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Wikipedia / List of museums in Scotland

This list of museums in Scotland contains museums which are defined for this context as institutions (including nonprofit organisations, government entities, and private businesses) that collect and care for objects of cultural, artistic, scientific, or historical interest and make their collections or related exhibits available for public viewing. Also included are non-profit art galleries and university art galleries. Museums that exist only in cyberspace (i.e., virtual museums) are not included. Many other small historical displays are located in the country's stately homes, castles and public libraries.

Museums

Name

Image

Town/City

Council area

Region

Type

Summary

Aberdeen Art Gallery

Aberdeen

Aberdeen City

Aberdeen City & Shire

Art

Website Opened in 1885 and holds work by important Scottish artists like Joan Eardley, Henry Raeburn and William Dyce, alongside contemporary collections and sculptures by Barbara Hepworth and Kenny Hunter.

Aberdeen Maritime Museum

Aberdeen

Aberdeen City

Aberdeen City & Shire

Maritime

Website The museum tells the story of the city’s connection with the sea. From early fishing through to the transition from North Sea Oil to green energy, the collection includes ship models, a lighthouse lens assembly and the entire deck of a historic steamer.

Gordon Highlanders Museum

Aberdeen

Aberdeen City

Aberdeen City & Shire

Military

Website The museum tells the stories of regiment across its two-hundred-year history, through its collection of memorabilia, artefacts, and regimental silverware. A reconstructed Moffat Trench can be explored in the museum’s grounds.

Provost Skene's House

Aberdeen

Aberdeen City

Aberdeen City & Shire

Historic house

Website Built in 1545, this is the oldest surviving townhouse in Aberdeen. The house celebrates the lives of over 100 people from Aberdeen and the North-East including innovators, scientists, writers and stars of stage and screen.

Tolbooth Museum

Aberdeen

Aberdeen City

Aberdeen City & Shire

Prison

Website 17th-century gaol

Aberdeenshire Farming Museum

Mintlaw

Aberdeenshire

Aberdeen City & Shire

Agriculture

Website Within Aden Country Park, the museum recreates the experience of farming and agriculture in North East Scotland. Telling the history of the land and the people who farmed it.

Alford Heritage Museum

Alford

Aberdeenshire

Aberdeen City & Shire

History

website, rural trades displays and tools, household artifacts and room displays, farm equipment and tools, local Royal Ordnance Corps, Doric poet Charles Murray

Arbuthnot Museum

Peterhead

Aberdeenshire

Aberdeen City & Shire

Maritime

website, development of Peterhead fishing boats, local history, Inuit artifacts, Arctic animals, whaling, coin collection, Mr. Arbuthnot's Exploration Gallery (Ethnography & Natural History), changing temporary exhibitions and hands-on fun stuff for all of the family.

Balmoral Castle

Crathie

Aberdeenshire

Aberdeen City & Shire

Multiple

Royal residence and summer retreat of Queen Elizabeth II, ballroom displays of art and decorative art, display of carriages, estate life, royal memorabilia, art gallery, gardens and grounds

Banchory Museum

Banchory

Aberdeenshire

Aberdeen City & Shire

Local

website, features local history displays, including the life of musician and composer James Scott Skinner, and the town's connection to Royal Deeside.

Banff Museum

Banff

Aberdeenshire

Aberdeen City & Shire

Local

website, local history, natural history, geology, silver, arms and armour

Blairs Museum

Blairs

Aberdeenshire

Aberdeen City & Shire

Religious

Scotland's Catholic history and heritage

Braemar Castle

Braemar

Aberdeenshire

Aberdeen City & Shire

Historic house

18th-century castle, ancestral home and seat of Clan Farquharson

Corgarff Castle

Corgarff

Aberdeenshire

Aberdeen City & Shire

Historic house

Operated by the Historic Scotland, 16th-century castle later used as a military garrison, reconstructed 1750 period barracks

Craigievar Castle

Alford

Aberdeenshire

Aberdeen City & Shire

Historic house

Operated by the National Trust for Scotland, 17th-century Scottish Baronial castle

Crathes Castle

Banchory

Aberdeenshire

Aberdeen City & Shire

Historic house

Operated by the National Trust for Scotland, 16th-century pink castle, significant collection of portraits, Jacobean rooms, gardens and grounds

Delgatie Castle

Turriff

Aberdeenshire

Aberdeen City & Shire

Historic house

16th-century castle and gardens

Drum Castle

Drumoak

Aberdeenshire

Aberdeen City & Shire

Historic house

Operated by the National Trust for Scotland, 13th-century castle, 18th-century gardens

Duff House

Banff

Aberdeenshire

Aberdeen City & Shire

Multiple

Website 18th-century country house with paintings and furniture in the care of the National Galleries of Scotland

Fraserburgh Heritage Centre

Fraserburgh

Aberdeenshire

Aberdeen City & Shire

Maritime

website, maritime heritage, local history

Fordyce Joiner's Workshop and Visitor Centre

Fordyce

Aberdeenshire

Aberdeen City & Shire

Technology

website, rural carpenter's workshop and tools

Fyvie Castle

Fyvie

Aberdeenshire

Aberdeen City & Shire

Historic house

Operated by the National Trust for Scotland, dates back to the 13th century, lavish Edwardian interiors, art collection, gardens

Grampian Transport Museum

Alford

Aberdeenshire

Aberdeen City & Shire

Transportation

Website The museum features collection items showcasing the history of transportation. Highlights include 19th-century travelling chariots to a 1980s Grampian Police Rover.

Grassic Gibbon Centre

Arbuthnott

Aberdeenshire

Aberdeen City & Shire

History

Detailing the life of local author, Lewis Grassic Gibbon

Haddo House

Tarves

Aberdeenshire

Aberdeen City & Shire

Historic house

Operated by the National Trust for Scotland, Georgian Palladian house with late Victorian interior, painting collection, gardens

Huntly Castle

Huntly

Aberdeenshire

Aberdeen City & Shire

Historic house

Operated by Historic Scotland, remains of a medieval castle

Johnshaven Heritage Hub Museum

Johnshaven

Aberdeenshire

Aberdeen City & Shire

Local

website, local history of Johnshaven & Benholm

Little Treasures: Grampian Toy Museum

Kemnay

Aberdeenshire

Aberdeen City & Shire

Toy

website, toy museum and shop, doll houses

The Maggie Law Maritime Museum

Gourdon

Aberdeenshire

Aberdeen City & Shire

Maritime

website, maritime and local history of Gourdon

Museum of Scottish Lighthouses

Fraserburgh

Aberdeenshire

Aberdeen City & Shire

Maritime

Historic lighthouse and exhibits of lighthouse technology and history

Peterhead Prison Museum

Peterhead

Aberdeenshire

Aberdeen City & Shire

Prison

website

Sandhaven Meal Mill

Sandhaven

Aberdeenshire

Aberdeen City & Shire

Mill

website, 19th-century mill for oats

Stonehaven Tolbooth

Stonehaven

Aberdeenshire

Aberdeen City & Shire

Local

16th-century stone building originally used as a courthouse and a prison, exhibits of local history

Tolquhon Castle

Pitmedden

Aberdeenshire

Aberdeen City & Shire

Historic house

Operated by the Historic Scotland, 16th-century castle remains

Turriff and District Heritage Society Museum

Turriff

Aberdeenshire

Aberdeen City & Shire

Local

website local history and collection from the surrounding area

Arbroath Abbey

Arbroath

Angus

Angus & Dundee

Religious

website, Operated by Historic Scotland, visitor centre with artifacts from ruined medieval abbey

Arbroath Art Gallery

Arbroath

Angus

Angus & Dundee

Art

website Artwork from the Angus collections and touring exhibitions

J M Barrie's Birthplace

Kirriemuir

Angus

Angus & Dundee

Historic house

website, operated by the National Trust for Scotland, birthplace home of Peter Pan playwright J M Barrie, adjacent cottage with Peter Pan memorabilia

Barry Mill

Barry

Angus

Angus & Dundee

Mill

website, Operated by the National Trust for Scotland, restored watermill

Brechin Town House Museum

Brechin

Angus

Angus & Dundee

Local

website, local history, art

Edzell Castle

Edzell

Angus

Angus & Dundee

Historic house

website, Operated by the Historic Scotland, ruined 16th-century castle with an early-17th-century walled garden

Glamis Castle

Glamis

Angus

Angus & Dundee

Historic house

website, Childhood home of Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, best known as the Queen Mother

Glenesk Folk Museum

Tarfside

Angus

Angus & Dundee

History

website, Period costumes, furniture, room settings

Hospitalfield

Arbroath

Angus

Angus & Dundee

Multiple

website Former art school containing art collection and archive of Patrick Allan Fraser

House of Dun

Montrose

Angus

Angus & Dundee

Historic house

website, Operated by the National Trust for Scotland, 18th-century family house, gardens, woodlands

Inglis Memorial Hall and Library

Edzell

Angus

Angus & Dundee

Local

website Original Victorian library and exhibition on Lieutenant Colonel Robert William Inglis and his family

Kirriemuir Gateway to the Glens Museum

Kirriemuir

Angus

Angus & Dundee

Local

website, local history, culture, natural history, archaeology

Meffan Museum and Art Gallery

Forfar

Angus

Angus & Dundee

Local

website, Local history, art, collection of Pictish stones

Montrose Air Station Heritage Centre

Montrose

Angus

Angus & Dundee

Military

website Located on site of former air station, history of RAF Montrose

Montrose Museum

Montrose

Angus

Angus & Dundee

Multiple

website, Local history, archaeology, natural history, art, ethnography

Signal Tower Museum

Arbroath

Angus

Angus & Dundee

Local

website, Local history, lighthouse, fishing and maritime history, textile industry

