Perth Museum
The new Perth Museum will open its doors in Spring 2024 after a £26.5 million redevelopment project. This world-class cultural and heritage attraction will highlight the fascinating objects and stories that put Perth and Kinross at the centre of Scotland’s story.
What makes it special?
At its heart will sit the Stone of Destiny, one of Scotland and the UK’s most significant historical objects. Returning to Perthshire for the first time in over 700 years, the Stone will be free for all to view. Alongside the Stone, the new Museum will display Collections of National Significance as well as fascinating exhibitions from the UK and abroad.
All the useful details:
- Opening Easter weekend 2024
- Objects of international significance
- Free entry
Inverness Castle Experience
Location: Inverness
Contact: Inverness Castle Experience
This new visitor attraction will open in Inverness’ city centre in 2025. The Inverness Castle Experience will celebrate the spirit of the Highlands’ past, present and future.
What makes it special?
Inverness Castle sits on the banks of River Ness, towering above the city with fantastic views. The existing castle buildings, originally the home of Inverness’ prison and courts, are being transformed into a world-class visitor attraction.
All the useful details:
- Your clients will be guided by a seanchaidh (storyteller) to explore the stories of the landscape, culture, heritage and people of the Highlands.
- The Ceilidh Rooms will offer a place for people to come together to share the best of Highland music, food and drink.
- Enjoy the gardens and grounds where the stories continue, alongside views over the surrounding area.
- The attraction will offer options for bespoke tours and events.
National Galleries Scotland
The new Scottish galleries at the National are now open for art lovers visiting Edinburgh and Scotland.
What makes it special?
This iconic art gallery is home to international and Scottish Art from 1300–1945. Experience paintings by internationally renowned artists such as Vermeer, Titian, Rembrandt, Velázquez and the Impressionists.
All the useful details:
- Free entry
- 12 new spaces opened in September 2023 showcasing Scottish art
- Onsite shopping, eating and drinking
National Wallace Monument
Contact: National Wallace Monument
The National Wallace Monument is one of Scotland’s boldest architectural expressions of national pride. It was completed in 1869 as a memorial to William Wallace. There are three exhibition galleries inside which feature the legendary Wallace Sword, an animation film, and interactive displays. At the top of the Monument is a panoramic viewing platform.
What makes it special?
The Wallace Monument is launching a new Bespoke After-Hours Experience this month. The onsite management team will support you to plan a unique experience, tailored to your clients’ preferences.
All the useful details:
- Options of a 1 hour (up to 15 people) or 2 hour (16-40 people) exclusive access visit. The Monument will be open after-hours exclusively for your group to enjoy a self-guided visit.
- A variety of extras can be added on for your clients, including guided tours, actor performances and floodlighting.
- Drinks on arrival, canapés and whisky tasting can be arranged.
The Falkirk Wheel
Contact: Scottish Canals
The Falkirk Wheel is the world’s first and only rotating boat lift. The Falkirk Wheel has not only been described as a feat of engineering but as a work of art and is now an iconic Scottish landmark attracting over 500,000 visitors a year.
What makes it special?
This magnificent structure stands 115ft tall and requires only the power of eight domestic kettles to sail boats through the air and transfer them between two canals.
All the useful details:
- Group friendly, with easy accessibility
- Group rates available for bookings with 15 passengers or more
- The Falkirk Wheel is launching new experiences in April. There will be small exclusive tours and behind the scenes experiences.
Aberdeen Maritime Museum
Contact: Aberdeen Maritime Museum
Close to a busy harbour, Aberdeen Maritime Museum tells the story of the city’s long and often dramatic relationship with the sea.
What makes it special?
Fascinating objects and artworks associated with shipbuilding, fishing, whaling, trading and offshore energy. Highlights include models of Aberdeen-built ships, from clippers to one of the first modern warships in the Japanese navy.
