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List of museums in Scotland facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Scotland is home to many amazing places where you can explore history, art, and science! These places are called museums. They collect and take care of interesting objects. You can see everything from old tools to beautiful paintings.

This list tells you about museums in Scotland. It includes places that collect cultural, artistic, scientific, or historical items. Art galleries and university art galleries are also here. You won't find museums that only exist online, though. Many other small historical displays are in old castles and public libraries across the country.

Museums to Explore in Scotland

Aberdeen City Museums

Aberdeenshire Museums

  • Aberdeenshire Farming Museum in Mintlaw: Located in Aden Country Park, this museum shows what estate life was like in the 1900s. Learn about farming history and see a working 1950s farm.
  • Alford Heritage Museum in Alford: This museum shares the history of rural life. See old tools, household items, and farm equipment.
  • Alford Valley Railway in Alford: Ride a heritage narrow-gauge railway and visit its museum.
  • Arbuthnot Museum in Peterhead: Discover the history of Peterhead's fishing boats and local life. See Inuit artifacts, Arctic animals, and learn about whaling. They also have fun, hands-on activities.
  • Balmoral Castle in Crathie: This is a royal residence and summer home of Queen Elizabeth II. See art, carriages, and royal items in the ballroom. Explore the gardens and grounds.
  • Banchory Museum in Banchory: Learn about local history, including composer J. Scott Skinner. See 19th-century tartans and Victorian items.
  • Banff Museum in Banff: This museum covers local history, natural history, and geology. It also has collections of silver, arms, and armor.
  • Blairs Museum in Blairs: Explore Scotland's Catholic history and heritage here.
  • Braemar Castle in Braemar: Visit this 18th-century castle, the historic home of Clan Farquharson.
  • Corgarff Castle in Corgarff: Managed by Historic Scotland, this 16th-century castle was once a military base. See reconstructed 1750s barracks.
  • Craigievar Castle in Alford: This 17th-century Scottish Baronial castle is run by the National Trust for Scotland.
  • Crathes Castle in Banchory: A beautiful 16th-century pink castle managed by the National Trust for Scotland. It has many portraits and Jacobean rooms.
  • Delgatie Castle in Turriff: Explore this 16th-century castle and its gardens.
  • Drum Castle in Drumoak: This 13th-century castle, managed by the National Trust for Scotland, has lovely 18th-century gardens.
  • Duff House in Banff: An 18th-century country house with paintings and furniture from the National Galleries of Scotland.
  • Fraserburgh Heritage Centre in Fraserburgh: Learn about maritime heritage and local history.
  • Fordyce Joiner's Workshop and Visitor Centre in Fordyce: See a rural carpenter's workshop and old tools.
  • Fyvie Castle in Fyvie: This castle, dating back to the 13th century, is managed by the National Trust for Scotland. It features grand Edwardian interiors and an art collection.
  • Grampian Transport Museum in Alford: Discover a collection of automobiles, motorcycles, buses, and tractors. See steam vehicles, an electric tram, and toy models.
  • Grassic Gibbon Centre in Arbuthnott: This center tells the story of local author Lewis Grassic Gibbon.
  • Haddo House in Tarves: A Georgian Palladian house with Victorian interiors. Managed by the National Trust for Scotland, it has a painting collection and gardens.
  • Huntly Castle in Huntly: Explore the remains of this medieval castle, managed by Historic Scotland.
  • Insch Connection Museum in Insch: Located in an old railway station, it covers railway and local history.
  • Little Treasures: Grampian Toy Museum in Kemnay: A fun museum with toys, dolls, and a shop.
  • Maud Railway Station Museum in Maud: See steam engines and railway items in this former station.
  • Museum of Scottish Lighthouses in Fraserburgh: Visit a historic lighthouse and learn about lighthouse technology and history.
  • Peterhead Prison Museum in Peterhead: Explore the history of this prison.
  • Sandhaven Meal Mill in Sandhaven: See a 19th-century mill used for making oats.
  • Stonehaven Tolbooth in Stonehaven: This 16th-century stone building was once a courthouse and prison. It now shows local history.
  • Tolquhon Castle in Pitmedden: Managed by Historic Scotland, these are the remains of a 16th-century castle.
  • Turriff and District Heritage Society Museum in Turriff: Learn about local history and see collections from the surrounding area.