St Vigeans Sculpture Stones

St Vigeans

Angus

Angus & Dundee

Archaeology

website, operated by Historic Scotland, over 30 Pictish stones

William Lamb Studio

Montrose

Angus

Angus & Dundee

Art

website, studio and works by sculptor William Lamb

An Iodhlann

Scarinish

Argyll and Bute

Argyll, the Isles, Loch Lomond, Stirling and Trossachs

Historic items

website, historical centre

An Tobar

Tobermory

Argyll and Bute

Argyll, the Isles, Loch Lomond, Stirling and Trossachs

Art

website, multidisciplinary arts centre with gallery

Auchindrain Township Museum

Auchindrain

Argyll and Bute

Argyll, the Isles, Loch Lomond, Stirling and Trossachs

Open-air

Turn-of-the-20th-century township

Bonawe Iron Furnace

Bonawe

Argyll and Bute

Argyll, the Isles, Loch Lomond, Stirling and Trossachs

Industry

website, operated by Historic Scotland, 18th-century charcoal-fuelled ironworks

Bute Museum

Isle of Bute

Argyll and Bute

Argyll, the Isles, Loch Lomond, Stirling and Trossachs

Local

website, island's archaeology, social and natural history

Campbeltown Heritage Centre

Campbeltown

Argyll and Bute

Argyll, the Isles, Loch Lomond, Stirling and Trossachs

Local

local history, culture, maritime heritage, Scotch whisky industry

Castle House Museum

Dunoon

Argyll and Bute

Argyll, the Isles, Loch Lomond, Stirling and Trossachs

Local

website, local history, Victorian period rooms, located in the upper floors of Castle Toward

Columba Centre

Iona

Argyll and Bute

Argyll, the Isles, Loch Lomond, Stirling and Trossachs

Religious

website, operated by Historic Scotland, life and work of St Columba and the religious community he founded on Iona in 563

Duart Castle

Isle of Mull

Argyll and Bute

Argyll, the Isles, Loch Lomond, Stirling and Trossachs

Historic house

Restored medieval castle with Edwardian period rooms

Easdale Island Folk Museum

Easdale

Argyll and Bute

Argyll, the Isles, Loch Lomond, Stirling and Trossachs

Local

website, local history, culture, slate industry, geology, maritime

Hill House

Helensburgh

Argyll and Bute

Argyll, the Isles, Loch Lomond, Stirling and Trossachs

Historic house

Early-20th-century house, interior and furnishings designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh

Iona Abbey

Iona

Argyll and Bute

Argyll, the Isles, Loch Lomond, Stirling and Trossachs

Religious

Operated by Historic Scotland, founded by St Columba and his Irish followers in AD 563, one of Scotland's most historic and sacred sites

Iona Heritage Centre

Iona

Argyll and Bute

Argyll, the Isles, Loch Lomond, Stirling and Trossachs

Local

information, local history, culture

Inveraray Castle

Inveraray

Argyll and Bute

Argyll, the Isles, Loch Lomond, Stirling and Trossachs

Historic house

Seat of the Chief of Clan Campbell, the Duke of Argyll, 18th- and 19th-century castle with formal gardens

Inveraray Jail

Inveraray

Argyll and Bute

Argyll, the Isles, Loch Lomond, Stirling and Trossachs

Prison

19th-century living history prison

Lismore Gaelic Heritage Centre

Lismore

Argyll and Bute

Argyll, the Isles, Loch Lomond, Stirling and Trossachs

Local

website, local history, culture, contains the archive of Comann Eachdraidh Lios Mor.

Kilmartin Museum

Kilmartin

Argyll and Bute

Argyll, the Isles, Loch Lomond, Stirling and Trossachs

Archaeology

website, history of the prehistoric stones found in Kilmartin Glen, area artefacts and excavations

Mount Stuart House

Isle of Bute

Argyll and Bute

Argyll, the Isles, Loch Lomond, Stirling and Trossachs

Historic house

Victorian Gothic Revival mansion, gardens

Mull Museum

Tobermory

Argyll and Bute

Argyll, the Isles, Loch Lomond, Stirling and Trossachs

Local

website, local history, culture of the Isle of Mull

Museum of Islay Life Port Charlotte

Port Charlotte, Islay

Argyll and Bute

Argyll, the Isles, Loch Lomond, Stirling and Trossachs

Local

website, local history, culture, archaeology

Oban War and Peace Museum

Oban

Argyll and Bute

Argyll, the Isles, Loch Lomond, Stirling and Trossachs

Local

website, local history, fishing and maritime industries, railways and road transport, strategic role played by Oban during World War II

Ross Of Mull Historical Centre

Bunessan

Argyll and Bute

Argyll, the Isles, Loch Lomond, Stirling and Trossachs

Local

website, local history, culture, natural history of the Ross of Mull peninsula

Sandaig Island Life Museum

Tiree

Argyll and Bute

Argyll, the Isles, Loch Lomond, Stirling and Trossachs

Historic house

information, late-19th-century cottar's home

Slate Islands Heritage Centre and Museum

Ellenabeich

Argyll and Bute

Argyll, the Isles, Loch Lomond, Stirling and Trossachs

Industry

website, slate industry of the Slate Islands, social history

Skerryvore Lighthouse Museum

Tiree

Argyll and Bute

Argyll, the Isles, Loch Lomond, Stirling and Trossachs

Maritime

History and construction of the lighthouse

Strachur Smiddy Museum

Strachur

Argyll and Bute

Argyll, the Isles, Loch Lomond, Stirling and Trossachs

History

website, history blacksmith shop and craft shop

Torosay Castle

Isle of Mull

Argyll and Bute

Argyll, the Isles, Loch Lomond, Stirling and Trossachs

Historic house

19th-century Baronial house and garden

Alloa Tower

Alloa

Clackmannanshire

Argyll, the Isles, Loch Lomond, Stirling and Trossachs

Historic house

Operated by the National Trust for Scotland, medieval tower house, collections of portraits, silver and furniture

Castle Campbell

Dollar

Clackmannanshire

Argyll, the Isles, Loch Lomond, Stirling and Trossachs

Historic house

Operated by Historic Scotland, 15th-century medieval castle tower house

Dollar Museum

Dollar

Clackmannanshire

Argyll, the Isles, Loch Lomond, Stirling and Trossachs

Local

website, local history

Menstrie Castle

Menstrie

Clackmannanshire

Argyll, the Isles, Loch Lomond, Stirling and Trossachs

Historic house

Operated by the National Trust for Scotland, 16th-century house, home to Sir William Alexander, 1st Earl of Stirling, who was instrumental in founding the colony of Nova Scotia

Annan Museum

Annan

Dumfries and Galloway

Dumfries and Galloway

Local

website, website, local history

Broughton House and Garden

Kirkcudbright

Dumfries and Galloway

Dumfries and Galloway

Historic house

website, 18th-century town house, later home and studio early-20th-century artist Edward Atkinson Hornel, features collection of art, ceramics, furniture and literature

Caerlaverock Castle

Dumfries and Galloway

Dumfries and Galloway

Historic house

Operated by Historic Scotland, remains of a 13th-century triangular moated castle

Castle Douglas Art Gallery

Castle Douglas

Dumfries and Galloway

Dumfries and Galloway

Art

website, contemporary art and craft

Castle of St. John

Stranraer

Dumfries and Galloway

Dumfries and Galloway

History

16th-century tower house used as a home, a court, a prison, and as a military garrison

Creetown Gem Rock Museum

Creetown

Dumfries and Galloway

Dumfries and Galloway

Natural history

website, gemstones, crystals, minerals, rocks and fossils

The Devil's Porridge Museum

Eastriggs

Dumfries and Galloway

Dumfries and Galloway

Military

website, history of the HM Factory, Gretna for Cordite manufacturing

Drumlanrig Castle

Thornhill

Dumfries and Galloway

Dumfries and Galloway

Historic house

Baroque country house with period furnishings, fine art and antiques, Victorian gardens

Dumfries Museum

Dumfries

Dumfries and Galloway

Dumfries and Galloway

Local

Local history, archaeology, natural history, camera obscura, housed in an 18th-century windmill

Dumfries and Galloway Aviation Museum

Dumfries

Dumfries and Galloway

Dumfries and Galloway

Transportation

Located in a former RAF station, aircraft, military aviation history

Ellisland Farm

Auldgirth

Dumfries and Galloway

Dumfries and Galloway

Historic house

Farmhouse where poet Robert Burns lived and worked, exhibits on his life and works, also farming exhibits

Gracefield Arts Centre

Dumfries

Dumfries and Galloway

Dumfries and Galloway

Art

Scottish contemporary art, Scottish Colourists, Glasgow Boys, Kirkcudbright School

John Paul Jones Cottage Museum

Kirkbean

Dumfries and Galloway

Dumfries and Galloway

Historic house

18th-century-period birthplace of U.S. naval hero John Paul Jones

Moffat Museum

Moffat

Dumfries and Galloway

Dumfries and Galloway

Local

Located in the Old Moffat Bakehouse and focuses on local and family history

Mull of Galloway Lighthouse

Mull of Galloway

Dumfries and Galloway

Dumfries and Galloway

Maritime

website, tours of the lighthouse and engine room

Museum of Lead Mining

Wanlockhead

Dumfries and Galloway

Dumfries and Galloway

Mining

website, mine tour, miners' cottages, beam engine, minerals

Old Bridge House Museum

Dumfries

Dumfries and Galloway

Dumfries and Galloway

Historic house

website, 17th-century house displaying home life in different periods

Robert Burns Centre

Dumfries

Dumfries and Galloway

Dumfries and Galloway

Biographical

website, life and works of poet Robert Burns

Robert Burns House

Dumfries

Dumfries and Galloway

Dumfries and Galloway

Historic house

website , 18th-century house where poet Robert Burns spent his last years

Sanquhar Tolbooth Museum

Sanquhar

Dumfries and Galloway

Dumfries and Galloway

Local

website, information, local history, mining, wool trade and knitting industry

Savings Banks Museum

Ruthwell

Dumfries and Galloway

Dumfries and Galloway

Monetary

, history of the first savings bank, early home savings boxes, coins and bank notes

Stewartry Museum

Kirkcudbright

Dumfries and Galloway

Dumfries and Galloway

Local

Local history, natural history, prehistoric rock carvings

Stranraer Museum

Stranraer

Dumfries and Galloway

Dumfries and Galloway

Local

website, local history, archaeology, farming, dairying

The Museum, Newton Stewart

Newton Stewart

Dumfries and Galloway

Dumfries and Galloway

Local

information, local social and natural history

Thomas Carlyle's Birthplace

Ecclefechan

Dumfries and Galloway

Dumfries and Galloway

Historic house

website, operated by the National Trust for Scotland, 19th-century-period house with artefacts and displays about author Thomas Carlyle

Tolbooth Art Centre

Kirkcudbright

Dumfries and Galloway

Dumfries and Galloway

Art

website

Whithorn Priory and Museum

Whithorn

Dumfries and Galloway

Dumfries and Galloway

Religious

website, museum with stone grave markers of early Christians, remains of the 13th-century St Ninian's Chapel and priory, Saint Ninian's Cave

Whithorn Story Visitor Centre

Whithorn

Dumfries and Galloway

Dumfries and Galloway

Archaeology

website, archaeology and local history

Wigtown County Buildings

Wigtown

Dumfries and Galloway

Dumfries and Galloway

Local

information, local history, collection of early-18th-century bronze town weights and measures, 18th-century prison cell

Broughty Castle

Broughty Ferry

Dundee City

Angus & Dundee

Local

Medieval castle housing local history museum

D'Arcy Thompson Zoology Museum

Dundee

Dundee City

Angus & Dundee

Natural History

website Housed within the University of Dundee, contains the natural specimen collection of Sir D'Arcy Wentworth Thompson who was the first professor of biology at Dundee.

