Industrial & heritage museums in Scotland

The National Museum of Scotland, located in Edinburgh, was established in 2006 as a result of the merger of two adjacent museums: the Scotland Museum and the Royal Museum. The Scotland Museum is home to collections that shed light on Scottish antiquity, culture, and history. On the other hand, the Royal Museum houses collections that cover a wide range of topics, including science and technology, natural history, and world cultures.

The Riverside Museum (Glasgow Museum of Transport) is home to over 3,000 objects that detail Glasgow’s rich past from its days as maritime powerhouse to a glimpse into daily Glasgow life in the early to mid 20th Century. ​Amongst the objects on display are everything from skateboards to locomotives,

The RRS Discovery, or Royal Research Ship Discovery, holds a significant place in the history of the United Kingdom as the last three-masted wooden ship built in the country. This ship was used by the renowned explorer Robert Falcon Scott in his Antarctic exploration journeys in 1901. Today, it stands as a testament to the country's maritime history and the spirit of exploration that defined an era.

The Aberdeen Maritime Museum is situated in a prime location along the historic Shiprow boulevard, in close proximity to the port of Aberdeen. This strategic location not only makes it easily accessible for visitors but also adds to the authenticity of the maritime experience it offers. The museum is housed in several buildings, including the former Congregationalist temple of the Holy Trinity and Provost Ross's house, one of the oldest in the city.

The Clydeside Distillery, a Scotch whisky distillery located in Glasgow, Scotland, holds a significant place in the city's history. It marked the revival of whisky production in the city centre after a hiatus of over 100 years when it began production in 2017. This makes it a unique destination for those interested in the history and production of Scotch whisky.

The Summerlee Museum of Scottish Industrial Life is a unique museum located in Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire, Scotland. It is situated on the historic site of the Victorian Summerlee Iron Works and the former Hydrocon Crane factory. This museum offers a deep dive into the industrial and social history of the region, providing a comprehensive understanding of the area's past.

Verdant Works, also known as Scotland's Jute Museum, is located in the Blackness area of Dundee, Scotland. This former jute mill offers a unique insight into the history of the textile industry that once dominated the city's economy. The museum is housed in a building that has been carefully restored by the Dundee Heritage Trust, preserving its original layout and many of its original features.

Shetland Museum is a museum in Lerwick. The museum features exhibits related to: law and order, trade and commerce, land transport, social history, coins and medals, weapons and war, costume and textiles, agriculture, personalities, science and technology, music, decorative and applied art, archives

The Museum on the Mound, located in Edinburgh, Scotland, is a unique institution that concentrates on the themes of money, coinage, and economics. It provides an in-depth look into the history and evolution of these subjects, offering a unique perspective on how they have shaped society and the world at large.

Inverness Museum and Art Gallery - High Life Highland is a museum in Inverness. The museum features exhibits related to: science and technology, fine art, music, social history, archaeology, personalities, coins and medals, weapons and war, costume and textiles, archives, land transport, natural sci

Chatelherault Country Park is a museum in Hamilton. The museum features exhibits related to Land Transport, Social History, Personalities, Natural Sciences, Archaeology, World Cultures, Fine Art, Costume and Textiles, Decorative and Applied Art, Weapons and War, Archives and Science and Technology.

Hutchesons’ Hall, which was formerly known as Hutchesons’ Hospital, is a historic building located in the city of Glasgow, Scotland. It has been transformed from a hospital into a restaurant. The building holds significant historical value and was listed in the highest monument category A in the Scottish monument lists in 1966.

The National Mining Museum Scotland, established in 1984, is dedicated to preserving the physical surface remains of the Lady Victoria Colliery in Newtongrange, Midlothian, Scotland. This museum provides a unique opportunity for visitors to explore the history and heritage of Scotland's mining industry.

Set deep in the Spey Valley, Knockando Woolmill is a district mill, serving the needs of the local community and processing wool into yarn and woven cloth on historic machinery and looms, in continuos production for over 200 years. The Knockando Woolmill Trust was formed in 2000 to save the mill, wi

The Grampian Transport Museum is a transport museum and charitable-based trust located in Alford, Aberdeenshire, Scotland. It is a place where visitors can learn about the history of transport in the north east of Scotland through various exhibits and presentations.