Angus Museums

Argyll and Bute Museums

  • An Iodhlann in Scarinish: A historical center with various items.
  • An Tobar in Tobermory: A multi-arts center with a gallery.
  • Auchindrain Township Museum in Auchindrain: An open-air museum showing a turn-of-the-20th-century village.
  • Bonawe Iron Furnace in Bonawe: Managed by Historic Scotland, this 18th-century ironworks used charcoal.
  • Bute Museum in Isle of Bute: Discover the island's archaeology, social, and natural history.
  • Campbeltown Heritage Centre in Campbeltown: Learn about local history, culture, maritime heritage, and the Scotch whisky industry.
  • Castle House Museum in Dunoon: Explore local history and Victorian period rooms. It's on the upper floors of Castle Toward.
  • Columba Centre in Iona: Managed by Historic Scotland, this center focuses on the life of St Columba and the religious community he started in 563 AD.
  • Duart Castle in Isle of Mull: A restored medieval castle with Edwardian period rooms.
  • Easdale Island Folk Museum in Easdale: Learn about local history, culture, the slate industry, geology, and maritime life.
  • Hill House in Helensburgh: An early 20th-century house with interiors and furnishings designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh.
  • Iona Abbey in Iona: Managed by Historic Scotland, this abbey was founded by St Columba in 563 AD. It's one of Scotland's most historic and sacred places.
  • Iona Heritage Centre in Iona: Discover local history and culture.
  • Inveraray Castle in Inveraray: The home of the Duke of Argyll, this 18th and 19th-century castle has formal gardens.
  • Inveraray Jail in Inveraray: Experience a 19th-century living history prison.
  • Inverarary Maritime Heritage Museum in Inveraray: See maritime artifacts and items displayed in the three-masted schooner Arctic Penguin.
  • Lismore Gaelic Heritage Centre in Lismore: Learn about local history and culture. It also holds the archives of Comann Eachdraidh Lios Mor.
  • Kilmartin Museum in Kilmartin: Explore the history of prehistoric stones found in Kilmartin Glen. See artifacts and learn about excavations.
  • Mount Stuart House in Isle of Bute: A Victorian Gothic Revival mansion with 300 acres of gardens.
  • Mull Museum in Tobermory: Learn about the local history and culture of the Isle of Mull.
  • Museum of Islay Life Port Charlotte in Port Charlotte, Islay: Discover local history, culture, and archaeology.
  • Oban War and Peace Museum in Oban: This museum covers local history, fishing, railways, and Oban's role in World War II.
  • Ross Of Mull Historical Centre in Bunessan: Learn about the local history, culture, and natural history of the Ross of Mull peninsula.
  • Sandaig Island Life Museum in Tiree: See a late 19th-century cottar's home.
  • Slate Islands Heritage Centre and Museum in Ellenabeich: Learn about the slate industry of the Slate Islands and social history.
  • Skerryvore Lighthouse Museum in Tiree: Discover the history and construction of the lighthouse.
  • Strachur Smiddy Museum in Strachur: Explore the history of a blacksmith shop.
  • Torosay Castle in Isle of Mull: A 19th-century Baronial house with a garden.