Discovery Point

Dundee

Dundee City

Angus & Dundee

Maritime

website, Museum ship for polar explorations

Dundee Contemporary Arts

Dundee

Dundee City

Angus & Dundee

Art

Contemporary arts centre

Dundee Museum of Transport

Dundee

Dundee City

Angus & Dundee

Transportation

website collection detailing the history of the local transport network

Dundee

Dundee City

Angus & Dundee

Maritime

Sailing frigate museum ship

McManus Galleries

Dundee

Dundee City

Angus & Dundee

Multiple

Fine and decorative art, natural history, local history, ethnographic artifacts

Mills Observatory

Dundee

Dundee City

Angus & Dundee

Science

Scientific instruments, astronomy

V&A Dundee

Dundee

Dundee City

Angus & Dundee

Design

Decorative arts and design

Verdant Works

Dundee

Dundee City

Angus & Dundee

Industry

Textile industry, jute and linen

Baird Museum

Cumnock

East Ayrshire

Ayrshire and Arran

Local

website, local history, industry, Mauchline Ware, Cumnock pottery, labour leader Keir Hardie

Boswell Museum & Mausoleum

Auchinleck

East Ayrshire

Ayrshire and Arran

Biographical

information, life of author James Boswell

Burns House, Mauchline

Mauchline

East Ayrshire

Ayrshire and Arran

Biographical

website, information, artefacts and memorabilia of poet Robert Burns, who lived and worked in town between 1784 and 1788

Dean Castle

Kilmarnock

East Ayrshire

Ayrshire and Arran

Historic house

Medieval castle with connections to important figures in Scottish history, features collections of arms & armour, historical musical instruments and tapestries, located in a country park

Dick Institute

Kilmarnock

East Ayrshire

Ayrshire and Arran

Multiple

Art, local and natural history, industry

Doon Valley Museum

Dalmellington

East Ayrshire

Ayrshire and Arran

Local

website, local history, coal mining, ironworks, social history, art gallery

Dumfries House

Cumnock

East Ayrshire

Ayrshire and Arran

Historic house

18th-century Palladian country house with Thomas Chippendale furniture

Auld Kirk Museum

Kirkintilloch

East Dunbartonshire

Greater Glasgow and Clyde Valley

Local

website, local history, coal mining, iron industry

Lillie Art Gallery

Milngavie

East Dunbartonshire

Greater Glasgow and Clyde Valley

Art

website, Scottish art

Athelstaneford Parish Church and Flag Heritage Centre

Athelstaneford

East Lothian

Edinburgh and Lothians

Multiple

website, historic church with exhibit on author Nigel Tranter, adjacent centre with exhibits about the town's connections to the Flag of Scotland

Coastal Communities Museum

North Berwick

East Lothian

Edinburgh and Lothians

Local

History, heritage and culture of East Lothian coastal communities. website

Dirleton Castle

Dirleton

East Lothian

Edinburgh and Lothians

Historic house

Operated by Historic Scotland, remains of a medieval castle, gardens

Dunbar Town House Museum

Dunbar

East Lothian

Edinburgh and Lothians

Local

website, archaeology and local history

Gosford House

Longniddry

East Lothian

Edinburgh and Lothians

Historic house

Operated by Historic Scotland, restored mansion designed by Robert Adam, gardens

John Gray Centre

Haddington

East Lothian

Edinburgh and Lothians

Local

Tells stories from across the region and displays many artefacts never seen before. website

John Muir's Birthplace

Dunbar

East Lothian

Edinburgh and Lothians

Historic house

House and life of conservationist John Muir

Lennoxlove House

Haddington

East Lothian

Edinburgh and Lothians

Historic house

Medieval fortress house, collections of portraits, furniture and porcelain

Musselburgh Museum

Musselburgh

East Lothian

Edinburgh and Lothians

Local

website, local history and community curated exhibitions

Myreton Motor Museum

Aberlady

East Lothian

Edinburgh and Lothians

Transportation

Cars, motorcycles, bicycles, motoring memorabilia and toy cars dating back to the turn of the 20th century

National Museum of Flight

East Fortune

East Lothian

Edinburgh and Lothians

Transportation

Includes military planes, passenger travel, a Concorde, Royal Air Force in World War II

Newhailes House

Musselburgh

East Lothian

Edinburgh and Lothians

Historic house

website, operated by the National Trust for Scotland, 17th-century villa with early-18th-century decorative art and collections, gardens and landscape

Preston Mill

East Linton

East Lothian

Edinburgh and Lothians

Mill

Operated by the National Trust for Scotland, 18th-century watermill

Prestongrange Industrial Heritage Museum

Prestongrange

East Lothian

Edinburgh and Lothians

Industry

Remains from a 16th-century harbour, 17th-century glass works, 18th- and 19th-century potteries, 19th- and 20th-century coal mine and brick works

Tantallon Castle

North Berwick

East Lothian

Edinburgh and Lothians

Historic house

Operated by Historic Scotland, remains of a mid-14th-century fortress

City Art Centre

Edinburgh

City of Edinburgh

Edinburgh and Lothians

Art

website, changing exhibits of Scottish and international art, design, photography

Craigmillar Castle

Edinburgh

City of Edinburgh

Edinburgh and Lothians

Historic house

In the care of Historic Environment Scotland as a scheduled monument.

Dalmeny House

Edinburgh

City of Edinburgh

Edinburgh and Lothians

Historic house

19th-century Gothic Revival mansion with Regency interiors, French furniture and porcelain

Modern Two

Edinburgh

City of Edinburgh

Edinburgh and Lothians

Art

Part of the National Gallery of Scotland, modern and contemporary art, Dada and Surrealist art and literature. Formerly known as the Dean Gallery.

Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh

City of Edinburgh

Edinburgh and Lothians

Multiple

Includes tours of the historic medieval stronghold, the Honours of Scotland crown jewels, 18th-century prisoners of war exhibits, rooms of the Royal Palace, Royal Scots Regimental Museum, Royal Scots Dragoon Guards Museum

Fruitmarket Gallery

Edinburgh

City of Edinburgh

Edinburgh and Lothians

Art

Contemporary art gallery

Georgian House

Edinburgh

City of Edinburgh

Edinburgh and Lothians

Historic house

Operated by the National Trust for Scotland, late-18th-century Georgian townhouse with a fine collection of furniture, porcelain, silver and pictures

Gladstone's Land

Edinburgh

City of Edinburgh

Edinburgh and Lothians

Historic house

Operated by the National Trust for Scotland, 17th-century-period tenement house, also art gallery

Holyrood Palace

Edinburgh

City of Edinburgh

Edinburgh and Lothians

Historic house

Official residence of the monarch in Scotland

John Knox House

Edinburgh

City of Edinburgh

Edinburgh and Lothians

Historic house

Medieval house, final home of Protestant reformer John Knox

Jupiter Artland

Edinburgh

City of Edinburgh

Edinburgh and Lothians

Sculpture Park

website Contemporary sculpture park set across 100 acres of meadow, woodland and five indoor gallery spaces.

Lauriston Castle

Edinburgh

City of Edinburgh

Edinburgh and Lothians

Historic house

19th-century mansion with Edwardian interiors, furniture and art, Japanese garden

Museum of Childhood (Edinburgh)

Edinburgh

City of Edinburgh

Edinburgh and Lothians

Toy

Toys, dolls, games, teddy bears, model trains, soldiers, tricycle, 1930s schoolroom

Museum of Edinburgh

Edinburgh

City of Edinburgh

Edinburgh and Lothians

Local

City history, culture, silver and porcelain

Museum of Scottish Fire Heritage

Edinburgh

City of Edinburgh

Edinburgh and Lothians

Fire Service

website Museum dedicated to the history of fire fighting in Scotland. Collections include fire engines, safety and rescue equipment, and uniforms.

Museum on the Mound

Edinburgh

City of Edinburgh

Edinburgh and Lothians

Monetary

Art, design, technology, crime, trade and security involving currency and money

Scottish National Gallery

Edinburgh

City of Edinburgh

Edinburgh and Lothians

Art

Run by National Galleries of Scotland, the National Gallery Building is one part of the overall site. Early Renaissance to 1900 and the national collection of Scottish art c. 1600 – c. 1900

National Library of Scotland

Edinburgh

City of Edinburgh

Edinburgh and Lothians

Library

Changing exhibits of art, history and culture from its collections

National Museum of Scotland

Edinburgh

City of Edinburgh

Edinburgh and Lothians

Multiple

Scotland's history, culture, natural history, industry, technology, science, decorative arts, personalities, sports

National War Museum of Scotland

Edinburgh

City of Edinburgh

Edinburgh and Lothians

Military

Located within Edinburgh Castle, uniforms, insignia and equipment, medals, decorations, weapons, paintings, ceramics and silverware covering over 400 years of Scotland's military history

No 28 Charlotte Square

Edinburgh

City of Edinburgh

Edinburgh and Lothians

Art

website, information centre for the National Trust for Scotland, features collection of 20th-century Scottish paintings and Regency furniture

People's Story Museum

Edinburgh

City of Edinburgh

Edinburgh and Lothians

Local

website, history, lives, work and leisure of the ordinary people of Edinburgh

Queen's Gallery, Edinburgh

Edinburgh

City of Edinburgh

Edinburgh and Lothians

Art

Exhibits from the Royal collection of art, located adjacent to the Palace of Holyroodhouse

Queensferry Museum

South Queensferry

City of Edinburgh

Edinburgh and Lothians

Local

website, local history, culture, natural history, transportation

Royal Scottish Academy Building

Edinburgh

City of Edinburgh

Edinburgh and Lothians

Art

Run by National Galleries Scotland. Part of the Scottish National Gallery, changing exhibits

Royal Yacht Britannia

Leith

City of Edinburgh

Edinburgh and Lothians

Maritime

Museum ship, former Royal Yacht of the British royal family

Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art

Edinburgh

City of Edinburgh

Edinburgh and Lothians

Art

Part of National Galleries Scotland, modern and contemporary art

Scottish National Portrait Gallery

Edinburgh

City of Edinburgh

Edinburgh and Lothians

Art

Part of National Galleries Scotland, portraits of figures in Scottish history, photography

St Cecilia's Hall

Edinburgh

City of Edinburgh

Edinburgh and Lothians

Musical

Part of the University of Edinburgh, Concert room and musical instrument collection.

