Things to see and do EST

The St Andrews Botanic Garden is considered to be the living treasure of this small city with an immense heritage. More than 8,000 varieties of plants and flowers of all kinds live there. Some are native to Scotland, but the majority come from the rest of the world. Each season offers a different approach. Explanatory panels, ideas for walks through the flowers and a visit to the botanical greenhouses enhance the visit. Between April and September, you can discover the Butterfly House (extra charge for admission) or the Tropical Butterfly Experience.

Hidden beneath a perfectly innocuous Scottish farmhouse, this military bunker has been hiding in the bowels of the Kingdom of Fife for over 40 years. It was dug out during the Cold War to be one of the command posts of the United Kingdom and the refuge of the Scottish authorities in the event of a nuclear attack. It never served and fortunately became useless enough to become an attraction. It plunges underground into 2,230 square metres of tunnels, war room and accommodation, on two levels the size of two football pitches on top of each other.

The island of May, with its superb lighthouse and its rich ornithological fauna (puffins, penguins, cormorants, guillemots...), can be discovered from Anstruther, aboard the May Princess. The cruise is organized around a crossing, comments on the landscapes and wildlife, and time on site to explore the wild beauties of the island. A National Nature Reserve, it is a haven of peace and a concentrate of magnificent landscapes and panoramas.

Created in 1967, this museum has become a must-see site for history lovers from all over the world. It deals with the life of this small port and even more, it evokes Scottish fishing in a broad way. Examples of boats are exhibited, but also old fishing systems and gear. Fishing communities are honoured through retrospectives on their lifestyles, but also the technical, social and environmental aspects of their separate profession.

Kellie Castle is a Victorian castle. It is admired for its artwork, its ornate plasterwork - the majestic ceiling of its library is one of the oldest in Scotland - and the great beauty of its Arts and Crafts garden, with the fragrance of ancient rose varieties. The stables are also an exhibition space: they pay tribute to the sculptor Hew Lorimer. It is even possible to visit his sculpture workshop. The castle is open to the public, with volunteers present in the rooms to reveal the secrets and guided tours.

The Lochleven nature reserve is a place of discovery for everyone. Amateur birdwatchers will find observation points for ospreys in summer, but also many migratory species. The RSPB Visitor Centre provides a lot of information about them. For fishermen, the name of the site will echo the world-famous brown trout of Loch Leven. Hikers will hike the 21 km Loch Leven Heritage Trail or shorter routes.

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.

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 museum presents over 100 years of aviation history. Montrose Airfield, Britain's first operational military station, is now a museum that tells the story of the men and women who served in the Air Force. It traces the origins of aviation, documents life at Montrose in the last century and features a life-size replica of the B.E.2 aircraft flown by the^2nd Squadron of the Royal Flying Corps at the outbreak of the First World War.

The Montrose Basin is an enclosed estuary of the South Esk River. It covers 750 hectares and is home to over 80,000 migratory birds, including rare species. The Visitor and Discovery Center provides an opportunity to learn about and explore the environment in a family-friendly setting. Binoculars and telescopes are available on site to observe the fauna without disturbing it. Events are regularly proposed.

Born on the Cardow Farm in 1811, Cardhu, which until 1981 was called Cardow, after the place where it was created, has grown steadily to become one of the most adored distilleries of the region. At its origin, we find the Cumming couple. Then, Elizabeth Cumming, daughter-in-law of the founders, was the first woman to hold the reins of a distillery. She is the one who gives Cardhu its very specific flavours and its refined character. Her emblematic bottle has been the same since 1982, and is part of her signature.

The Aberlour giant has been around since 1879 and welcomes its die-hard fans to its production site for a basic 1.5-hour tour, which ends with the tasting of six drams, no less! The others are new in 2020: "the art of maturing in double casks" and "tasting the Speyside collection". You'll have to find a driver who agrees to stay sober (or else prefer the mignonettes). All guided tours are for adults only. As the place is very popular, it is recommended to book your visit in advance on the internet.

Created in 1840, by the brothers John and James Grant, the distillery is born in a perfect frame to produce an exceptional base for its whisky, thanks to quality ingredients and also thanks to the river Spey, which runs along the family structure. The distillery is open to the public, with a visitor centre and guided tours. Stroll through the beautiful Victorian garden, restored to its former glory, and smell the hidden scents of single malt...

Find out how barrels are made. Essential to the maturation of whisky, their manufacture is the fruit of an ancestral know-how, transmitted from generation to generation by passionate craftsmen. You will be plunged into this world through a cinematic audio-visual presentation, followed by a visit to an exhibition gallery where you can see coopers at work. A perfect visit to complete a distillery tour! Don't miss the coffee shop.

Cragganmore has one of the smallest productions in the region and claims one of the most complex single malts. Founded in 1869, the distillery is the work of a certain John Smith, considered at his time as one of the most learned and experienced distillers of the country. He had built his expertise among the greatest distillers: Macallan, Glenlivet, Wishaw and even managed Glenfarkas. More than one visit to Cragganmore? Treat yourself to a tasting (dram and matching dish) in the sumptuous clubroom. You can also enjoy a coffee or tea.