Clackmannanshire Museums

Dumfries and Galloway Museums

  • Annan Museum in Annan: Discover local history.
  • Broughton House and Garden in Kirkcudbright: This 18th-century town house was home to artist Edward Atkinson Hornel. It features art, ceramics, and furniture.
  • Caerlaverock Castle in Dumfries and Galloway: Managed by Historic Scotland, these are the remains of a 13th-century triangular moated castle.
  • Castle Douglas Art Gallery in Castle Douglas: See contemporary art and crafts.
  • Castle of St. John in Stranraer: A 16th-century tower house used as a home, court, prison, and military base.
  • Creetown Gem Rock Museum in Creetown: Explore gemstones, crystals, minerals, rocks, and fossils.
  • The Devil's Porridge Museum in Eastriggs: Learn about the history of HM Factory, Gretna, which made Cordite during wartime.
  • Drumlanrig Castle in Thornhill: A Baroque country house with old furnishings, fine art, and Victorian gardens.
  • Dumfries Museum in Dumfries: This museum covers local history, archaeology, and natural history. It's in an 18th-century windmill and has a camera obscura.
  • Dumfries and Galloway Aviation Museum in Dumfries: Located at a former RAF station, it displays aircraft and military aviation history.
  • Ellisland Farm in Auldgirth: Visit the farmhouse where poet Robert Burns lived and worked. It also has farming exhibits.
  • Gracefield Arts Centre in Dumfries: See Scottish contemporary art, including works by the Scottish Colourists and Glasgow Boys.
  • John Paul Jones Cottage Museum in Kirkbean: The 18th-century birthplace of U.S. naval hero John Paul Jones.
  • Moffat Museum in Moffat: Located in the Old Moffat Bakehouse, it focuses on local and family history.
  • Mull of Galloway Lighthouse in Mull of Galloway: Take tours of the lighthouse and its engine room.
  • Museum of Lead Mining in Wanlockhead: Go on a mine tour, see miners' cottages, and learn about minerals.
  • Old Bridge House Museum in Dumfries: This 17th-century house shows what home life was like in different periods.
  • Robert Burns Centre in Dumfries: Learn about the life and works of poet Robert Burns.
  • Robert Burns House in Dumfries: The 18th-century house where poet Robert Burns spent his last years.
  • Sanquhar Tolbooth Museum in Sanquhar: Covers local history, mining, and the wool and knitting industries.
  • Savings Banks Museum in Ruthwell: Learn about the history of the first savings bank. See early home savings boxes, coins, and banknotes.
  • Stewartry Museum in Kirkcudbright: Explore local history, natural history, and prehistoric rock carvings.
  • Stranraer Museum in Stranraer: Covers local history, archaeology, farming, and dairying.
  • The Museum, Newton Stewart in Newton Stewart: Learn about local social and natural history.
  • Thomas Carlyle's Birthplace in Ecclefechan: Managed by the National Trust for Scotland, this 19th-century house has displays about author Thomas Carlyle.
  • Tolbooth Art Centre in Kirkcudbright: An art center.
  • Whithorn Priory and Museum in Whithorn: See stone grave markers of early Christians. Explore the remains of the 13th-century St Ninian's Chapel and priory.
  • Whithorn Story Visitor Centre in Whithorn: Learn about archaeology and local history.
  • Wigtown County Buildings in Wigtown: Covers local history, including 18th-century bronze town weights and measures, and an 18th-century prison cell.

Dundee City Museums

East Ayrshire Museums

  • Baird Museum in Cumnock: Covers local history, industry, and items like Mauchline Ware.
  • Boswell Museum & Mausoleum in Auchinleck: Learn about the life of author James Boswell.
  • Burns House, Mauchline in Mauchline: See artifacts and items related to poet Robert Burns, who lived here from 1784 to 1788.
  • Dean Castle in Kilmarnock: A medieval castle with connections to important Scottish figures. It has collections of arms, armor, musical instruments, and tapestries.
  • Dick Institute in Kilmarnock: This museum covers art, local and natural history, and industry.
  • Doon Valley Museum in Dalmellington: Learn about local history, coal mining, ironworks, and social history. It also has an art gallery.
  • Dumfries House in Cumnock: An 18th-century Palladian country house with Thomas Chippendale furniture.
  • Scottish Industrial Railway Centre in Patna: See steam and diesel locomotives on selected days.