Surgeons' Hall Museum

Edinburgh

City of Edinburgh

Edinburgh and Lothians

Medical

History of surgery since Roman times, dentistry, pathological anatomy, sports medicine

Talbot Rice Gallery

Edinburgh

City of Edinburgh

Edinburgh and Lothians

Art

Part of the University of Edinburgh

Trinity House of Leith

Leith

Edinburgh

Edinburgh and Lothians

Maritime

Run by Historic Environment Scotland, former customs house, hospital and pilotage school, maritime objects

Water of Leith

Longstone

City of Edinburgh

Edinburgh and Lothians

Natural history

Visitor center exhibits about the river's wildlife and heritage

Writers' Museum

Edinburgh

City of Edinburgh

Edinburgh and Lothians

Literary

Part of Museums and Galleries Edinburgh. Lives and work of Scotland's literary figures, including Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson

Blackness Castle

Blackness

Falkirk

Argyll, the Isles, Loch Lomond, Stirling and Trossachs

Historic house

Operated by Historic Environment Scotland, 15th-century fortress castle

Callendar House and Park Gallery

Falkirk

Falkirk

Argyll, the Isles, Loch Lomond, Stirling and Trossachs

Multiple

Georgian-style mansion with living history interpreters, exhibits on the house, Scottish and area history, art exhibits

Grangemouth Museum

Grangemouth

Falkirk

Argyll, the Isles, Loch Lomond, Stirling and Trossachs

Local

website, local history, industry

Kinneil House

Bo'ness

Falkirk

Argyll, the Isles, Loch Lomond, Stirling and Trossachs

Historic house

Operated by Historic Scotland, 15th- to 17th-century house open on select days, grounds include the Kinneil Museum

Kinneil Museum

Bo'ness

Falkirk

Argyll, the Isles, Loch Lomond, Stirling and Trossachs

Local

website, located in the 17th-century stable block of Kinneil House, history of the park and house from Roman times to the present

Museum of Scottish Railways

Bo'ness

Falkirk

Argylle, the Isles, Loch Lomond, Stirling and Trossachs

Railway

website, Scotland's largest railway museum, situated within the Bo'ness and Kinneil Railway, contains operational rolling stock

Aberdour Castle

Aberdour

Fife

Kingdom of Fife

Historic house

Operated by Historic Scotland, remains of a medieval castle and gardens

Andrew Carnegie Birthplace Museum

Dunfermline

Fife

Kingdom of Fife

Multiple

website, life of Andrew Carnegie, local history, art and decorative arts, costumes and textiles

Bell Pettigrew Museum at the University of St Andrews

St Andrews

Fife

Kingdom of Fife

Natural history

website, part of the University of St Andrews, collection of natural history and zoology specimens, housed in the Bute Building

Buckhaven Museum

Buckhaven

Fife

Kingdom of Fife

Local

website local history, fishing industry

Burntisland Museum

Burntisland

Fife

Kingdom of Fife

Local

website formerly known as Burntisland Edwardian Fairground Museum, recreated walk through the sights and sounds of the town's fair in 1910 with rides and side shows, accessed via the library

Crail Museum & Heritage Centre

Crail

Fife

Kingdom of Fife

Local

website, local history, maritime heritage, medieval church, airfield history

Culross Palace

Culross

Fife

Kingdom of Fife

Historic house

Operated by the National Trust for Scotland, 16th- to 17th-century furnished palace, study and townhouse with gardens

Dunfermline Abbey

Dunfermline

Fife

Kingdom of Fife

Religious

Operated by Historic Scotland, remains and artefacts of the medieval abbey, attached to Dunfermline Palace

Dunfermline Carnegie Library & Galleries

Dunfermline

Fife

Kingdom of Fife

Local

Website. Operated by OnFife and attached to the Carnegie library.

Dunfermline Palace

Dunfermline

Fife

Kingdom of Fife

Historic house

Operated by Historic Scotland, remains of a medieval royal palace, attached to Dunfermline Abbey

Falkland Palace

Falkland

Fife

Kingdom of Fife

Historic house

Operated by the National Trust for Scotland, 14th- to 15th-century royal palace and gardens

Fife Folk Museum

Ceres

Fife

Kingdom of Fife

Local

website Local history, rural life, agriculture

Harbourmaster's House

Dysart

Fife

Kingdom of Fife

Local

website, visitor centre with exhibits about the area's coastal history, natural history, geology, maritime heritage

Hill of Tarvit

Cupar

Fife

Kingdom of Fife

Historic house

Operated by the National Trust for Scotland, 20th-century mansion house and gardens designed by Sir Robert Lorimer, features French and Chippendale-style furniture, porcelain and paintings

Inchcolm Abbey

Inchcolm

Fife

Kingdom of Fife

Religious

Operated by Historic Scotland, medieval abbey

John McDouall Stuart Museum

Dysart

Fife

Kingdom of Fife

Biographical

website, birthplace home and exhibits about John McDouall Stuart, explorer of Australia

Jim Matthew Camera Collection

St Monans

Fife

Kingdom of Fife

Photography

website, Over 3,000 cameras and many other items of photographic equipment and memorabilia, collected by the late Jim Matthew, and now owned and maintained by a charitable trust

Kellie Castle

Arncroach

Fife

Kingdom of Fife

Historic house

Operated by the National Trust for Scotland, restored medieval Scots Baronial castle and gardens, features Scottish furniture designed by Sir Robert Lorimer, exhibitions of life and work of sculptor Hew Lorimer

Kirkcaldy Galleries

Kirkcaldy

Fife

Kingdom of Fife

Art

website Fine and decorative arts, holds the largest collection of paintings by William McTaggart and Scottish Colourist Samuel Peploe aside from the National Galleries of Scotland. Also contains a significant number of works by the Glasgow Boys.

Laing Museum

Newburgh

Fife

Kingdom of Fife

Local

website, local history, culture

Methil Heritage Centre

Methil

Fife

Kingdom of Fife

Local

website, local history, culture

Museum of Communication, Scotland

Burntisland

Fife

Kingdom of Fife

Technology

website, communications technology and artefacts, including early electronic devices, telegraphy, telephones, radio, television and information technology

Wardlaw Museum at University of St Andrews

St Andrews

Fife

Kingdom of Fife

Multiple

website History of the university, exhibits of art, science, manuscripts and books from its collections, archaeology

R&A World Golf Museum

St Andrews

Fife

Kingdom of Fife

Sports

website History and memorabilia of golf

Scotland's Secret Bunker

Anstruther

Fife

Kingdom of Fife

Military

website, Cold War-era underground bunker for the government in case of a nuclear attack

Scottish Fisheries Museum

Anstruther

Fife

Kingdom of Fife

Maritime

Scottish fishing industry

Scottish Vintage Bus Museum

Lathalmond

Fife

Kingdom of Fife

Transportation

website, buses and memorabilia

St Andrew's Cathedral

St Andrews

Fife

Kingdom of Fife

Religious

Operated by Historic Scotland, remains of medieval cathedral, museum with medieval sculpture and other relics

St Andrews Castle

St Andrews

Fife

Kingdom of Fife

Historic house

Operated by Historic Scotland, remains of medieval castle, includes dungeon, mine and counter-mine for siege warfare

St Andrews Museum

St Andrews

Fife

Kingdom of Fife

Local

website Local history, culture

St Andrews Preservation Trust Museum

St Andrews

Fife

Kingdom of Fife

Local

website, local history, period shop and business displays

St Monans Windmill

St Monans

Fife

Kingdom of Fife

Mill

website, late-18th-century windmill and saltpans

602 Squadron Museum

Glasgow

Glasgow City

Greater Glasgow and Clyde Valley

Military

website, regimental history of the No. 602 Squadron RAF, located in the headquarters of the Royal Highland Fusiliers

Burrell Collection

Glasgow

Glasgow City

Greater Glasgow and Clyde Valley

Art

Collections include French Impressionists, late medieval art, Chinese and Islamic art, Ancient Civilizations

CCA Glasgow

Glasgow

Glasgow City

Greater Glasgow and Clyde Valley

Art

Arts centre with gallery

Fossil Grove

Glasgow

Glasgow City

Greater Glasgow and Clyde Valley

Natural history

Covered fossilised grove of prehistoric trees

Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA)

Glasgow

Glasgow City

Greater Glasgow and Clyde Valley

Art

Website. Situated in a neoclassical, former merchant’s home in Glasgow City Centre. The gallery holds both a contemporary and modern art collection. Notable artist include Niki de Saint Phalle, Rabiya Choudhry, and Adrian Wiszniewski.