Dumfries Museum and Camera Obscura is a museum in Dumfries. The museum features exhibits related to Coins and Medals, Medicine, Industry, Natural Sciences, Decorative and Applied Art, Weapons and War, Maritime, Social History, Land Transport, Religion, Costume and Textiles, Science and Technology, L

Museum of Lead Mining is a museum in Lanarkshire. The museum features exhibits related to Archives, Land Transport, Archaeology, Social History, Natural Sciences, Costume and Textiles and Science and Technology.

Scottish Maritime Museum is a museum in Irvine. The museum features exhibits related to Land Transport, Maritime and Archives.

Perth Museum and Art Gallery is a museum in Perth. The museum features exhibits related to Fine Art, Music, Archaeology, Coins and Medals, Social History, Archives, Weapons and War, Decorative and Applied Art, Land Transport, Natural Sciences, Science and Technology, World Cultures and Costume and T

Stromness Museum is a museum in Stromness. The museum features exhibits related to World Cultures, Archives, Natural Sciences, Archaeology, Coins and Medals, Science and Technology, Maritime, Social History and Land Transport.

Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum is a museum in Stirling. The museum features exhibits related to: trade and commerce, costume and textiles, literature, land transport, agriculture, natural sciences, industry, decorative and applied art, religion, toys and hobbies, personalities, science and te

Scapa Flow Museum’s role is to chart Orkney’s military involvement in the First and Second World Wars and provide a safe home for a major collection of wartime artefacts, many of national and international importance. The many stories are brought to life through a world class display of over 250 art

Be among the first to enjoy our new hi-tech interactive visitor experience at the spectacular 18th-century water mill complex beside the River Tay. The visitor centre tells the stories of those who worked there and the products they made. The superb interactive displays let you discover if your fin

Kirkcaldy Galleries is a museum in Kirkcaldy. The museum features exhibits related to: social history, land transport, medicine, archives, coins and medals, fine art, science and technology, maritime, archaeology, decorative and applied art, personalities and costume and textiles.

The Titan Clydebank is a cantilever crane situated in the Scottish town of Clydebank, within the West Dunbartonshire council area. This historical structure was built by the shipbuilding company John Brown & Company, which moved to Clydebank in 1871. The crane was installed at the end of the dock in 1907 by the Glasgow crane and bridge builder Sir William Arrol & Company.

The Signal Tower Museum, located in the coastal town of Arbroath, Angus, Scotland, is a historical site that was originally built in 1813. It served as the base of operations for the Bell Rock Lighthouse, housing the families of the keepers and the shore staff who ran the lighthouse tender supplying the light. The museum offers a glimpse into the past, showcasing the history and operations of the Bell Rock Lighthouse.

The Orkney Wireless Museum, located in Kirkwall, Orkney, Scotland, is home to a vast collection of both domestic and military wireless equipment. This collection provides a unique insight into the evolution of wireless technology, from its early beginnings to its use in military operations. Visitors to the museum can explore a range of exhibits, including early domestic radios, wartime communication devices, and various pieces of military equipment.

The Scottish Vintage Bus Museum is located in Lathalmond, which is approximately 2.5 miles north of Dunfermline, Fife. This transport museum is a significant attraction for those interested in vintage buses and other forms of transport.

The Watt Institution, formerly known as the McLean Museum and Art Gallery, is situated in Greenock, Inverclyde, Scotland. It is the primary museum in the Inverclyde area, offering a rich cultural experience to its visitors. The museum is easily accessible and is a significant cultural landmark in the region.

Barry Mill is a historic watermill situated near the Scottish town of Barry in the Council Area Angus. The mill was recognized as a Category B monument in 1971, and later in 2009, it was upgraded to the highest monument category A. This recognition signifies the mill's historical and architectural importance.

Robert Smail's Printing Works is a unique attraction located in the small Scottish Borders town of Innerleithen. This fully functional Victorian era letterpress printing works has been preserved by The National Trust for Scotland as an Industrial Heritage museum. Visitors can experience the operation of a local printer around the 1900s, providing a fascinating insight into the history of printing and stationery.

Timespan Heritage Centre and Art Gallery is a museum in Helmsdale. The museum features exhibits related to: social history, archaeology, science and technology and natural sciences.