East Dunbartonshire Museums

  • Auld Kirk Museum in Kirkintilloch: Covers local history, coal mining, and the iron industry.
  • Lillie Art Gallery in Milngavie: Features Scottish art.

East Lothian Museums

City of Edinburgh Museums

Falkirk Museums

  • Blackness Castle in Blackness: Managed by Historic Scotland, this is a 15th-century fortress castle.
  • Callendar House and Park Gallery in Falkirk: A Georgian-style mansion with living history guides. It has exhibits on the house, Scottish history, and art.
  • Grangemouth Museum in Grangemouth: Covers local history and industry.
  • Kinneil House in Bo'ness: Managed by Historic Scotland, this 15th to 17th-century house is open on select days. Its grounds include the Kinneil Museum.
  • Kinneil Museum in Bo'ness: Located in the 17th-century stable block of Kinneil House, it tells the history of the park and house from Roman times to today.
  • Museum of Scottish Railways in Bo'ness: Scotland's largest railway museum, located within the Bo'ness and Kinneil Railway. It has working trains.

Fife Museums

Glasgow City Museums

Highland Museums

  • Applecross Heritage Centre in Applecross: Covers local history and culture.
  • Ardnamurchan Lighthouse in Ardnamurchan: Learn about the lighthouse's history and operations, as well as area geology and natural history.
  • Brora Heritage Centre in Brora: Covers local history and culture.
  • Caithness Broch Centre in Auckengill: Learn about the history of brochs (ancient towers) in Caithness.
  • Caithness Horizons in Thurso: Covers local history, culture, archaeology, geology, industry, and natural history.
  • Castle Leod in Strathpeffer: The home of the Chief of the Clan MacKenzie, this 17th-century castle has 19th-century updates.
  • Castle of Mey in John o' Groats: A 16th-century castle that was the holiday home of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother.
  • Castlehill Heritage Centre in Castletown: Covers local history and culture.
  • Cawdor Castle in Cawdor: A castle built between the 15th and 19th centuries, known for its gardens and connection to William Shakespeare's play Macbeth.
  • Clan Cameron Museum in Achnacarry: Learn about the history and heritage of Clan Cameron.
  • Clan Gunn Heritage Centre in Latheron: Covers the history and heritage of Clan Gunn.
  • Clan Macpherson Museum in Newtonmore: Covers the history and heritage of Clan Macpherson.
  • Colbost Croft Museum in Colbost: A 19th-century period crofter's cottage.
  • Commando Museum in Spean Bridge: See artifacts and items related to the Commandos who trained nearby during World War II.
  • Cromarty Courthouse Museum in Cromarty: Covers local history and culture.
  • Culloden Battlefield in Culloden: Managed by the National Trust for Scotland, this is the site of a significant battle. See daily living history demonstrations.
  • Dingwall Museum in Dingwall: Covers local history and culture.
  • Dornoch Historylinks Museum in Dornoch: Covers local history, culture, and the Picts and Vikings.
  • Dunbeath Heritage Centre in Dunbeath: Covers local history.
  • Dunrobin Castle in Golspie: Features 19th-century French Renaissance and Scottish Baronial styles. It has gardens and a museum with African wildlife trophies and archaeological relics.
  • Dunvegan Castle in Dunvegan: The historic home of the chief of the Clan MacLeod.
  • Ferrycroft Visitor Centre in Lairg: Covers local history, culture, natural history, and agriculture.
  • Fort George in Ardersier: Managed by Historic Scotland, this 18th-century fort is still in use. It has displays of its history and military items.
  • Gairloch Heritage Museum in Gairloch: Covers local history and archaeology. It has the Gairloch Pictish Stone.
  • Giant MacAskill Museum in Dunvegan: Learn about the life of Angus MacAskill, a natural giant.
  • Glencoe Folk Museum in Glencoe: Covers local history and culture.
  • Glendale Toy Museum in Glendale: A museum with toys, games, and dolls.
  • Glenfinnan Station Museum in Glenfinnan: A railway museum.