All the useful details:
- Undergoing a refurbishment, reopening spring 2024
- Displays arranged thematically over four floors
- Close to Aberdeen train station and bus stops
Braemar Castle
Contact: Braemar Castle – info@braemarcastle.co.uk
An iconic castle in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, with a colourful past and an exciting future.
What makes it special?
Built by the Earl of Mar in 1628, it has been hunting lodge, fortress, garrison and family home. Now home to the chiefs of Clan Farquharson, it is furnished with the furniture, memorabilia and personal belongings of the Farquharson family.
All the useful details:
- Currently closed for a £1.6m restoration programme. Expected to open spring 2024
- Group tours can be arranged out with normal opening times
- Located in the heart of Cairngorms National Park
Kilmartin Museum
Contact: Kilmartin Museum
Kilmartin Museum was founded in 1997 to interpret, explain and conserve the archaeological and natural heritage of Kilmartin Glen on the west coast of Scotland.
What makes it special?
Kilmartin Museum cares for ancient artefacts from across Argyll. The newly renovated Museum will give visitors the opportunity to see fascinating ancient artefacts properly conserved and displayed, close to the sites where they were discovered.
All the useful details:
- Expansion and redevelopment work underway. Expected to reopen spring 2024.
- 22,000 artefacts
- Free guided walks around Kilmartin Glen available
Trimontium Museum
Contact: Trimontium Museum
Trimontium is the only museum dedicated to Roman & Iron Age Scotland. Based in Melrose, the museum tells the story of the nearby site of Trimontium – the largest Roman fort north of Hadrian’s wall.
What makes it special?
Using AV and touch-screen technology, this innovative museum brings to life the finest collection of Roman military artefacts in Scotland. A 5-star museum, Trimontium is accessible, suitable for all ages & close to transport links & local amenities.
All the useful details:
- New archeo-tourism activities planned
- Guided walks of the fort site and hands-on workshops
- Bespoke group activities
Famously Hawick
Contact: Famously Hawick – Fiona Mackinnon – fiona.mackinnon@famouslyhawick.co.uk / +44(0)1750 505052
Visit five famous manufacturers in one town and see at first hand how premium quality goods are created in the Scottish Borders.
What makes it special?
New for 2024 – Walking Tours. These self-guided and guided tours in Hawick will show the Scottish Borders in a new light. From a fascinating introduction to Famously Hawick up to fully bespoke VIP tours, your clients will enjoy one of the must do visitor experiences in the South of Scotland.
All the useful details:
- Distillery, cashmere and premium food tours
- Walking tours with a personal introduction
- Just over an hour from Edinburgh and Carlisle
Stromness Stroll
Contact: Stromness Stroll
Join a native guide for a three-hour, bespoke small group tour through the historic harbour town of Stromness and discover life as a temporary local.
What makes it special?
This three-hour walk will take you through the flagstone streets of Stromness, drawing attention to important historical landmarks, shops, businesses and eateries, and many stunning viewpoints. Incorporating tours of the Pier Arts Centre and Stromness Museum.
All the useful details:
- Discounts in independent shops with a Stromness Stroll discount card
- Local tour guides
- Close to Stromness ferry terminal
Heritage Centre Cumnock
Contact: Heritage Centre Cumnock – heritagecentrecumnock@btinternet.com / +44 (0)7966 555 421
The Heritage Centre Cumnock is the town’s latest visitor attraction boasting a vast collection of historic memorabilia, from the smallest magnifying glass to army trucks and steam engines.
What makes it special?
Heritage Centre Cumnock was the idea of a local businessman who wished to share his vast collection of memorabilia with the West of Scotland community. There is always something new to see or perhaps an area that you might have missed on your last visit.
All the useful details:
- Restricted opening hours – every Friday and 2nd/last Sunday of each month, 12-4pm
- Rooms or external areas available for groups
- Vehicle displays, police heritage, pottery exhibits
- Space for coach parking