.

‘Seeing the remains of the little exhibits and stations where the kids would work made me sad, especially seeing them vandalised and smashed up.

‘Windows have been smashed, with graffiti everywhere. It was nice to explore it and see the inside to show what’s left of it now considering it’s been closed for all those years since 2011. As soon it will be gone forever and likely forgotten.’

According to reports, the site was eventually sold after 12 years in 2023.

Talking about her experience exploring the former site, Natasha said: ‘To walk in to somewhere the pubic hasn’t seen for a long long time is a feeling I can’t explain – but to be able to share is a blessing.

‘I just think it’s a shame that such an educational place for families and schools which showed Scotland’s history had been shut down. It was said to be a fantastic place for educational purposes with lots of informative exhibits for the kids.

‘There was what looks like a cinema area where I believe the children could sit and watch and learn, there was also a walk way the children could experience as they was walking in a different era.’

Natasha hopes that her photos can bring back ‘some happy memories’ to people who have visited the museum.

‘Remembering what it once was before it fell into disrepair. It is nice to hear it’s been sold and being turned into something else – although it’s sad to see it go,’ she said.

‘According to old reviews it seemed like a proper little family day out and great trips for schools and good for education. I wish we had more places like this for children now a days. Those seem to be the days we all remember during childhood.

‘I have been exploring around Scotland for four years now. I have owned the Scotland’s Abandoned Places Facebook group since then as I used to post my explores on there. I have explored in England and Wales too a few times. But mainly Scotland.’

She set up her Exploring with Natasha page only one year ago and has so far reached 10k followers.

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