  • Glengarry Heritage Centre in Invergarry: Covers local history, culture, and Clan MacDonell of Glengarry heritage.
  • Grantown Museum in Grantown-on-Spey: Covers local history and culture.
  • Groam House Museum in Rosemarkie: Features 15 carved Pictish stones, local history, and Celtic art.
  • Highland Folk Museum in Newtonmore: An open-air museum covering 80 acres. It shows Highland rural life from the early 1700s to the mid-1900s.
  • Highland Museum of Childhood in Strathpeffer: Displays dolls, toys, games, children's costumes, and furniture.
  • Highlanders Museum in Ardersier: Displays military items from the Queen's Own Highlanders (Seaforth and Camerons) and Lovat Scouts.
  • Hugh Miller's Birthplace in Cromarty: Run by the NTS, this is the birthplace of 19th-century geologist Hugh Miller.
  • Inverness Museum and Art Gallery in Inverness: Covers art, history, natural history, and contemporary crafts of the Highlands.
  • Iona Gallery in Kingussie: An art gallery.
  • Laidhay Croft Museum in Dunbeath: An early 20th-century thatched Caithness longhouse with original fixtures.
  • Land, Sea and Islands Centre in Arisaig: Covers local history, culture, and natural history.
  • Last House Museum in John o' Groats: Features local history exhibits.
  • Lyth Arts Centre in Wick: An arts center with a gallery.
  • MacCrimmon Piping Heritage Centre in Borreraig: Also known as the Borreraig Park Museum, it has artifacts and heritage of the MacCrimmons, famous pipers.
  • Mallaig Heritage Centre in Mallaig: Covers local history, maritime heritage, fishing, and railways.
  • Mary Anne's Cottage in West Dunnet: A 19th-century croft cottage with original furnishings.
  • Museum of the Isles in Armadale: Covers the history and heritage of Clan Donald.
  • Nairn Museum in Nairn: Covers local history, fishing, military, and agriculture.
  • Orcadian Stone in Golspie: A store and exhibition of rocks, minerals, and fossils.
  • Seadrift Centre in Dunnet: Covers area natural and local history.
  • Skye Museum of Island Life in Duntulm: An open-air museum showing a 19th-century village of thatched cottages. It depicts typical island crofting life.
  • St Fergus Gallery in Wick: Exhibits art, photography, and crafts.
  • Strathnaver Museum in Bettyhill: Covers the history and artifacts of Clan Mackay and local social history.
  • Strathspey Railway in Aviemore: A preserved railway line with working steam engine exhibits.
  • Swanson Gallery in Thurso: An art gallery located in the Thurso Library.
  • Tain & District Museum in Tain: Covers local culture, Clan Ross, and historic displays. It's known as 'Tain Through Time'.
  • Tarbat Discovery Centre in Portmahomack: Covers local history, culture, Pictish stones, and medieval life.
  • Timespan Museum and Arts Centre in Helmsdale: Features recreations of a croft, byre, smithy, and shop. It also has displays on archaeology, geology, and art.
  • Treasures of the Earth in Corpach: A geology display with simulated caves and mining scenes. It has exhibits of crystals and fossils.
  • Ullapool Museum in Ullapool: Covers local history and culture.
  • Urquhart Castle in Drumnadrochit: Managed by Historic Scotland, these are the ruins of a medieval fortress castle. The visitor center has exhibits about its history.
  • Waterlines Visitor Centre in Lybster: Covers the local herring fishing industry, geology, and wildlife.
  • West Highland Museum in Fort William: Covers local history, natural history, and Highland regiments.
  • Wick Heritage Centre in Wick: Covers local history, with early 20th-century period rooms, historic photographs, and an art gallery.

Inverclyde Museums

  • Mclean Museum and Art Gallery in Greenock: Features art, natural history, world cultures, local history, and industry.
  • Newark Castle in Port Glasgow: Managed by Historic Scotland, this is a 15th-century castle.
  • Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Museum and Heritage Centre in Greenock: Learn about the history of fire and rescue services.