This place does double duty. It is the starting point for walks and hikes in one of Aberdeenshire's most beautiful and well-known natural areas. From the summit of Oxen Craig (528m) or Mither Tap, to the trails through the beautiful forest of the Grampian Mountain Range. In the Visitor Centre you will find leaflets on possible tours and a permanent exhibition on the heritage of the area: how the hills were transformed, their flora and fauna, forestry..

The Garioch Heritage Centre was established in October 2017. It brings together and exhibits the collections of the Garioch Heritage Society which, since 1987, has been researching the history of the region and collecting objects from the past, bearing witness to the professional and domestic life of the past. The museum tells the story of life in this region of Scotland from the early 20th century to the present day: life in a locomotive assembly and manufacturing workshop, on a dairy farm, the trades specific to the region, all under the watchful eye of a 20-tonne crane.

This transportation museum will delight enthusiasts of any motor vehicle! The exhibits have a permanent collection, with some iconic pieces, and collections that change every year. Among the highlights are a 1905 Sentinel steam car, a snowplow made from a World War II American tank, a Rover SD1 used by the local police, a steam tricycle built between 1895 and 1897 by an enthusiast..

This attraction will delight train enthusiasts, as it offers a ride in an old steam train. The Royal Deeside Railway recreates the line that used to run between Aberdeen and Ballater. The ride lasts between 15 and 20 minutes. It offers superb views of the River Dee and the surrounding hills. The original line ran from 1853 to 1966, taking the Royal Family and many prominent people from the UK on a journey. The station, renovated in 2015, is also a very pleasant place with its tea room and ice-cream shop.

BrewDog is now one of the most important references in the beer business. An artisanal brewery with punk claims, independent, modern and in full growth, it has been able to make itself appreciated for the quality of its beers and the vast choice it offers. While in Ellon, take the opportunity to visit one of its production sites (and its headquarters) on a guided tour. You can also simply enjoy the bar on site, have a bite to eat while tasting a beer produced on site, and find unusual goodies in the brand's shop.

This walled garden in the purest Scottish Renaissance style invites you to take an enchanting stroll. More than 30,000 bedding plants make up the colourful patterns of the flowerbeds. The park is also adorned with topiaries, fountains, sundials and a rich garden of aromatic plants. A walk in the adjacent oak forest is also a real pleasure, especially for those who love to observe animals. A museum on farm life completes the visit.

Falkland Palace is a magnificent example of a Renaissance palace. It was the country residence of the Stuart kings. You will follow in the footsteps of Mary Queen of Scots in the royal apartments. The rooms have been recreated in their former splendour. You will discover that the castle is full of secrets, fascinating stories... and there is even talk of a treasure. The formal gardens are superb, as is the landscaped park, and the tennis court, one of the oldest in Britain, is a curiosity to see.

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.

This Edwardian mansion is full of surprises. It houses the Sharp Collection, rich in paintings, tapestries and ceramics. It also displays antique board games. The exteriors are beautiful and have many attractions. The walk through the woods to the hill is pleasant and offers a magnificent view of Perthshire. A botanical trail invites fascinating discoveries. The Kingarrock golf course has been restored and is available for play.

This beautiful park offers many kilometres of trails and paths for pleasant walks compiled in a dedicated brochure available on site. Fun itineraries, observation of the fauna and flora, discovery of the trees - endemic trees and species of the world, wandering in the French garden, excursion in the Japanese garden, exploration of the greenhouses and vegetable garden are all possibilities. Don't miss the remarkable architectural features: Pittencrieff House, Glen Pavilion, the double bridge, the statue of Andrew Carnegie...

Andrew Carnegie was born in 1835 in this modest weaver's house. He is one of the main actors in the development of the steel industry in the United States. Nicknamed the richest man in the world in his day, he single-handedly embodied the American dream. He is remembered as a brilliant businessman and philanthropist, giving millions of dollars to various foundations and bequeathing his fortune to charities. The house traces his life and his work.

This castle is believed to be the oldest surviving and well-preserved castle in Scotland. Erected in the 1100s, it is an impressive complex, adapted through the ages and architectural fashions up to the 1600s. The painted ceiling is a remnant of 17th century splendour. It successively belonged to the Mortimer, Randolph and Dougras families. The walled garden is an invitation to stroll, as are the terraces and park overlooking the Forth.

If you are in Dumferline on a Sunday in the summer, you should visit this original museum. It is dedicated to buses, coaches and public transport. It is possible to visit the museum alone, but guided tours include a ride in one of the vintage vehicles. The museum area is home to more than 100 buses or coaches, trains and a horse-drawn tramway. The oldest date back to the 1920s. Numerous animations are organized: consult the website.

This completely free cultural centre was born in association with the Carnegie Library, the first in the world to be opened by local philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. It therefore has a library, but also a free museum equipped with large exhibition rooms where themes are regularly renewed, a library dedicated to children and adapted to families, and a friendly café with a breathtaking view of Dunfermline Abbey.