Elgin Museum is a museum in Elgin. The museum features exhibits related to Maritime, World Cultures, Coins and Medals, Natural Sciences, Weapons and War, Land Transport, Trade and Commerce, Archaeology, Personalities, Decorative and Applied Art, Archives, Social History, Science and Technology, Reli

Preston Mill is a historic site located in the Scottish town of Preston, within the Council Area of East Lothian. This former watermill has been recognized for its historical significance and was listed in the highest category A of the Scottish monument lists in 1971. This recognition highlights the mill's importance in Scotland's history and its architectural value.

The Glenfinnan railway station is a significant landmark in the Highland council area of Scotland. It serves the village of Glenfinnan and is situated approximately 14 miles 58 chains (23.7 km) from the former Banavie Junction. This station is a part of the West Highland Line, nestled between Lochailort and Locheilside.

Prestongrange is a site of major importance in the story of Scotland’s Industrial Revolution. Visitors can discover the story of the harbour, glass works, pottery, colliery and brickworks. The Prestongrange Museum features exhibits related to: science and technology, agriculture, archaeology, coins

Bute Museum is a museum in Isle of Bute. The museum features exhibits related to Social History, Personalities, Natural Sciences, Weapons and War, Costume and Textiles, Maritime, Archives, Archaeology, Science and Technology, Fine Art, Coins and Medals and Land Transport. Key themes, people and exhi

Unst Boat Haven is a museum in Haroldswick. The museum features exhibits related to Industry, Maritime and Social History. Key themes, people and exhibits in the museum include Recreated blacksmith's workshop, Whillies or eela boats, Shetland shipbuilding, Model boats, Sixareens and Yoals.

Cromarty Courthouse Museum is a museum in Cromarty. The museum features exhibits related to Maritime, Coins and Medals, Trade and Commerce, Industry, Archives and Social History.

The Open Museum, located in Glasgow, Scotland, is a unique community museum that operates from the Glasgow Museums Resource Centre. This innovative museum concept aims to bring museum collections beyond the traditional confines of museum walls and into the wider Glasgow community. It is part of a larger network of ten museums under the umbrella of Glasgow Museums.

Meffan Museum and Art Gallery is a museum in Forfar. The museum features exhibits related to: land transport, archaeology, decorative and applied art, fine art, personalities, social history, science and technology, costume and textiles and coins and medals.

The Museum of Scottish Railways is managed by the Scottish Railway Preservation Society. It showcases a vast collection of railway artefacts from all over Scotland, providing a comprehensive insight into the country's railway history.

The Paisley Museum and Art Galleries, a significant cultural institution in the town of Paisley, is currently undergoing refurbishment. The museum, which is managed by the Renfrewshire Council, is scheduled to reopen in 2024. This information is crucial for tourists planning to visit the museum, as it allows them to adjust their travel plans accordingly.

Kinneil House is a historic mansion situated on the western edge of the Scottish town of Bo’ness, within the Council Area of Falkirk. This location offers visitors a chance to explore a significant part of Scotland's rich history, while also enjoying the scenic beauty of the surrounding area.

Clydebank Museum and Art Gallery is a museum in Clydebank. The museum features exhibits related to: social history, fine art, archives and science and technology.

Sanquhar Tolbooth Museum is a museum in Sanquhar. The museum features exhibits related to Personalities, Coins and Medals, Decorative and Applied Art, Industry, Fine Art, Science and Technology, Social History, Costume and Textiles, Literature, Archaeology, Agriculture and Natural Sciences. Key them

Newton Stewart Museum is a museum in Newton Stewart. The museum features exhibits related to Social History, Costume and Textiles, Science and Technology and Archives.

Welcome to Tomintoul & Glenlivet Discovery Centre your gateway to Tomintoul & Glenlivet, The Cairngorms National Park and Moray Speyside. Whether you're interest is Whisky, Walking or Wildlife, your visit to Tomintoul & Glenlivet will be truly unique. No stay in our area is complete without a visit

Colzium House is a museum in Kilsyth. The museum features exhibits related to: fine art, weapons and war, costume and textiles, world cultures, natural sciences, archaeology, decorative and applied art, social history, archives and coins and medals.