Midlothian Museums

Moray Museums

  • Ballindalloch Castle in Craigellachie: A historic house.
  • Brodie Castle in Forres: Managed by the National Trust for Scotland, this 19th-century Scottish Baronial mansion has fine art, antique furniture, and porcelain.
  • Buckie & District Heritage Centre in Buckie: Covers local history and maritime heritage.
  • Burghead Visitor Centre in Burghead: Learn about the site of an important Pictish hill fort and local history.
  • Elgin Museum (Moray) in Elgin: Covers local history, fossils, Pictish stones, Roman artifacts, and art.
  • Falconer Museum in Forres: Covers local history and household items.
  • Findhorn Heritage Centre & Icehouse in Findhorn: Covers local history, the fishing industry, and natural history. It also has a historic icehouse.
  • Fochabers Folk Museum in Fochabers: Covers local and social history, with a collection of gigs and carriages.
  • Lossiemouth Fisheries & Community Museum in Lossiemouth: Covers maritime heritage, fishing, and local history.
  • Moray Art Centre in Findhorn: An art center.
  • Moray Motor Museum in Elgin: See veteran, vintage, and classic cars, motorcycles, and model cars.
  • River Findhorn Heritage Centre in Forres: Covers natural history, geology, and the impact of the River Findhorn.
  • Tomintoul Museum in Tomintoul: Covers local history and culture, with reconstructed rooms and natural history exhibits.

North Ayrshire Museums

North Lanarkshire Museums

Orkney Museums

Outer Hebrides Museums

  • An Lanntair in Stornoway: An arts center with a gallery.
  • Museum nan Eilean in Stornoway: Covers archaeology, social, domestic, and economic history of the Western Isles.
  • Taigh Chearsabhagh Museum & Arts Centre in Lochmaddy: Covers local history, culture, and art.
  • Kildonan Museum in Kildonan, South Uist: Covers local archaeology, social, domestic, and economic history of South Uist.

Perth and Kinross Museums

Renfrewshire Museums

  • Coats Observatory in Paisley: An observatory with astronomical equipment and displays.
  • Paisley Museum in Paisley: Covers local history, fine art, natural history, and ancient Egyptian artifacts.
  • Renfrew Museum in Renfrew: Covers local history and culture.
  • Sma Shot Cottages in Paisley: Shows two weaver's workshops and cottages from the late 1700s and mid-1800s.
  • Paisley Thread Mill Museum in Paisley: Learn about the local textile industry and see textile collections.
  • Weaver's Cottage, Renfrewshire in Kilbarchan: An 18th-century period weaver's cottage with working looms, managed by the National Trust for Scotland.

