DEVIL’S PORRIDGE MUSEUM ©
When Sir Arthur Conan Doyle saw girls making cordite he thought it looked like porridge, but not the sort you eat but a devilish kind’. For history lovers, the Devil’s Porridge Museum offers an unusual aspect of wartime life. Built to commemorate HM Factory Gretna – the largest munitions factory in the world, discover a more explosive experience.
DEWARS ABERFELDY DISTILLERY ©
Built in 1898, enjoy a fascinating (and delicious) tour of America’s top selling Scotch at Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery
DUNBLANE CATHERDRAL © Crown Copyright Historic Environment Scotland
One of the few remaining medieval churches in Scotland, Dunblane Cathedral still has a strong congregation to this very day. Immerse yourself in the total serenity this Cathedral offers and feel yourself step back in time as you appreciate the interior.
DUNNOTTAR CASTLE © Jim Wands
If you’re seeking a dramatic Game of Thrones-style backdrop with a haunting history to boot, look no further than the iconic Dunnottar Castle, the impregnable fortress.
EILEAN DONAN © Sorin Tudorut
One of Scotland’s most globally recognised castles, Eilean Donan Castle sits in the heart of the Highlands, full of history and romance – make sure to grab a photo of this majestic and scenic castle!
GLENFINNAN MONUMENT © Katie de Juan
Glenfinnan Monument tributes the fallen within the Jacobite Risings. Read about the battles in the visitor centre and gaze in wonder at the stunning Highland landscape all around. For those happy for a short hike, climb the wee hill behind the visitor centre to catch a glimpse of the Jacobite steam train crossing the iconic viaduct. (As seen in Harry Potter.)
INNERPEFFRAY LIBRARY ©
Innerpeffray Library was Scotland’s first free public lending library founded in 1680. This off-the-beaten-track library contains a wide variety of historical books and reading materials and is highly recommended as an unique site of interest.
INVERARAY © Stewart M.
On the western shore of Loch Fyne, you’ll find the picturesque town of Inveraray. Delight in some Scottish ice cream at the Loch’s edge before a visit to the Georgian town jail to experience re-enacted historical trials.
KELPIES © Crawford Jolly
For something quite unusual and striking, viewing the engineering wonders of the Kelpies at the Helix are a must-do. Each stand at 100ft tall and weigh more than 300 tonnes. Take a tour of the inside to learn more about the design and engineering behind them.
MACDUFF MARINE AQUARIUM ©
Dive into the Scottish north sea depths at MacDuff Aquarium. Come face-to-face with native sea-dwelling creatures such as the adorable Lumpsucker, the peculiar Mermaid’s Purse and the seafloor forest of Kelp.
MEIGLE MUSEUM © Crown Copyright Historic Environment Scotland
Meigle Sculptured Stone Museum contains a wonderful collection of Pictish carved stones. Learn about Scotland in its ancient age – can you decipher the intriguing Pictish symbolism?
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF RURAL LIFE © Wattie Cheung
Scotland’s agricultural history and culture is outlined at the fantastic National Museum of Rural Life. Experience full countryside living as you follow the trails, meet the animals and ride the tractor.
PETERHEAD PRISON MUSEUM ©
One of Scotland’s most unique tourist sites – walk through over 100 years of history on your tour and authentically experience what both prisoner and prison guard experienced. This site is not advised for the faint hearted.
ROSSLYN CHAPEL ©
One of Scotland’s finest and most beautiful buildings – Rosslyn Chapel. Site of the finale of Dan Brown’s ‘The Da Vinci Code’, this chapel expresses 15th century worship in all its glory.
SCOTLAND’S SECRET BUNKER ©
Hidden under a little farmhouse, you might discover Scotland’s Secret Bunker – an original underground nuclear command centre. Envisage the threat of the cold war at this distinctive visitor experience.
SPEYSIDE COOPERAGE ©
Have a barrel of fun at Speyside Cooperage, where you can see the daily duties of a Cooper hand-manufacturing traditional whiskey casks used for world-renowned brands.
STIRLING CASTLE © Crown Copyright Historic Environment Scotland
Stirling Castle has a long and extensive history as one of the primary seats of the Scottish monarchy. Walk in the steps of royalty as you explore the authentically refurnished Royal Palace, stroll through the Queen Anne gardens and admire the stunningly reproduced Stirling Tapestries.
SURGEON’S HALL MUSEUM ©
If you like your history macabre or have an interest in the anatomical, Surgeon’s Hall Museum found near Edinburgh city centre is ideal. Explore three floors of biological phenomena and witness a dissection class.
TANTALLON CASTLE © Crown Copyright Historic Environment Scotland
Once the stronghold to the Red Douglas dynasty, this magnificent castle was besieged three times; the third time by Oliver Cromwell left such destruction, the castle was thus abandoned and left to ruin. An excellent example of true medieval architecture and warfare pre-gunpowder.
V&A © HuftonCrow
Scotland’s first design museum – V&A Dundee is a truly unique building, designed by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, the structure resembles a cliff pushing out into the sea. Step into the future of art and design at the V&A.