Tourist Attractions & Monuments Scotland

Here we visit a mid-19th century farmhouse, which was occupied until the 1960s. The main resources came from the sea and the man was generally a fisherman, while women and children worked the land. The whole family lived in this space - grandparents, parents and children - divided into two parts: the Ben end or bedroom and the But end or kitchen. The site offers a striking experience and an interesting perspective of life at that time, devoid of superfluous and keeping to the bare essentials of life.

This site is to be discovered both as a cultural place and as a space of artisanal and alternative stores. A heritage site, it is the former Victorian railway station that has been perfectly renovated. An exhibition with explanatory panels is held in the open air to tell the story of the station in its splendid period, when Strathpeffer was an international resort, as well as its role during the wars, then its abandonment and its new life, starting in the 1990s.

When passing through the Tongue area, don't miss the short walk to Castle Varrick Hill, which dominates the surroundings. It's not as long as it looks when you can see the castle in the distance! This fortress of the MacKay clan was built in the 14th century. Its remains offer beautiful views (it is possible to climb up the tower) and give a glimpse of the former glory of the site. The trail starts next to the RBS Bank at the corner of the A838. It is about 3 km long, with an easy ascent.

Crawick Multiverse is a giant land art project. Nestled in the heart of the hills, it has metamorphosed an old open-cast coal mine into a spectacular art space. Charles Jencks' work reinterprets space in the light of astronomy and cosmology: wanderings through galaxies, universes and comets are traced here. Whether you are sensitive to this art or not, the site is worth a walk, it is so impressive. It regularly hosts shows and is now maintained by the Crawick Multiverse Trust.

Part of this huge park is designed for the blind, and a maze is suitable for people with disabilities. The smells are particularly delicious.

Marischal College, founded in 1593 and the second University of Aberdeen, and King's College, founded in 1495, merged in 1860 to form the Modern University of Aberdeen. Construction of the present Marischal College building began in the 1830s and was completed in 1906. It is the second largest granite building in the world. Teaching and research now falls within the domain of the Foresterhill and King's College campuses. The Marischal College building is leased to Aberdeen City Council, where it has been the seat since 2009.

This charming little museum will attract all those interested in the history of Aberdeen. Just a short walk from the town's harbour, the visit tells the story of its connection with the sea and more particularly the development of the oil industry off the coast of Aberdeenshire. The oil industry is a huge generator of activity for the whole region, employing a large proportion of the local population and affecting almost everyone from near and far. The replica of an offshore platform is particularly impressive. The interactive content is particularly instructive.

This important cultural centre has a rather prestigious collection of paintings from the 19th (Pre-Raphaelite, English and Scottish painters) and 20th centuries. It has a fabulous collection of fine art, but not only that. You will also see a collection of decorative arts (15,000 pieces), covering all facets of this art. It also features maritime history, the city's industrial history, an archaeology collection and a numismatic collection. Its renovation was recently completed (2017), providing a successful transformation.

The Perth Museum & Art Gallery traces the history of the city and the region, from geology, social facts, art, the environment... The statues, sculptures and paintings are interesting and some archaeological objects are more than 10,000 years old. There is also a collection of photos on local life that plunges into the past and temporary exhibitions all year round. The lovely neo-classical building alone is worth the trip.

Located in the Balhousie Castle, this is the museum of the Black Watch Regiment. Weapons, uniforms, medals, paintings, photographs, notebooks: the very complete collection plunges into the history of this military corps. Founded in 1725, it has been involved in every war and conflict since its creation. The visit breaks down into seven major chronological periods and ends with the current deployments of the Black Watch. History buffs will enjoy both the exhibition and its setting.

Designed by William Adam in 1750, the House of Dun is an elegant Georgian-style country house set in the middle of a beautiful park of gardens and woods. This house is the architectural embodiment of the ideal of an 18th century laird. Nothing is left to chance. Everything is aesthetics, geometry, symmetry and classical art, down to the smallest detail, from the floors to the ceilings and all the ornamental and decorative elements. The kitchen was, for its time, ultra modern, which is what makes it so attractive today.