Scottish Borders Museums

  • Borders Textile Towerhouse in Hawick: Features costumes, fashion, and the area's textile industries.
  • Coldstream Museum in Coldstream: Covers local history, with an exhibit on the Coldstream Guards.
  • Duns Exhibition Room in Duns: Located in the Duns Library, it has local history and art exhibits.
  • Eyemouth Museum in Eyemouth: Covers local history, culture, and maritime heritage.
  • Halliwell's House Museum in Selkirk: Features a recreated historic house and ironworker's shop, art, and local history.
  • Harestanes Countryside Visitor Centre in Ancrum: A park with programs and exhibits on art and nature.
  • Hawick Museum in Hawick: Features art, local history, natural history, and displays on motorcycle champions.
  • Jedburgh Castle Jail and Museum in Jedburgh: An 1820s period prison with local history displays.
  • Jim Clark Motorsport Museum in Duns: Explores the life and career of motor racing champion Jim Clark.
  • John Buchan Museum in Peebles: Learn about the life of John Buchan, author of The Thirty-Nine Steps.
  • Mary Queen of Scots' Visitor Centre in Jedburgh: A 16th-century tower house with artifacts and exhibits about the life of Mary, Queen of Scots.
  • Melrose Abbey in Melrose: Managed by Historic Scotland, these are the remains of a large medieval abbey.
  • Old Gala House in Galashiels: Covers local history, art, and culture.
  • Paxton House in Paxton: An 18th-century country house with a gallery of paintings from the National Galleries of Scotland.
  • Robert Smail's Printing Works in Innerleithen: A historic print shop with a printing press, managed by the National Trust for Scotland.
  • St Ronan's Wells Visitor Centre in Innerleithen: Covers local history and the spa town's connections with writers like Sir Walter Scott.
  • Sir Walter Scott's Courtroom in Selkirk: The 19th-century Sheriff Court where author Sir Walter Scott worked. It has exhibits on his life and local history.
  • Thirlestane Castle in Lauder: A mansion castle with paintings, furniture, historic toys, and a Victorian kitchen.
  • Trimontium Heritage Centre in Melrose: Features artifacts from the excavated Roman fort Trimontium.
  • Tweeddale Museum and Gallery in Peebles: Features art and local history.
  • Whitrope Heritage Centre in Hermitage: Displays artifacts and memorabilia of the Waverley Line railway.

Shetland Museums

  • Bayanne House in Yell: Covers local history and crafts.
  • Böd of Gremista in Lerwick: A restored 18th-century Shetland fishing booth with displays on fishing and local businessman Arthur Anderson. It also houses the Shetland Textile Working Museum.
  • Bressay Heritage Centre in Bressay: Covers local history and culture.
  • The Cabin Museum, Shetland in Vidlin: Features World War II artifacts and memorabilia, showing wartime life in Shetland.
  • Croft House Museum in Boddam: A mid-19th-century croft cottage.
  • Fetlar Interpretive Centre in Fetlar: Covers local history and culture.
  • George Waterston Memorial Centre and Museum in Fair Isle: Covers local history, natural history, art, and archaeology.
  • Hoswick Visitor Centre in Hoswick: Covers local history, with collections of old radios and fishing equipment.
  • Jarlshof Prehistoric and Norse Settlement in Sumburgh: Managed by Historic Scotland, this excavated site has Bronze Age, Iron Age, Pictish, and Viking-age ruins.
  • Old Haa Museum in Burravoe: Covers local and natural history.
  • Old Scatness in Dunrossness: Offers costumed guided tours of excavated remains from different historical periods. See replica buildings and crafts demonstrations.
  • Quendale Water Mill in Dunrossness: A restored 19th-century water mill with local history and agriculture exhibits.
  • Scalloway Museum in Scalloway: Covers local history and culture.
  • Shetland Museum and Archives in Lerwick: Covers local history, maritime life, social history, and a significant textile collection.
  • Tangwick Haa Museum in Tangwick: Covers local history, culture, and social history.
  • Unst Boat Haven in Unst: A collection of over 20 wooden boats, fishing gear, and photographs.
  • Unst Heritage Centre in Unst: Covers local history, archaeology, and crafts.
  • Weisdale Mill in Weisdale: A 19th-century watermill that is now an art gallery.

South Ayrshire Museums

South Lanarkshire Museums

Stirling Museums

West Dunbartonshire Museums

  • Backdoor Gallery in Dalmuir: An art gallery in the Dalmuir Library.
  • Clydebank Museum in Clydebank: Covers local history, shipbuilding, and a collection of sewing machines.
  • Motoring Heritage Centre in Alexandria: Displays vintage and classic cars.
  • Scottish Maritime Museum in Dumbarton: Located at the Denny Ship Model Experiment Tank, it has model ships and details about the Denny Brothers, who built the famous Cutty-Sark.
  • Titan Clydebank in Clydebank: A 150-foot (46 m) high crane used for lifting heavy equipment for battleships and ocean liners.

West Lothian Museums

Museums That Are No Longer Open

Some museums in Scotland have closed their doors. Here are a few:

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List of museums in Scotland Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.