Glasgow Police Museum

Glasgow

Glasgow City

Greater Glasgow and Clyde Valley

Law enforcement

website

Glasgow Print Studio

Glasgow

Glasgow City

Greater Glasgow and Clyde Valley

Art

Artist-led centre with exhibitions

Glasgow School of Art

Glasgow

Glasgow City

Greater Glasgow and Clyde Valley

Art

Features exhibitions across its four campuses

Glasgow Women's Library

Glasgow

Glasgow City

Greater Glasgow and Clyde Valley

Women's History

website The only accredited museum in the UK dedicated to women's lives, history and achievements. The museum contains a lending library and archive collections

Holmwood House

Glasgow

Glasgow City

Greater Glasgow and Clyde Valley

Historic house

Operated by the National Trust for Scotland, mid-19th-century residential villa

House for an Art Lover

Glasgow

Glasgow City

Greater Glasgow and Clyde Valley

Historic house

Contemporary house based on designs by Charles Rennie Mackintosh

Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery

Glasgow

Glasgow City

Greater Glasgow and Clyde Valley

Multiple

Operated by the University of Glasgow, art, Roman Scotland and archaeology, natural history, geology, ethnography, ancient Egypt, scientific instruments, coins and medals, medicine

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

Glasgow

Glasgow City

Greater Glasgow and Clyde Valley

Multiple

Art, natural history, arms and armour, history

The Lighthouse Glasgow

Glasgow

Glasgow City

Greater Glasgow and Clyde Valley

Art

Architecture and design

National Piping Center – Museum of Piping

Glasgow

Glasgow City

Greater Glasgow and Clyde Valley

Music

Collection and history of bagpipes, Scottish smallpipes, Irish uileann pipes, and traditional musical instruments

People's Palace

Glasgow

Glasgow City

Greater Glasgow and Clyde Valley

History

History of the people and city of Glasgow from 1750 to the end of the 20th century

Pollok House

Glasgow

Glasgow City

Greater Glasgow and Clyde Valley

Historic house

Operated by the National Trust for Scotland, 18th-century house designed by William Adam, features collection of Spanish paintings including works by El Greco, Francisco Goya and Bartolomé Esteban Murillo

Provand's Lordship

Glasgow

Glasgow City

Greater Glasgow and Clyde Valley

Historic house

17th-century-period house

Riverside Museum

Glasgow

Glasgow City

Greater Glasgow and Clyde Valley

Transportation

Opening in 2011, collections of the Glasgow Museum of Transport

Royal Highland Fusiliers Museum

Glasgow

Glasgow City

Greater Glasgow and Clyde Valley

Military

, regimental history of the Royal Highland Fusiliers

Scotland Street School Museum

Glasgow

Glasgow City

Greater Glasgow and Clyde Valley

Education

History of education in Scotland from the late 19th to late 20th century

Scottish Football Museum

Glasgow

Glasgow City

Greater Glasgow and Clyde Valley

Sports

Located at Hampden Park, also known as the Hampden Experience, history and memorabilia of football in Scotland

Scottish Jewish Heritage Centre

Glasgow

Glasgow City

Greater Glasgow and Clyde Valley

History

Based in Garnethill Synagogue, Scotland's oldest synagogue

Sharmanka Kinetic Gallery

Glasgow

Glasgow City

Greater Glasgow and Clyde Valley

Art

St Mungo Museum of Religious Life and Art

Glasgow

Glasgow City

Greater Glasgow and Clyde Valley

Art

Art and artefacts of religious life in Scotland

Tall Ship at Glasgow Harbour

Glasgow

Glasgow City

Greater Glasgow and Clyde Valley

Maritime

Three-masted barque museum ship

Tenement House (Glasgow)

Glasgow

Glasgow City

Greater Glasgow and Clyde Valley

Historic house

Operated by the National Trust for Scotland, authentic 19th-century Glasgow tenement house with over 50 years of artefacts and household items

Applecross Heritage Centre

Applecross

Highland

The Highlands – Ross and Cromarty

Local

website, local history, culture

Ardnamurchan Lighthouse

Ardnamurchan

Highland

The Highlands – Lochaber

Multiple

History and operations of the lighthouse, area geology, natural history and culture

Brora Heritage Centre

Brora

Highland

The Highlands – Sutherland

Local

website, local history, culture

Caithness Broch Centre

Auckengill

Highland

The Highlands – Caithness

Archaeology

website, history of the brochs in Caithness, their construction, excavations and influence

Caithness Horizons

Thurso

Highland

The Highlands – Caithness

Local

website, local history, culture, archaeology, geology, industry, natural history and ecology

Castle Leod

Strathpeffer

Highland

The Highlands – Ross and Cromarty

Historic house

Seat of the Chief of the Clan MacKenzie, 17th-century castle with 19th-century renovations

Castle of Mey

John o' Groats

Highland

The Highlands – Caithness

Historic house

Formerly Barrogill Castle, 16th-century castle with alterations over several centuries, holiday home of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother

Castlehill Heritage Centre

Castletown

Highland

The Highlands – Caithness

Local

website, local history, culture

Cawdor Castle

Cawdor

Highland

The Highlands – Nairn

Historic house

Castle built from the 15th to 19th centuries, known for its gardens and connection to William Shakespeare's play Macbeth

Clan Cameron Museum

Achnacarry

Highland

The Highlands – Lochaber

Ethnic

History and heritage of Clan Cameron

Clan Gunn Heritage Centre

Latheron

Highland

The Highlands – Caithness

Ethnic

website, history and heritage of Clan Gunn

Clan Macpherson Museum

Newtonmore

Highland

The Highlands – Badenoch and Strathspey

Ethnic

website, history and heritage of Clan Macpherson

Colbost Croft Museum

Colbost

Highland

The Highlands – Skye and Lochalsh

Historic house

19th-century-period crofter's cottage

Commando Museum

Spean Bridge

Highland

The Highlands – Lochaber

Military

website, artefacts and memorabilia of the Commandos who trained nearby and at Achnacarry during World War II

Cromarty Courthouse Museum

Cromarty

Highland

The Highlands – Ross and Cromarty

Local

website, local history, culture

Culloden Battlefield

Culloden

Highland

The Highlands – Inverness

Military

Operated by the National Trust for Scotland, site and history of the Battle of Culloden, daily living history demonstrations

Dingwall Museum

Dingwall

Highland

The Highlands – Ross and Cromarty

Local

website, information, local history, culture

Dornoch Historylinks Museum

Dornoch

Highland

The Highlands – Sutherland

Local

website, local history, culture, Dornoch Cathedral, Picts and Vikings

Dunbeath Heritage Centre

Dunbeath

Highland

The Highlands – Caithness

Local

website, local history

Dunrobin Castle

Golspie

Highland

The Highlands – Sutherland

Historic house

Features 19th-century " French Renaissance meets Scots Baronial" style, formal gardens, museum displaying African wildlife trophy mounts, ethnographic artefacts, area archaeological relics including Pictish symbol stones and cross-slabs

Dunvegan Castle

Dunvegan

Highland

The Highlands – Skye and Lochalsh

Historic house

Seat of the chief of the Clan MacLeod

Ferrycroft Visitor Centre

Lairg

Highland

The Highlands – Sutherland

Local

website, local history, culture, natural history, agriculture, industry

Fort George

Ardersier

Highland

The Highlands

Military

Operated by Historic Scotland, 18th-century fort still in use, displays of its history in different periods, memorabilia of different regiments

Gairloch Heritage Museum

Gairloch

Highland

The Highlands – Ross and Cromarty

Local

website Local history and archaeology, contains the Gairloch Pictish Stone, the first Pictish symbol stone found on the West Coast mainland of Scotland

Giant MacAskill Museum

Dunvegan

Highland

The Highlands – Skye and Lochalsh

Biographical

information, life of natural giant Angus MacAskill

Glencoe Folk Museum

Glencoe

Highland

The Highlands – Lochaber

Local

website, local history, culture

Glendale Toy Museum

Glendale

Highland

The Highlands – Skye and Lochalsh

Toy

website, toys, games and dolls

Glengarry Heritage Centre

Invergarry

Highland

The Highlands – Inverness

Local

website, local history, culture, Clan MacDonell of Glengarry heritage

Grantown Museum

Grantown-on-Spey

Highland

The Highlands – Badenoch and Strathspey

Local

website, information, local history, culture

Groam House Museum

Rosemarkie

Highland

The Highlands – Ross and Cromarty

Multiple

website, 15 carved Pictish stones, local history, Celtic art by George Bain

Highland Folk Museum

Newtonmore

Highland

The Highlands – Badenoch and Strathspey

Open-air

site portrays aspects of 200 years of Highland rural life from the early 18th century to the mid-20th century

Highland Museum of Childhood

Strathpeffer

Highland

The Highlands – Ross and Cromarty

Toys

Dolls, toys, games, children's costume and childhood furniture

Highlanders Museum

Ardersier

Highland

The Highlands – Nairn

Military

Regimental artefacts of the Queen's Own Highlanders (Seaforth and Camerons) and Lovat Scouts

Hugh Miller's Birthplace

Cromarty

Highland

The Highlands – Ross and Cromarty

Historic house

website, Run by the NTS, birthplace of 19th-century geologist Hugh Miller

Inverness Museum and Art Gallery

Inverness

Highland

The Highlands – Inverness

Multiple

Art, history and heritage of the Highlands, natural history, contemporary craft

Iona Gallery

Kingussie

Highland

The Highlands – Badenoch and Strathspey

Art

website

Laidhay Croft Museum

Dunbeath

Highland

The Highlands – Caithness

Historic house

information, information, early-20th-century-period thatched Caithness longhouse incorporating dwelling, stable and byre under one roof

Land, Sea and Islands Centre

Arisaig

Highland

The Highlands – Lochaber

Local

website, located in Lochaber, local history, culture, natural history

Last House Museum

John o' Groats

Highland

The Highlands – Caithness

Local

information, information, local history exhibits and gift shop

Lyth Arts Centre

Wick

Highland

The Highlands – Caithness

Art

website, arts centre with exhibits gallery

MacCrimmon Piping Heritage Centre

Borreraig

Highland

The Highlands – Sutherland

Multiple

website, also known as the Borreraig Park Museum, artefacts and heritage of MacCrimmons, pipers to the chiefs of Clan Macleod, exhibition of bagpipes, local social, agriculture and rural life history

Mallaig Heritage Centre

Mallaig

Highland

The Highlands – Lochaber

Local

website, local history, maritime heritage, fishing, culture, railway

Mary Anne's Cottage

West Dunnet

Highland

The Highlands – Caithness

Historic house

website, website, 19th-century croft cottage with original fixtures and furnishings

Museum of the Isles

Armadale

Highland

The Highlands – Skye and Lochalsh

Ethnic

History and heritage of Clan Donald

Nairn Museum

Nairn

Highland

The Highlands – Nairn

Local

website, local history, fishing industry, military, agriculture, social history

Orcadian Stone

Golspie

Highland

The Highlands – Sutherland

Natural history

website, store and exhibition of rocks, minerals and fossils

Seadrift Centre

Dunnet

Highland

The Highlands – Caithness

Natural history

website, website, area natural and local history, also known as Seadrift-Dunnet Visitor Centre

Skye Museum of Island Life

Duntulm

Highland

The Highlands – Skye and Lochalsh

Open-air

website, 19th-century-period township of thatched cottages depicting typical island crofting life

St Fergus Gallery

Wick

Highland

The Highlands – Caithness

Art

website, exhibits of art, photography, culture, crafts

Strathnaver Museum

Bettyhill

Highland

The Highlands – Sutherland

Local

website, history and artefacts of Clan Mackay, local social history, archaeology

Swanson Gallery

Thurso

Highland

The Highlands – Caithness

Art

website, located in the Thurso Library

Tain & District Museum

Tain

Highland

The Highlands – Ross and Cromarty

Local history

Local culture, Clan Ross, silverwork, locally relevant historic displays and artifacts: known locally as 'Tain Through Time'