Built in 1953 and equipped with a refraction telescope, it is the only observatory in Great Britain where an astronomer is permanently present. Exhibitions on space exploration are organized there.

History : The Mills Observatory was established by a bequest from John Mills in 1935, a wealthy flax farmer, who left the observatory a legacy of fertile land. Designed by the town's architect, McLellan Brown, in collaboration with Professor Ralph Sampson, it is built in sandstone and has a rather atypical dome 7 m in diameter. It was built for the sole purpose of popularizing science to the general public! Its main telescope measures 400 mm in diameter and offers quality images of the Moon and the planets. However, it has another, much more prestigious and older instrument, a 250 mm telescope made by Thomas Cooke of York in 1871. Alas! due to its age and condition, it is hardly used anymore. When this observatory opened its doors on October 28, 1935, it housed a 450 mm mirror telescope built by Grubb Parsons of Newcastle. What remains of this equipment can still be seen today in one of the observatory's rooms. An astonishing mixture of classicism (the buildings and old telescope) and modernity (the telescopes in which visitors usually observe), this observatory is still worth the trip, as it is located in a pleasant wooded park that stands in stark contrast to the surrounding residential areas.

This historical museum is located in a building with beautiful neo-gothic architecture. It would be ideal to visit on arrival in Dundee to better understand the city. Two floors and eight galleries tell the story of the city and the whole region over some 400 million years. The first men, the Victorian era, the whaling industry and many others are the subject of much attention, with the help of numerous period objects of great heritage and aesthetic value. An audioguide allows you to enjoy a complete visit in French.

This huge space dedicated to contemporary art is one of the great pride of the city. On five floors, it offers two exhibition galleries, but also two cinemas and a very trendy café. Many of today's British artists are represented here, as well as some international names. It is one of the cultural lungs of Dundee and will delight all lovers of innovation and creativity. Don't forget to check out the website for the latest news about the venue, which boasts a programme that is as eclectic as it is dense.

The waterfalls in the village of Clashnessie are a pure gem. From the beach, it takes about 45 minutes round trip. It is not far, but the path is muddy and close to a river. The waterfall is about 15 meters high and is worth a visit. From Lochinver, you have a loop to drive around the peninsula. Many stops are to be expected, including Clashnessie Waterfall. After the waterfalls, you can drive down to the beach. Strategic place to park your car.

This museum reconstructs a Victorian-era printing press. It shows the oldest printing presses in the United Kingdom and allows visitors to visit the office of Robert Smail, the printer, which has hardly been modified since 1866. This museum is a rare opportunity to see a press from this period in operation. A must for book lovers and industrial tourism enthusiasts, especially since the museum was awarded in 2017 as "Best Heritage Tourism Experience".

The Standing Stones of Stenness would have been erected 5,000 years ago. They belong to a series of domestic and ritual monuments. There were twelve standing stones on this site, but only four remain today. Their forms and stature are absolutely stunning and the highest is 6 m high. A path perpendicular to the road and parallel to the field where they are located leads in a short time to Barnhouse Village, another site to visit if you are interested in Prehistory.

Dunninald Castle is a neo-Gothic style castle built in 1824. You can discover it on guided tours (approx. 40 min per tour). Beyond the castle we see today, the site has more than 1,000 years of history, and several fortified sites preceded the superb present building. The great wealth of the place also lies in its enclosed garden, at the height of its beauty in July. The walk in the surrounding woods (1 mile) offers beds of daffodils and hyacinths in the spring.

This space, which also serves as a tourist office, is freely accessible and free of charge. It offers curious visitors the opportunity to discover the history of the Caledonian Canal, but also the particularities of the region and its great sites, such as the Great Glen or Loch Ness, of course. You will learn all about the construction of the canal and Queen Victoria's passage. In fact, the Queen Victoria Diamond Jubilee Fountain, just a few steps away, is a testament to the village's sympathy for her. The Caledonian Canal Centre also has a shop and a very friendly café.

