Take a Virtual Tour of the Hall of Clestrain

Take the virtual tour of the Hall of Clestrain

A visit to the Hall of Clestrain is a highlight of any expedition that visits Scotland! Built in 1769 and Grade A listed, it is one of few homes showcasing this style of architecture in Scotland.

The hall was the childhood home of John Rae, an Orcadian surgeon, author, and Arctic explorer, who owed much of his success to Inuit, First Nations, and Métis people who taught him how to live off the land during his journeys in northern Canada and the Arctic. He is credited with locating and mapping Rae Strait, the last navigable link that European explorers needed to traverse the Northwest Passage from the Atlantic to the Pacific Oceans.

An in-person visit to the Hall of Clestrain is a highlight on our small-ship expeditions that visit Scotland and the Orkneys. Guests have the chance to walk the grounds, explore the hall, and listen to stories of John Rae.

Today, our partners at the John Rae Society are working to preserve this important piece of cultural heritage. They are engaged in ongoing archaeological excavations, fundraising campaigns, and building restorations to turn the home into a world-class historical venue.

As part of this work, they've creating an engaging virtual tour of the Hall of Clestrain that uses videos, virtual reality images, and three-dimensional laser scans to make you feel like you're really there. We hope you'll enjoy this tour and consider contributing to the John Rae Society's important efforts!

Take the virtual tour of the Hall of Clestrain