Tarbat Discovery Centre

Portmahomack

Highland

The Highlands – Ross and Cromarty

Local

website, local history, culture, Pictish stones and sculpture, medieval life and material culture

Timespan Museum and Arts Centre

Helmsdale

Highland

The Highlands – Sutherland

Multiple

website, recreations of a croft, byre, smithy and shop, displays on area archaeology, geology and natural history, art exhibits

Treasures of the Earth

Corpach

Highland

The Highlands – Lochaber

Natural history

website, geology display with simulated caves, caverns and mining scenes, exhibits of crystals, gemstones and fossils

Ullapool Museum

Ullapool

Highland

The Highlands – Ross and Cromarty

Local

website, local history, culture

Urquhart Castle

Drumnadrochit

Highland

The Highlands – Inverness

Historic house

Operated by Historic Scotland, medieval fortress castle ruins, visitor centre exhibits about its history

Waterlines Visitor Centre

Lybster

Highland

The Highlands – Caithness

Maritime

information, local herring fishing industry, geology, wildlife

West Highland Museum

Fort William

Highland

The Highlands – Lochaber

Local

Local history, culture, natural history, geology, archaeology, Highland regiments

Wick Heritage Centre

Wick

Highland

The Highlands – Caithness

Multiple

website, local history, early-20th-century-period rooms, historic photographs, civic regalia, Caithness Glass, Noss Head Lighthouse lens, herring fishing industry, art gallery

Mclean Museum and Art Gallery

Greenock

Inverclyde

Greater Glasgow and Clyde Valley

Multiple

Art, natural history, world cultures, local history, archaeology, industry

Newark Castle

Port Glasgow

Inverclyde

Greater Glasgow and Clyde Valley

Historic house

Operated by Historic Scotland, 15th-century castle

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Museum and Heritage Centre

Greenock

Inverclyde

Greater Glasgow and Clyde Valley

Fire and rescue

Website

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Heritage Museum in Greenock is dedicated to the history of Scotland's fire and rescue service. It houses a wide range of artefacts and stories from the service's long history with displays on the history of firefighting, the development of fire safety in Scotland, and the history of the building.

Arniston House

Temple

Midlothian

Edinburgh and Lothians

Historic house

18th-century Georgian mansion was designed by William Adam

National Mining Museum Scotland

Newtongrange

Midlothian

Edinburgh and Lothians

Mining

website, Victorian colliery and underground coal mine

Vogrie House

Vogrie Country Park

Midlothian

Edinburgh and Lothians

Historic house

19th-century Victorian baronial mansion

Ballindalloch Castle

Craigellachie

Moray

The Highlands

Historic house

Brodie Castle

Forres

Moray

The Highlands

Historic house

Operated by the National Trust for Scotland, 19th-century Scottish Baronial mansion, fine art, antique furniture, porcelain

Buckie & District Heritage Centre

Buckie

Moray

The Highlands

Local

website, local history, maritime heritage

Burghead Visitor Centre

Burghead

Moray

The Highlands

Local

, site of an important Pictish hill fort, local history

Elgin Museum (Moray)

Elgin

Moray

The Highlands

Multiple

website, local history, fossils, Pictish stones, Roman artifacts, archaeology, art, butterflies, eggs and shells

Findhorn Heritage Centre & Icehouse

Findhorn

Moray

The Highlands

Multiple

website, local history, fishing industry, marine environment, natural history, historic icehouse

Fochabers Folk Museum

Fochabers

Moray

The Highlands

Local

website, local and social history, collection of gigs and carriages, reconstructed schoolroom and history of Alexander Milne

Lossiemouth Fisheries & Community Museum

Lossiemouth

Moray

The Highlands

Local

information, maritime heritage, fishing, local history

Moray Art Centre

Findhorn

Moray

The Highlands

Art

website

Moray Motor Museum

Elgin

Moray

The Highlands

Automotive

website, veteran, vintage, classic cars, motorcycles, model cars, memorabilia

River Findhorn Heritage Centre

Forres

Moray

The Highlands

Multiple

website, natural history, geology and impact of the River Findhorn; Alexander Stewart, Earl of Buchan; model croft house

Tomintoul Museum

Tomintoul

Moray

The Highlands

Local

website, local history, culture, reconstructed crofter's kitchen and village blacksmith's shop, natural history

Brodick Castle

Brodick

North Ayrshire

Ayrshire and Arran

Historic house

Operated by the National Trust for Scotland, castle with eclectic collection of paintings, furniture, porcelain and silver, located on the Isle of Arran

Isle of Arran Heritage Museum

Brodick

North Ayrshire

Ayrshire and Arran

Open-air

website, located on the Isle of Arran, buildings include a croft and smiddy, farmhouse, cottage, bothy, milk house, laundry, stable, coach house and harness room with exhibits of island agriculture, social history, archaeology and geology

Irvine Burns Museum

Irvine

North Ayrshire

Ayrshire and Arran

Biographical

website, artefacts and memorabilia about poet Robert Burns

Kilwinning Abbey Tower

Kilwinning

North Ayrshire

Ayrshire and Arran

Local

Local and abbey history exhibits in the remaining tower of a medieval abbey

Largs Museum

Largs

North Ayrshire

Ayrshire and Arran

Local

website, local history

Mother Lodge of Scotland Museum

North Ayrshire

Ayrshire and Arran

Masonic

Historic lodge and Masonic artefacts

Museum of Ayrshire Country Life and Costume

Kilwinning

North Ayrshire

Ayrshire and Arran

Multiple

Historic Dalgarven watermill, museum with displays of rural life and trades including ploughing, threshing, harvesting and the village smithy, period room displays, costume collection

Museum of the Cumbraes

Millport

North Ayrshire

Ayrshire and Arran

Local

information, information, island history, archaeology, culture, maritime heritage

North Ayrshire Museum

Saltcoats

North Ayrshire

Ayrshire and Arran

Local

information, information, local history, archaeology, costume, transport, popular culture, maritime heritage

Scottish Maritime Museum

Irvine

North Ayrshire

Ayrshire and Arran

Maritime

website based in the Victorian linthouse and Irvine harbourside, contains Scottish maritime collections and large ships such as the MV Spartan

Vennel Gallery

Irvine

North Ayrshire

Ayrshire and Arran

Art

information, gallery in the former flax mill where poet Robert Burns worked, included his lodging house

Vikingar

Largs

North Ayrshire

Ayrshire and Arran

History

website, information, multi-media and living presentation of Viking history in Scotland

West Kilbride Museum

West Kilbride

North Ayrshire

Ayrshire and Arran

Local

website, local history, art

Cumbernauld Museum

Cumbernauld

North Lanarkshire

Greater Glasgow and Clyde Valley

Local

information, local history

Kilsyth's Heritage

Kilsyth

North Lanarkshire

Greater Glasgow and Clyde Valley

Local

information, local history

North Lanarkshire Heritage Centre

Motherwell

North Lanarkshire

Greater Glasgow and Clyde Valley

Local

Multimedia display of local history, industry, Roman era, domestic life using talking figures and interactive interpretation

Summerlee, Museum of Scottish Industrial Life

Motherwell

North Lanarkshire

Greater Glasgow and Clyde Valley

Industry

Industry, technology, social impact of the Industrial Revolution, transportation and electric tramway, recreated mine and miners' cottages

Barony Mills

Birsay

Orkney

Orkney

Mill

website, 19th-century watermill

Bishop's Palace

Kirkwall

Orkney

Orkney

Historic house

Operated by Historic Scotland, remains of a medieval castle

Broch of Gurness

Mainland

Orkney

Orkney

Archaeology

Operated by Historic Scotland, excavated Iron Age broch village and artefacts

Corrigall Farm Museum

Harray

Orkney

Orkney

Agriculture

website 19th-century-period farmhouse and outbuildings, with peat fire, livestock, horse-drawn agriculture equipment

Earl's Palace

Kirkwall

Orkney

Orkney

Historic house

Operated by Historic Scotland, remains of a 17th-century palace

Hackness Martello Tower and Battery

South Walls

Orkney

Orkney

Military

Operated by Historic Scotland, Napoleonic War-era fort and battery

Kirbuster Farm Museum

Birsay

Orkney

Orkney

Historic house

website 19th-century farmhouse and outbuildings, with peat-fired central hearth, stone beds and collection of farm tools

Longhope Lifeboat Museum

Brims

Orkney

Orkney

Maritime

website History of the Longhope lifeboat station and crew

Maeshowe Chambered Cairn

South Walls

Orkney

Orkney

Archaeology

Operated by Historic Scotland, Neolithic chambered cairn and passage grave, features Viking graffiti runes

Orkney Fossil and Heritage Centre

Burray

Orkney

Orkney

Geological

website Fossil and geological exhibits on the local area

Orkney Museum

Kirkwall

Orkney

Orkney

Local

website, also known as the Tankerness House Museum, period rooms, local history, archaeology, Picts and Vikings

Orkney Wireless Museum

Kirkwall

Orkney

Orkney

Technology

website Collection of radio and wartime communications equipment, strategic and military importance of Orkney during World War II, history of radar

Pier Arts Centre

Stromness

Orkney

Orkney

Art

website Contemporary art gallery and museum, contains fine art collection of Margaret Gardiner

Sanday Heritage Centre

Sanday

Orkney

Orkney

Local

website Local history of the island of Sanday

Scapa Flow Museum

Lyness

Orkney

Orkney

Military

website history of the naval anchorage in World Wars I and II, island history

Skaill House

Sandwick

Orkney

Orkney

Historic house

website, 17th-century house with 1950s period furnishings on site dating back to the Iron Age

Skara Brae

Bay of Skaill

Orkney

Orkney

Archaeology

Operated by Historic Scotland, excavated stone-built Neolithic settlement

Stromness Museum

Stromness

Orkney

Orkney

Multiple

website, maritime and natural history, local history

Westray Heritage Centre

Pierowall

Orkney

Orkney

Local

website Local history and archeology of the island of Westray, contains the neolithic Westray Stone