Cape Wrath is the north-western tip of Scotland, delivered to the power of the elements. Here are some of the most striking coastal landscapes in the country. Its end is topped by a lighthouse built in 1828 by Robert Stevenson, grandfather of the famous author, and all around are stacks and cliffs, including the highest on the island of Great Britain: Clo Mor (281 m). Cape Wrath is separated from the rest of the region by the Kyle of Durness and there are no roads leading to it. You can get there by ferry and minibus, or by following the end of the Cape Wrath Trail.

Famous for his in situ interventions in important British cities, the London sculptor Antony Gormley has installed a set of human silhouettes carved in the River Leith. The first is buried shoulder-deep in front of the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art and the other five are in the water. You can be surprised by their presence as you take a pleasant walk along the green banks of the river, which you catch up with from the museum, to Dean Village and to the port of Leith, where the last sculpture is located.

Legend attributes the discovery of this source to Bernard de Clairvaux, founder of the Cistercian order. This water would have cured him. Later, chemical analyses attest to its medical interest in soothing intestinal disorders. In 1788, a lord bought the spring and built a small neoclassical-inspired temple dedicated to the goddess of health, Hygieia. This picturesque building has been the subject of many paintings. Steps lead up to a terrace below the temple, from which there are beautiful views of the river.

A picturesque atmosphere emanates from this group of workers' houses, built between 1861 and 1911, structured in lines along the Leith River. Each walkway has been assigned to a trade that can be guessed by observing the work instruments carved in low relief on the wall of the houses overlooking Glenogle road. Their front door is located on the first floor, clearing the pediment of the houses to shelter lovely gardens.

Fans of art, crafts and design will come here to stroll through the former Victorian baths, which have been converted into a vast exhibition space. Popular artists come to present their work and creators are constantly working on it. Ceramics, pieces by cabinetmakers and glassblowers, contemporary furniture, jewellery, paintings and many others are displayed on several bright floors. The Tapestry Studio showcases the contemporary art of hand-woven tapestry and is world-renowned.

The National Library regularly exhibits a selection of manuscripts, engravings and other works on paper on various themes. Two temporary exhibitions are scheduled during the year. The John Murray Archive is on permanent display. Other famous manuscripts include Charles Darwin's original Origin of Species, but also rare books in gaelic scottish and Lowland scots, as well as old maps.

What better place than the base of a former volcano to erect a museum in honour of Earth sciences? Our Dynamic Earth opened in 1999, in memory of local geologist James Hutton, whose work was taken over by Darwin himself. The long white curve of the structure that appears to answer the stony rock on Salisbury Hill Hill is reminiscent of a shell. Behind its walls, videos, light cards, 3 D animation and interactive screens make the Big-bang, galaxies, world history, its glaciations, mountains, volcanoes, tectonic plates and natural disasters. Our beautiful blue planet will have no secrets for you.

Edinburgh's celebrity does not rest solely on its ghosts, but fortunately also on its illustrious writers! Robert Burns, Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson are evoked with humour and panache by Clart and McBrain, a duo of actors who take up the role. They walk you between the houses, courtyards and pubs where these personalities lived, got drunk and wrote their prose. Please note: the tour includes a pub crawl, minors (under 18 years old) are not allowed and the price of consumption is extra.

This excellent gallery of contemporary art is particularly innovative thanks to quality programming. It shows both international and local artists and a very good bookstore dedicated to discipline. Just opposite the train station, it allows you to extend the pleasures of the National Gallery of Modern Art for those who like it. Also a coffee.

Kirkcudbright Galleries opened in 2018 in the fully renovated former town hall. This brand new Scottish art gallery celebrates Scotland's heritage particularly through the prism of Kirkcudbright, a town - and beyond that, a region - that has inspired many artists and creators. The temporary exhibitions focus on national and international art movements, and all are recognized for their quality. The site also hosts participatory cultural and artistic workshops and lectures.

The Mull of Galloway is located at the end of the Rhine of Galloway Peninsula. This jagged strip of land extends south of Stranraer and Portpatrick. Its coastline is dotted with small harbours, beautiful beaches and several hiking trails, including the Mull of Galloway Trail, which connects the headland to Stranraer. All around the lighthouse, the RPBS has a bird sanctuary where birdwatchers can observe thousands of birds along the specially maintained paths. There is an information centre and a small café.

