Aberdeenshire
Housed in Stonehaven's oldest building, dating from the late 16th century, this museum is dedicated to the town's history and to the building's own past…
Must-see attractions in Scotland
Orkney
About 4 miles from the Shapinsay pier, at the far northeastern corner of the island, is Iron Age Burroughston Broch, one of the best-preserved brochs …
Caithness
Three miles northeast of Wick is the magnificently located clifftop ruin of Castle Sinclair. It's a short walk from a car park, with some interpretative…
Southern Highlands & Islands
This ruined Iron Age hill fort near Kilchattan has a spectacular position on a volcanic outcrop backed by the hills of Arran. The ramparts were vitrified…
Southern Highlands & Islands
Phone ahead to book a visit at this craft brewer, which has been doing a good job in recent years, or drop in at weekends for beer and pizza. Try their…
Southern Highlands & Islands
Situated in a former church, this heritage centre explores local social history through photographs, documents and artefacts covering whisky, mining and…
Mull
Sheila's Cottage, a short walk north of the Ulva ferry landing, is a reconstruction of a traditional thatched crofter's cottage, with displays about the…
Mull of Galloway Visitor Centre
Dumfries & Galloway
This visitor centre has plenty of information on local species and camera feeds from nesting birds on the cliff-face. There are guided walks on Tuesdays…
St Andrews
As well as a seal sanctuary, rays and sharks from Scottish waters, and exotic tropical favourites, St Andrews Aquarium has penguins, alligators and a cute…
Dumfries & Galloway
There's a certain charm to this higgledy-piggledy old-fashioned local history museum. There's everything from coronation teacups to lumps of local granite…
Glasgow
For a time-capsule experience, visit this small apartment in a typical tenement building, offering a vivid insight into middle-class city life in the…
Aberdeen
The Baronial heap towering over the eastern end of Castle St is the Salvation Army Citadel (the local HQ of the Salvation Army), which was modelled on…
Southern Scotland
Robert Burns was baptised in the Auld Kirk. The atmospheric cemetery here overlooks the river and is good for a stroll, offering an escape from the bustle…
Loch Ness
This visitor centre beside the lowest lock of the Caledonian Canal houses a gift shop, an information desk and a small museum chronicling the history of…
Moray
This palace 2 miles north of Elgin was the residence of the medieval bishops of Moray until 1686. The massive tower house commands lovely views over…
Mull
An art gallery and exhibition space in a former primary school with top water views and a good vegetarian-friendly cafe (open 11am to 4pm Tuesday to…
Orkney
In the centre of North Ronaldsay island, the New Kirk holds an interesting exhibition of B&W photos that document various aspects of North Ronaldsay life.
Edinburgh
Alongside the River Almond in Cramond, opposite the cottage on the far bank, is the Maltings, which hosts an interesting exhibition on Cramond’s history.
Dundee & Angus
Housed in the 18th-century former town hall, courtroom and prison, Brechin Town House Museum records the history of the round tower, cathedral and town.
Loch Ness
This attraction is a miniature theme park aimed squarely at the kids, though we suspect its main function is to sell you Loch Ness monster souvenirs.
Lowland Perthshire & Kinross
If you’re looking to escape the rain, the displays on Alyth's agricultural history in this little museum offer a fine way to pass an hour or so.
New Town
The western end of Princes St is dominated by the tower of St John's Church; the church is worth visiting for its fine Gothic Revival interior.
Fife
The village’s history and involvement with the fishing industry are outlined in the Crail Museum, which also provides tourist information.
Outer Hebrides
This centre has Gaelic-themed displays about the island's history and culture, genealogical records, local art exhibitions and a tearoom.
Caithness
The Cairn o’Get, a prehistoric burial cairn, is signposted off the road in Ulbster. There's a mile of boggy walking from the car park.
Kirkwall
This curious little museum is jam-packed with old radios and war memorabilia. Mostly local in character, it's an impressive collection.
Southern Highlands & Islands
The Colonsay Brewery gives you the chance to have a look at how it produces its hand-crafted ales – the Colonsay IPA is a grand pint.
Oban, Mull & Tiree
This place covers the history of Iona, crofting and lighthouses; there's also a craft shop and a cafe serving delicious home baking.
Caithness
Backing the dunes of Dunnet Bay, this is a small wildlife display and base for local rangers, who organise walks in summer.
Borders Region
Pop into this army surplus store on the main road to see the small but atmospheric basement collection of WWII memorabilia.
Glasgow
The solid Tobacco Exchange flanks pretty Virginia Court. Sugar and tobacco were traded here in the 18th and 19th centuries.
George Waterston Memorial Centre
Shetland
This small display has photos and exhibits on Fair Isle's natural history, crofting, fishing, archaeology and knitwear.
Shetland
Not far from the ferry to Unst and Fetlar, this gallery has rotating exhibitions of Shetland artists and craftspeople.
Oban
An excellent viewpoint to the south of Oban Bay; the footpath to the summit starts by Maridon B&B on Dunuaran Rd.
Dumfries & Galloway
You can learn more about the Stevenson clan of lighthouse builders in the small exhibition at the lighthouse's base.
Stirling
The Mercat Cross is topped with a unicorn (known as the 'Puggie'), and was once the focus of a bustling market.
Dumfries & Galloway
Four miles west of Wigtown, off the B733, this well-preserved ruin dates from the 2nd millennium BC.
The Trossachs
This picturesque old mill building by the falls houses a working waterwheel and a thrift shop.
Fort William
A tour of this distillery makes for a warming rainy day alternative to exploring the hills.
Stirling
The Tolbooth, built in 1705 as the town's administrative centre, is now an arts venue.