An Lanntair

Stornoway

Outer Hebrides

Argyll, the Isles, Loch Lomond, Stirling and Trossachs

Art

Arts centre with gallery

Museum nan Eilean

Stornoway

Outer Hebrides

Argyll, the Isles, Loch Lomond, Stirling and Trossachs

Local

Website; archaeology, social, domestic and economic history of the Western Isles

Taigh Chearsabhagh Museum & Arts Centre

Lochmaddy

Outer Hebrides

Argyll, the Isles, Loch Lomond, Stirling and Trossachs

Multiple

Website, local history, culture, art

Kildonan Museum

Kildonan, South Uist

Outer Hebrides

Argyll, the Isles, Loch Lomond, Stirling and Trossachs

Multiple

Website; local archaeology, social, domestic and economic history of South Uist, including a documents archive, photo collections, arts and craftwork

Atholl Country Life Museum

Blair Atholl

Perth and Kinross

Perthshire

Local

website, local history, agriculture, social history

Atholl Palace Museum

Pitlochry

Perth and Kinross

Perthshire

Medical

website, history of the Victorian spa hotel and the Hydropathic movement

Black Watch Regimental Museum

Perth

Perth and Kinross

Perthshire

Military

Located in Balhousie Castle, regimental uniforms, weapons, medals, regalia, artefacts, memorabilia

Birnam Arts

Dunkeld

Perth and Kinross

Perthshire

Multiple

Arts and community centre, features permanent exhibit on author Beatrix Potter, changing exhibits of art, photography and culture

Blair Castle

Blair Atholl

Perth and Kinross

Perthshire

Historic house

Home of the Clan Murray family, collections of fine pictures and furniture, arms and armour, porcelain, embroidery and lace, Masonic regalia, Jacobite relics

Castle Menzies

Weem

Perth and Kinross

Perthshire

Historic house

Ancestral seat of the Clan Menzies, restored 16th-century castle

Clan Donnachaidh Museum

Blair Atholl

Perth and Kinross

Perthshire

Ethnic

website, gift shop and Clan Donnachaidh history

Dunkeld Cathedral

Dunkeld

Perth and Kinross

Perthshire

Religious

Medieval cathedral, includes the Chapter House Museum with relics from monastic and medieval times and local history exhibits

Elcho Castle

Perth and Kinross

Perthshire

Historic house

Operated by Historic Scotland, 16th-century fortified mansion with three projecting towers

Huntingtower Castle

Huntingtower

Perth and Kinross

Perthshire

Historic house

Operated by Historic Scotland, 15th- to 18th-century tower house

Lochleven Castle

Perth and Kinross

Perthshire

Historic house

Operated by Historic Scotland, remains of a medieval castle, located on an island in Loch Leven

Meigle Sculptured Stone Museum

Meigle

Perth and Kinross

Perthshire

Religious

Carved Pictish stones

Michael Bruce Museum

Kinnesswood

Perth and Kinross

Perthshire

Historic house

website, information, birthplace cottage of 18th-century poet Michael Bruce

Museum of Abernethy

Abernethy

Perth and Kinross

Perthshire

Local

website, local history, culture

Perth Art Gallery

Perth

Perth and Kinross

Perthshire

Multiple

Art, local history, natural history, social history, ethnology, decorative arts including Perthshire glass and silver

Scone Palace

Scone

Perth and Kinross

Perthshire

Historic house

Early-19th-century Georgian Gothic style castle, state rooms feature collections of furniture, ceramics, ivories, and clocks

Scottish Crannog Centre

Kenmore

Perth and Kinross

Perthshire

Archaeology

website, accurate full-size reconstruction of an Iron Age crannog (ancient loch-dwelling) and artefacts

Coats Observatory

Paisley

Renfrewshire

Greater Glasgow and Clyde Valley

Science

Observatory with astronomical equipment and displays, weather and earthquake recording equipment

Paisley Museum

Paisley

Renfrewshire

Greater Glasgow and Clyde Valley

Multiple

website, local history, fine and decorative art, natural history, Ancient Egyptian artefacts, textiles, industry

Renfrew Museum

Renfrew

Renfrewshire

Greater Glasgow and Clyde Valley

Local

website, local history, culture

Sma Shot Cottages

Paisley

Renfrewshire

Greater Glasgow and Clyde Valley

Industry

website, portrays two weaver's workshops and cottages, one in the late 18th century and one in the mid-19th century

Paisley Thread Mill Museum

Paisley

Renfrewshire

Greater Glasgow and Clyde Valley

Industry

website local textile industry and textile collections

Weaver's Cottage, Renfrewshire

Kilbarchan

Renfrewshire

Greater Glasgow and Clyde Valley

Industry

website, operated by the National Trust for Scotland, 18th-century-period weaver's cottage with original working looms and spinning wheels

Borders Textile Towerhouse

Hawick

Scottish Borders

Scottish Borders

Textile

website, costumes and fashion, area textile industries, textile arts and heritage

Coldstream Museum

Coldstream

Scottish Borders

Scottish Borders

Local

website, local history, Coldstream Guards exhibit, art exhibits

Duns Exhibition Room

Duns

Scottish Borders

Scottish Borders

Local

website, located in the Duns Library, local history and art exhibits

Eyemouth Museum

Eyemouth

Scottish Borders

Scottish Borders

Local

website, local history, culture, maritime heritage

Halliwell's House Museum

Selkirk

Scottish Borders

Scottish Borders

Multiple

website, recreated historic house and ironworker's shop, art, contemporary crafts and local history exhibits

Harestanes Countryside Visitor Centre

Ancrum

Scottish Borders

Scottish Borders

Multiple

website, park with programs and exhibits of art, nature

Hawick Museum

Hawick

Scottish Borders

Scottish Borders

Multiple

website, art, local history and culture, natural history, archaeology, displays on motorcycle champions Jimmie Guthrie and Steve Hislop, period schoolroom

Jedburgh Castle Jail and Museum

Jedburgh

Scottish Borders

Scottish Borders

Prison

1820s period prison and local history displays

Jim Clark Motorsport Museum

Duns

Scottish Borders

Scottish Borders

Sports

website, exploring the life and career of motor racing champion Jim Clark

John Buchan Museum

Peebles

Scottish Borders

Scottish Borders

Biographical

website, life of John Buchan, author of The Thirty-Nine Steps and Governor General of Canada

Mary Queen of Scots' Visitor Centre

Jedburgh

Scottish Borders

Scottish Borders

Biographical

website, 16th-century tower house with artefacts and exhibits about the life of Mary, Queen of Scots

Melrose Abbey

Melrose

Scottish Borders

Scottish Borders

Religious

Operated by Historic Scotland, remains of a large medieval abbey

Abbotsford

Galashiels

Scottish Borders

Scottish Borders

Historic House

Website Home of Sir Walter Scott, chronicles the life and works of the notable Scottish author.

Old Gala House

Galashiels

Scottish Borders

Scottish Borders

Local

Local history, art gallery, history of the house, culture

Paxton House

Paxton

Scottish Borders

Scottish Borders

Historic house

18th-century country house, features gallery of paintings from the National Galleries of Scotland

Robert Smail's Printing Works

Innerleithen

Scottish Borders

Scottish Borders

Media

Operated by the National Trust for Scotland, historic print shop with printing press

St Ronan's Wells Visitor Centre

Innerleithen

Scottish Borders

Scottish Borders

Local

website, local history, spa town history, connections with Scottish writers Sir Walter Scott and James Hogg

Sir Walter Scott's Courtroom

Selkirk

Scottish Borders

Scottish Borders

Local

website, 19th-century Sheriff Court where author Sir Walter Scott dispensed justice to the people of Selkirkshire, exhibits on his life and works, as well as local poet and author James Hogg, explorer Mungo Park, local history and culture

Thirlestane Castle

Lauder

Scottish Borders

Scottish Borders

Historic house

Mansion castle with paintings, furniture, porcelain, historic toys, Victorian kitchen, gardens

Trimontium Heritage Centre

Melrose

Scottish Borders

Scottish Borders

Archaeology

website, artefacts from the excavated Roman fort Trimontium

Tweeddale Museum and Gallery

Peebles

Scottish Borders

Scottish Borders

Multiple

Art, local history

Bayanne House

Yell

Shetland

Shetland

Local

website, local history, crafts

Böd of Gremista

Lerwick

Shetland

Shetland

Maritime

website Restored 18th-century Shetland fishing booth with displays of fishing and local businessman Arthur Anderson, also houses the Shetland Textile Working Museum

Bressay Heritage Centre

Bressay

Shetland

Shetland

Local

website, local history, culture

The Cabin Museum, Shetland

Vidlin

Shetland

Shetland

Military

website World War II artefacts and memorabilia, wartime life in Shetland

Croft House Museum

Boddam

Shetland

Shetland

Historic house

website, mid-19th-century croft cottage,

Fetlar Interpretive Centre

Fetlar

Shetland

Shetland

Local

website, local history, culture

George Waterston Memorial Centre and Museum

Fair Isle

Shetland

Shetland

Multiple

Local history, natural history, art, archaeology, costumes and textiles, industry, transportation, maritime heritage

Hoswick Visitor Centre

Hoswick

Shetland

Shetland

Local

website local history, collection of old radios, fishing equipment, looms

Jarlshof Prehistoric and Norse Settlement

Sumburgh

Shetland

Shetland

Archaeology

Operated by Historic Scotland, excavated site with Bronze Age, Iron Age, Pictish and Viking-age ruins, exhibits on the site's history, settlers and artefacts

Old Haa Museum

Burravoe

Shetland

Shetland

Local

website

The Old Haa is a museum, garden and tearoom in the island of Yell in Shetland. The museum has a collection of historic objects, and an archive alongside a programme of temporary exhibitions on contemporary arts and crafts. The archive has a large sound and photographic collection, including over 16,000 images.