This walk takes you to the top of the mysterious and mythical Doon Hill, reputed to be the cradle of the fairytale world. It is here, by the way, that Reverend Kirk is said to have received the elfshot. The magic is here and legend lovers will love walking these trails. The 6.5 km hike takes 2 hours and passes near the cemetery where the Reverend is buried, before climbing through a hardwood and venturing into the forest. The place being associated with the existence of fairies, keep your eyes open and let yourself be carried away by the fairytale of the place!

This stone circle is an impressive Neolithic site. It offers to see six stone circles. Erected monoliths, cairns, burial cists and circles marking habitation or plots are visible. They bear witness to a dwelling dating from 3500 to 1500 BC. These stone circles were associated with religious activities estimated at -4500 BC. You will have to walk a little from the car park to see the stones (a walk of about an hour).

The Scottish Deer Centre park covers 55 hectares and invites you to discover Scotland's (and the world's) iconic wildlife in a privileged environment. Twelve species of deer are housed here, as well as a pack of wolves, otters, foxes, red squirrels and Scotland's famous wildcat. Guided tours are offered with a park ranger, as well as a "nose to nose" encounter with a deer, falconry demonstrations... You will also be able to watch the otters eat. And for yours? A small café is there for that.

Affectionately referred to as the "Squinty Bridge" by Glasgow residents, the Clyde Arc impresses with its elegant, contemporary curve that crosses the Clyde River at an angle. Officially opened on September 18, 2006, it was designed by Edmund Nuttall Ltd. who, thanks to its inventiveness, was able to win this monumental contract in 2002. The Clyde Arc, as much because of its futuristic asymmetry as because it opened up the banks of the Clyde, has become the symbol of Glasgow's urban renaissance.

It is possible to reach Davaar Island on foot and at low tide during a short hike of 6.5 km, without big difference in altitude. You can explore the sea caves, including the famous crucifixion painting. You then reach the lighthouse further north. The itinerary is available for free on the walkhighlands.co.uk website.

Caution : This hike can only be done at low tide, otherwise you may get stuck. Make sure you get the information you need before leaving!

This protected lake and surrounded by pastures cover 115 hectares. In addition to the breeding birds, such as the large cormorant and the hidden goose, there are few rare species. In autumn, the lake serves as a step to more than 300 singers from Iceland and Lapland. For several years, one of them has ceased to migrate and has been established there. This large bird, with completely white plumage, is noticed at its long right neck, with its black black beak.

The steps of Whaligoe lead to a rather amazing old harbour. It's hard to imagine it used to be a harbour, but in the mid-1800s there were over 20 fishing boats using this anchorage every day during the herring season. The many steps probably date back to 1792. Their descent (and ascent!) can be quite strenuous, which is not surprising when you consider that the harbour is below three cliffs almost 80 m high. A nice coffee next door will help you regain your strength.

This museum traces the life of Durnoch and, through this local prism, immerses the visitor in the history of Scotland. It looks back over the episodes of the Clearances, crofting, but also the town's airfield, used in the 1930s and still trodden by light aircraft and microlight aircraft, the anti-invasive measures taken to prevent German landings, the presence of the Canadian Forestry Corps during the Second World War... Among other curiosities, you can see a Viking treasure and a bottle of whisky from 1840.

More than 35 birds of all sizes live on the shores of Loch Lomond at the Bird of Prey Centre. Owls, eagles, falcons, hawks, buzzards and kestrels can be seen up close and personal in their daily lives. Several species are quite rare and some activities can be reserved in advance. A must for all lovers of our winged friends. Be careful, the openings can depend on the weather conditions.

Just as Thurso is the most northerly town in Britain, Dunnet Head is the land's end, from the top of its high vertical cliffs. Take a detour to this magical place: you will walk along the impressive dunes of Dunnet Bay, before reaching the lighthouse that stands at the very end, facing the Orkney Islands. It was built, like many others, by Robert Stevenson, the grandfather of the famous author. The area is an RSPB bird reserve and bird lovers will be delighted to observe their winged friends.