The Scottish Maritime Museum is a nationally recognized industrial museum located in Irvine and Dumbarton, in the West of Scotland. The museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing Scotland's rich shipbuilding heritage. It offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the history and significance of shipbuilding in Scotland.

Fairfield Heritage is a community museum dedicated to telling the story of Govan’s outstanding role in world shipbuilding. Please come and visit us and enjoy the very building that was once the headquarters of the greatest shipbuilding enterprise in the world, the Fairfield Shipbuilding & Engineeri

West Kilbride Museum is a museum in West Kilbride. The museum features exhibits related to Archives, Personalities, Costume and Textiles, Science and Technology, Social History, Natural Sciences, Land Transport and Archaeology.

Mckechnie Institute is a museum in Girvan. The museum features exhibits related to Land Transport, Natural Sciences, Costume and Textiles, Fine Art, Maritime and Archives.

The Newburgh Ancestry and History Society is a Voluntary Group set up to preserve and archive the various collections of local history, photographs and artefacts that have been donated to the Museum. We operate in the Lower Laing Museum which displays a wide range of Historical Artefacts and Infor

Garlogie Mill Power House Museum is a museum in SkeneWesthill. The museum features exhibits related to: industry.

Campbeltown Museum is a museum in Campbeltown. The museum features exhibits related to Maritime, Social History, Fine Art, Archaeology, Science and Technology and Coins and Medals.

Motoring Heritage Centre is situated in Alexandria. There are two cars on display in the reception hall of the building.

The Sma' Shot Cottage complex is unique in Scotland, providing visitors with the opportunity to see two distinct periods in Paisley's weaving history. From Shuttle Street you will enter the Weaver's Cottage and be transported back in time by nearly 250 years. After Experiencing life in the late 17

Queensferry Museum is a museum in South Queensferry. The museum features exhibits related to Science and Technology, Maritime, Land Transport, Natural Sciences and Social History.

John Gray Centre is a museum in Haddington. The museum features exhibits related to Personalities, Design, Natural Sciences, Archives, Religion, Music, Literature, Agriculture, Trade and Commerce, Costume and Textiles, Aviation, World Cultures, Architecture, Social History, Archaeology, Decorative a

Bennie Museum is a museum in Bathgate. The museum features exhibits related to Science and Technology and Social History.

Cousland Smiddy is a museum in Dalkeith. The museum features exhibits related to Industry, Social History and Science and Technology.

Visit one of Scotland's oldest Museums, founded in 1828. See an electro-type copy of the Deskford Carnyx, a unique 2000-year-old war trumpet, as well as an award-winning natural history display. local geology, arms and armour and a nationally important collection of Banff silver. Banff Museum featur

The South Side Museum is located in the Gray Room and displays artefacts from the South Side's industrial past, school mementoes and old local photographs.

The history of Whitburn and its coal mining past are recreated in a permanent exhibition that can be accessed through the library. Temporary exhibitions are also held throughout the year.

Strachur Smiddy Museum is a museum in Strachur. The museum features exhibits related to Science and Technology.

Baird Institute is a museum in Cumnock. The museum features exhibits related to Social History, Coins and Medals, Science and Technology, World Cultures, Archives, Decorative and Applied Art, Natural Sciences, Costume and Textiles, Weapons and War, Archaeology, Fine Art and Personalities.

Darvel Telephone Museum is a museum in Darvel, Ayrshire. The museum features exhibits related to: science and technology. Key themes, people and exhibits in the museum include: telephones & switchboards.

Museum Store is a museum in Grangemouth. The museum features exhibits related to: social history, costume and textiles, land transport, weapons and war, natural sciences, archives, decorative and applied art, maritime, medicine, science and technology, archaeology, personalities, music and coins and

The displays in the Shotts Heritage Centre include the area's covenanting history, as well as the era of the industrial revolution and the rise and fall of local heavy industries such as mining, the railways and iron production. A rare surviving 19th Century lamp post from the Shotts Ironworks has b

George Waterston Memorial Centre and Museum is a museum in Fair Isle. The museum features exhibits related to: natural sciences, fine art, decorative and applied art, personalities, weapons and war, music, maritime, costume and textiles, land transport, archaeology, world cultures, archives, social

Fordyce Joiners Workshop is a museum in Fordyce. The museum features exhibits related to: trade and commerce, industry and social history.