Old Scatness

Dunrossness

Shetland

Shetland

Archaeology

Costumed guided tours of the excavated mediaeval, Viking, Pictish, and Bronze Age remains, replica Iron Age and Pictish buildings, crafts demonstrations

Quendale Water Mill

Dunrossness

Shetland

Shetland

Mill

website, restored 19th-century water mill with local history and agriculture exhibits

Scalloway Museum

Scalloway

Shetland

Shetland

Local

website, local history, culture

Shetland Museum and Archives

Lerwick

Shetland

Shetland

Multiple

website Local history, maritime, social history and a nationally significant textile collection

Tangwick Haa Museum

Tangwick

Shetland

Shetland

Local

website local history, culture, social history

Unst Boat Haven

Unst

Shetland

Shetland

Maritime

website collection of over 20 wooden boats, fishing gear, equipment, photographs

Unst Heritage Centre

Unst

Shetland

Shetland

Local

website, local history, archaeology, crafts, culture

Weisdale Mill

Weisdale

Shetland

Shetland

Art

19th-century watermill, now a visual and applied art gallery operated by Shetland Arts

Bachelors Club

Tarbolton

South Ayrshire

Ayrshire and Arran

Historic house

website, operated by the National Trust for Scotland, 17th-century thatched house where poet Robert Burns formed a debating club

Burns Cottage

Alloway

South Ayrshire

Ayrshire and Arran

Historic house

18th-century birthplace of poet Robert Burns, part of the Burns National Heritage Park

Burns National Heritage Park

Alloway

South Ayrshire

Ayrshire and Arran

Biographical

website, operated by the National Trust for Scotland, important sites associated with poet Robert Burns, planned museum to include the new Robert Burns Birthplace Museum

Blairquhan Castle

Maybole

South Ayrshire

Ayrshire and Arran

Historic house

Regency-era castle and gardens

Crossraguel Abbey

Maybole

South Ayrshire

Ayrshire and Arran

Religious

Operated by Historic Scotland, remains of a medieval abbey

Culzean Castle

Maybole

South Ayrshire

Ayrshire and Arran

Historic house

Operated by the National Trust for Scotland, 18th-century stately house castle designed by Robert Adam

Dundonald Castle

Dundonald

South Ayrshire

Ayrshire and Arran

Historic house

Remains of a 14th-century royal fortified tower house built for Robert II on his accession to the throne of Scotland

Maclaurin Art Gallery

Ayr

South Ayrshire

Ayrshire and Arran

Art

website, classic and contemporary art

McKechnie Institute

Ayr

South Ayrshire

Ayrshire and Arran

Local

website, local history and artefacts

Rozelle House Galleries

Ayr

South Ayrshire

Ayrshire and Arran

Art

website, also features the Ayrshire Yeomanry Museum

Souter Johnnie's Cottage

Kirkoswald

South Ayrshire

Ayrshire and Arran

Historic house

website, operated by the National Trust for Scotland, thatched cottage containing shoe-making tools and Robert Burns-related artefacts

Tam O'Shanter Experience

Alloway

South Ayrshire

Ayrshire and Arran

Literary

, part of the Burns National Heritage Park, multimedia presentation of Robert Burns' poem Tam o' Shanter

Biggar Gasworks

Biggar

South Lanarkshire

Greater Glasgow and Clyde Valley

Industry

website, preserved gasworks

Bothwell Castle

Bothwell

South Lanarkshire

Greater Glasgow and Clyde Valley

Historic house

Operated by Historic Scotland, remains of a medieval castle

Brownsbank Cottage

Biggar

South Lanarkshire

Greater Glasgow and Clyde Valley

Historic house

website, operated by the Biggar Museum Trust, open by appointment, home of poet Hugh MacDiarmid

David Livingstone Birthplace Museum

Blantyre

South Lanarkshire

Greater Glasgow and Clyde Valley

Biographical

Birthplace of Scottish icon David Livingstone, featuring stories and objects from 19th century Southern Africa, Scotland, and beyond. Exploring colonialism, slavery, empire, science, and the natural world.

Biggar & Upper Clydesdale Museum

Biggar

South Lanarkshire

Greater Glasgow and Clyde Valley

History

website, operated by the Biggar Museum Trust, 14,000 years of history of Upper Clydesdale, late-19th- and early-20th-century-period shops and businesses, including a grocer, printer, bootmaker, bank, chemist

Hunter House Museum

East Kilbride

South Lanarkshire

Greater Glasgow and Clyde Valley

Historic house

Childhood home of two 18th-century medical pioneers, William and John Hunter, exhibits on their lives and medical work

John Hastie Museum

Strathaven

South Lanarkshire

Greater Glasgow and Clyde Valley

Local

website, information, local history, culture, textile industry

Lanark Museum

Lanark

South Lanarkshire

Greater Glasgow and Clyde Valley

Local

website, local history, culture, industry, William Wallace, King Robert the Bruce

Leadhills Miners Library

Leadhills

South Lanarkshire

Greater Glasgow and Clyde Valley

Local

website The oldest subscription library in the British Isles, includes objects from local area and mines and the library collection

Little Sparta

Dunsyre

South Lanarkshire

Greater Glasgow and Clyde Valley

Sculpture park

website The garden of artist and poet Ian Hamilton Finlay, includes over 275 artworks by the artist, created in collaboration with numerous craftsmen and women

Low Parks Museum

Hamilton

South Lanarkshire

Greater Glasgow and Clyde Valley

Local

website, local history, culture, Cameronian (Scottish Rifles) Regiment, agriculture, textiles, mining, Victorian kitchen

National Museum of Rural Life

East Kilbride

South Lanarkshire

Greater Glasgow and Clyde Valley

Agriculture

Formerly the Museum of Scottish Country Life, 1950s working farm, exhibits of rural room settings and oil paintings, agriculture models and machinery

New Lanark

New Lanark

South Lanarkshire

Greater Glasgow and Clyde Valley

Open-air

Restored 19th-century textile mill village

Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Regimental Museum

Stirling

Stirling

Argyll, the Isles, Loch Lomond, Stirling and Trossachs

Military

Located in Stirling Castle, includes uniforms, weapons, medals, dioramas, regimental regalia and memorabilia

Argyll's Lodging

Stirling

Stirling

Argyll, the Isles, Loch Lomond, Stirling and Trossachs

Historic house

Operated by Historic Scotland, 17th-century townhouse adjacent to and included with admission to Stirling Castle

Bannockburn Heritage Centre

Cambuskenneth

Stirling

Argyll, the Isles, Loch Lomond, Stirling and Trossachs

Religious

Operated by the National Trust for Scotland, history and site of a significant Scottish victory in the 14th-century Wars of Scottish Independence

Cambuskenneth Abbey

Cambuskenneth

Stirling

Argyll, the Isles, Loch Lomond, Stirling and Trossachs

Religious

Operated by Historic Scotland, remains of a medieval Augustinian monastery

Doune Castle

Doune

Stirling

Argyll, the Isles, Loch Lomond, Stirling and Trossachs

Historic house

Operated by Historic Scotland, late-14th-century courtyard castle, used in the film Monty Python and the Holy Grail

Dunblane Museum

Dunblane

Stirling

Argyll, the Isles, Loch Lomond, Stirling and Trossachs

Local

website, local history, history and artefacts of Dunblane Cathedral

Inchmahome Priory

Inchmahome

Stirling

Argyll, the Isles, Loch Lomond, Stirling and Trossachs

Religious

Operated by Historic Scotland, remains of a medieval priory

Moirlanich Longhouse

Killin

Stirling

Argyll, the Isles, Loch Lomond, Stirling and Trossachs

Historic house

Operated by the National Trust for Scotland, preserved 19th-century cruck frame cottage

National Wallace Monument

Stirling

Stirling

Argyll, the Isles, Loch Lomond, Stirling and Trossachs

History

Tower monument with exhibits about 13th-century Scottish hero William Wallace

Stirling Castle

Stirling

Stirling

Argyll, the Isles, Loch Lomond, Stirling and Trossachs

Historic house

Operated by Historic Scotland, royal castle and fortress, includes Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Regimental Museum and Argyll's Lodging

Stirling Old Town Jail

Stirling

Stirling

Argyll, the Isles, Loch Lomond, Stirling and Trossachs

Prison

website, costumed guided tours and portrayals of the Victorian-era prison

Stirling Smith Museum and Art Gallery

Stirling

Stirling

Argyll, the Isles, Loch Lomond, Stirling and Trossachs

Multiple

Art, local history, social history, ethnography, women's history, natural history

Backdoor Gallery

Dalmuir

West Dunbartonshire

Argyll, the Isles, Loch Lomond, Stirling and Trossachs

Art

website, art gallery of the Dalmuir Library

Clydebank Museum

Clydebank

West Dunbartonshire

Argyll, the Isles, Loch Lomond, Stirling and Trossachs

Local

Local history, culture, shipbuilding industry, collection of sewing machines

Motoring Heritage Centre

Alexandria

West Dunbartonshire

Greater Glasgow and Clyde Valley

Automotive

website, vintage and classic cars, memorabilia

Scottish Maritime Museum

Dumbarton

West Dunbartonshire

Greater Glasgow and Clyde Valley

Maritime

website, site of the Denny Ship Model Experiment Tank, contains model ships and details of the Denny Brothers, builders of the famous Cutty-Sark

Titan Clydebank

Clydebank

West Dunbartonshire

Argyll, the Isles, Loch Lomond, Stirling and Trossachs

Technology

150 feet (46 m) high cantilever crane used in the lifting of heavy equipment during the fitting-out of battleships and ocean liners

Bennie Museum

Bathgate

West Lothian

Edinburgh and Lothians

Local

website, local history

Cairnpapple Hill

Linlithgow

West Lothian

Edinburgh and Lothians

Archaeology

Operated by Historic Scotland, excavated Neolithic hill with reconstructed graves and visitor centre

Hopetoun House

near South Queensferry

West Lothian

Edinburgh and Lothians

Historic house

Website. Originally constructed as a stately Georgian home in the 18th century, Hopetoun House contains a collection which tells its story as the ancestral home of the Hope family.

House of the Binns

Linlithgow

West Lothian

Edinburgh and Lothians

Historic house

Operated by the National Trust for Scotland, 17th-century house with mid-18th and early-19th-century additions, collection of porcelain, paintings and furniture, parklands

Linlithgow Canal Centre

Linlithgow

West Lothian

Edinburgh and Lothians

Transportation

Website. Linlithgow Canal Museum recounts the history, construction and life around the Edinburgh and Glasgow Union Canal. On display are tools and equipment from the canals as well as model boats.

Linlithgow Palace

Linlithgow

West Lothian

Edinburgh and Lothians

Historic house

Website. Operated by Historic Scotland, ruins of a 15th-century manor palace, which was once a residence of the Stewarts and birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots.

Linlithgow Museum

Linlithgow

West Lothian

Edinburgh and Lothians

Local

Formerly the Linlithgow Story at Annet House Museum, the new Linlithgow Museum opened in Spring 2019 in the upper floor of the Partnership Centre, High Street, Linlithgow, featuring three galleries and a community space. Run by Linlithgow Heritage Trust.

Defunct museums

See also

National Trust for Scotland

References