Erected and owned by the MacSweens, Lochranza Castle dates back to the 13th century for its oldest part, and to the 15th and 16th centuries for the rest. Robert the Bruce is said to have passed through here in 1306. It was used around 1490 by James IV, then by Cromwell in 1650. In 1705, it passed under the yoke of the Hamilton family, before falling into disrepair during the 18th century. It is now protected by Historic Scotland. If you are a tintinophile, the silhouette of this castle will surely speak to you: it inspired the mysterious ruined castle of Ben More from the album L'Île Noire.

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.

The Carsaig arches, located near the town of Craignure on the Isle of Mull, are an impressive natural site. This coastal walk offers spectacular views of the arches from the sea, but is quite challenging due to the rocky terrain and some narrow sections prone to landslides. We recommend following the rocky shoreline to avoid the most dangerous parts. Extreme caution is required if you wish to visit the second arch. The trail is accessible from a parking lot just above the Carsaig quay. The hike takes around 5-6 hours and covers a distance of 13.25 km. There is no public transport to the starting point. Carsaig's arches also provide a habitat for seabirds, and seals can often be seen in the water. It's important to note that visiting the second arch requires mountain hiking experience, great caution and favorable weather conditions.

This distillery produces a 100% Galloway gin: the "Hills & Harbour gin". It distills fir needles and seaweed with 9 other plants, for a sweet gin, with surprising flavors: tropical fruits, spices, citrus, tangy sorbet, marine fragrances... It is a real gustatory journey! The distillery can be visited (with a final tasting), and also has a bar, where signature cocktails are served, and an original coffee area. You are invited to take a board and serve yourself a picnic based on local products.

Created in 2015, this distillery opened its doors to the public in spring 2019. It invites you to discover how gin is made through 3 visits. They will show you the premises, the manufacturing techniques, the perfect recipe for gin and tonic and will allow you to taste one or more drinks, depending on the formula chosen. The guided tours are special in that they also tell you about Stirling, its history and its legends: that of the Red Cap and the Green Lady in particular. You can also follow a 2-hour workshop to distill your gin.

The building is relatively new, having been designed in 1846 and completed only in 1910. Initially a simple church, it became the cathedral of the diocese of Argyll in 1920. This cathedral does not impose from the outside. Nor is it absolutely grandiose on the inside. However, it deserves to be mentioned because it mixes, in an original and moving way, the spiritual dimension and industrial architecture. A Gothic church with industrial elements, riveted beams instead of stone columns, is not often seen.

The "stone of the eagle" is a very beautiful Pictish carved stone. It can be discovered on foot, from the train station (it is indicated) by taking the height in the city. Its present location is not its original one: once situated lower down the valley, it was placed there in 1411 to commemorate the victory of the Munros over the MacDonalds, unless it was against the MacKenzies. There are many legends and stories to discover about this stone..

On the border of the National Park, Dalwhinnie is a world-famous distillery. The location alone is quite impressive, beaten by the wind between the mountains. Founded in 1898, it is the highest in the country. The visit is very complete and interesting, and lasts about 45 minutes. It was voted the best in Scotland in 2017. At the end, a tile of chocolate accompanies a 15 year old dram, a 43% single malt, complex, thick and aromatic. An in-depth chocolate & whisky tasting is also offered.

This distillery was founded by William Mitchell in 1872. He had previously owned Springbank with his brother John. You can learn the history of this family as well as the different names of whiskies that have become established here. Several tours are offered. The £10 tour lasts one hour and tells you about the genesis of the distillery and how whisky is made. It ends with the tasting of a dram of spirit and the gift of a miniature.

The small museum in the market town of Scalloway, former capital of Shetland, tells the story of its people, nature and past, from prehistory to the present day, including the two wars. An entire section is dedicated to the clandestine war operation known as the Shetland Bus, which united Norway and Shetland in a resistance fight against Nazi Germany. You can also borrow the keys to the nearby Scalloway Castle, built around 1607 by Patrick Stuart, when he ruled the archipelago.