£4million Aberdeenshire museum abandoned for 13 years on sale for just £150,000

An abandoned Aberdeenshire museum which has been lying empty for more than a decade has been put on the market for offers over just £150,000.

Built at a cost of £4million in 1997, Archaeolink Prehistory Park near Insch had opened its doors with the help of Time Team and Blackadder star Tony Robinson with the promising of giving visitors a walk through Scotland's prehistoric history.

The failed tourist attraction was dedicated to the ancient inhabitants and culture of the north-east, but soon ended up costing the council £100,000 a year in subsidies.

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It was eventually decided to shut the Oyne attraction down in 2011, and it has since attracted vandalism while lying empty for 13 years.

Archaeolink welcomed many visitors and was a popular spot for school trips, giving youngsters the chance to join in with the historical fun.

However, guest numbers started to fall – just 10,500 walked through the doors the year before it shut.

It is estimated that Aberdeenshire Council ploughed around £2.5 million into Archaeolink in the 14 years it was in operation.

The site was even branded as a "white elephant" by some who doubted the project.

Eventually it was sold in 2023 for an undisclosed sum with plans to bring the venue back as a "unique business space", but now it's once again on the market.

Shepherd Chartered Surveyors have listed the site, writing in the description: "The overall site comprises land across mixed level and terrain. The portion of the site which is being marketed pertains to the middle section where a concrete structure has been erected, which historically formed the Archaeolink exhibition and visitor centre.

"The structure has been designed to meld into its rural setting so that the landscape rolls across. Across the roof is grass, which rises like a conical hill similar to its surroundings.

"Pedestrian access to the site is via a pathway that enters a sheltered valley shape up the main entrance. Internally the building provides a predominately open plan area which allows for circulation to all parts of the building.

"This unique space lends itself to a variety of commercial uses which can breathe life into the space, we would welcome enquiries of various natures."

You can view more details on the venue here.