Shetland
Set in outbuildings of the local laird's house, now a school, this centre has an exhibition on the island's history, covering its fishing industry and…
Must-see attractions in Scotland
Shetland
The Bressay Heritage Centre is by the ferry dock and has an exhibition on Bressay life and history, as well as information about the mysterious Bronze Age…
Edinburgh
The visitor centre in Hermitage of Braid nature reserve explains the history and wildlife of the glen, and has details of nearby nature trails.
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 …
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 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…
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…
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.
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.
Outer Hebrides
This centre has Gaelic-themed displays about the island's history and culture, genealogical records, local art exhibitions and a tearoom.
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.
Kirkwall
This curious little museum is jam-packed with old radios and war memorabilia. Mostly local in character, it's an impressive collection.
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.
Fort William
A tour of this distillery makes for a warming rainy day alternative to exploring the hills.
Aberdeen
The 17th-century Mercat Cross bears a sculpted frieze of portraits of Stuart monarchs.
Stirling
The Tolbooth, built in 1705 as the town's administrative centre, is now an arts venue.
Outer Hebrides
A traditional 1955 blackhouse with displays on the village’s history.
Dumfries & Galloway
Browsing books can be thirsty work, so it's fortunate that Bladnoch Distillery is just a couple of miles away from Wigtown, in the village of Bladnoch…
Southern Highlands & Islands
The picturesque harbour is overlooked by the crumbling, ivy-covered ruins of Tarbert Castle, rebuilt by Robert the Bruce in the 14th century. You can hike…
Glasgow
Out the back of the Tramway performance space, this pretty garden has works of art but also functions as a multicultural community space.
Southern Highlands & Islands
It's worth stopping at this humble but attractive white church for its interesting collection of historical photographs upstairs.
Glasgow
This spot around the corner from the School of Art is a laundrette that holds art exhibitions, workshops and events.
Dumfries & Galloway
This statue at the end of High St features the poet with a dog at his feet.
