The best museums Central & West Coast

The church, in itself, is quite simple and uncluttered. In the cemetery of this church there are beautifully carved stelae and Celtic crosses. It is moreover the cemetery that attracts visitors, who admire the engraved stones, some of which are particularly old: 15th or 16th century. Some have been restored and are displayed in the church, others in a dedicated space within the cemetery and others still remain on the ground.

When the weather is nice, the Campbeltown Heritage Centre opens its doors to tell the story of the local and peninsula history through a social and economic lens. Three hundred years of history are told here, with many artifacts from the past. You will discover the history of agriculture in Kyntire, the secrets of shipbuilding, the fishing tradition and the life of the fishing communities, but also that coal mining began at the end of the ^15th century.

Castle House invites you to dive into the history of the Cowal Peninsula while visiting a magnificent site. From the garden and rooms of the castle, you will enjoy breathtaking views of the Clyde. Exhibits trace local history from the arrival of the first settlers in the Neolithic period, through Highland clan battles, the Victorian era, the Clyde steamers and the World Wars, all with the help of historical re-enactments and archival material. The castle itself dates from the 12th century.

Entirely created and maintained by volunteers, this small, old-fashioned museum houses countless objects and photographs from the last century, including even a piece of the transatlantic cable. They all tell the story of Oban, in times of peace and war. You will learn more about the life of the fishermen, the maritime industries, the arrival of trains, local sports, industrialization, the role of Oban during the war years when the city welcomed Australian, Canadian and American crews, operations in the bay...

The prison in the old town can be visited on a guided tour with an actor in costume, taking turns playing different roles. Immersed in the gloomy atmosphere of the building, designated as one of the worst prisons in Britain, you will discover the history of crime and punishment in the Stirling of yesteryear. You will meet the executioner Jock "The Happy Hangman" Rankin, but also the murderers and the tortured. From the top of the tower you will enjoy a beautiful view of the historic town and the surrounding countryside.

The Engine Shed invites you to explore Scotland's built heritage. Classical and interactive exhibitions provide an understanding of architecture over the centuries, capturing its history and becoming the ultimate in learning about Scotland's built heritage. The museum spaces are very modern: 3D theatres, augmented reality, participatory workshops... This very concrete visit puts you in a situation and makes you discover the buildings in all their states: plans, materials, know-how, engineering, technologies, and even practical advice.

The Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum holds in its collections some 40,000 objects and works of art - paintings, photographs, sculptures, and miscellaneous art objects - representing Stirling around the world and showing what Stirling is all about. Three galleries alternate temporary exhibitions. You may meet Oswald Clingan-Smith, the master cat, in the museum spaces or in the library. The place also has a café and a shop.