All local museums to visit in Scotland

Discover the unique history and culture of Scotland at local museums. These 16 museums offer insights into the community's past, traditions, and notable events.

Are you interested in learning more about the local history of Scotland? These are the must-visit local museums:

  1. The Scottish Crannog Centre1

    The Scottish Crannog Centre

     Aberfeldy
    Join the 21st Century Crannog Community where you will be taken on a fascinating journey into Scotland's prehistory. Walk in the footsteps of the original Crannog dwellers and immerse yourself in village life with original artefacts; demonstrations of textiles, cooking and ancient crafts & techn
  2. Orkney Museum2

    Orkney Museum

     Kirkwall
    The Orkney Museum, previously known as the Tankerness House Museum, is a historical museum located in Kirkwall, Orkney, Scotland. It is managed by the Orkney Islands Council and provides a comprehensive overview of the history of the Orkney Islands, from the Stone Age through the Picts and Vikings to the present day. The museum was established in 1968 as the Tankerness House Museum and changed its name to The Orkney Museum in 1999.
  3. Glasgow Police Museum3

    Glasgow Police Museum

     Glasgow
    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.
  4. Gairloch Heritage Museum4

    Gairloch Heritage Museum

     Gairloch
    Gairloch Museum is an independent institution situated in the Highland village of Gairloch, in Achtercairn, within the Wester Ross region of Scotland. This museum is a significant cultural hub in the area, offering visitors a chance to delve into the rich history and heritage of the region.
  5. The Watt Institution5

    The Watt Institution

     Greenock
    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.
  6. Strathnaver Museum6

    Strathnaver Museum

     Bettyhill
    Strathnaver Museum, situated in Bettyhill, Sutherland, Scotland, is a volunteer-run independent museum that first opened its doors to the public in 1976. It offers a deep dive into the history of north west Sutherland, particularly focusing on the Highland Clearances.
  7. Groam House Museum7

    Groam House Museum

     Rosemarkie
    Groam House Museum is a museum in Rosemarkie. The museum features exhibits related to Social History, Archaeology, Decorative and Applied Art and Archives. Key themes, people and exhibits in the museum include The George Bain Collection.
  8. Meffan Museum and Art Gallery8

    Meffan Museum and Art Gallery

     Forfar
    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.
  9. Fife Folk Museum9

    Fife Folk Museum

     Ceres
    Fife Folk Museum is located in the village of Cers near Cupar in North East Fife. The museum features exhibits related to Everyday Rural Life, Costume and Textiles, Decorative and Applied Art, Medicine, Social History and Land Transport. It has a Tearoom and a Garden.
  10. Blairs Museum10

    Blairs Museum

     Aberdeen
    The Blairs Museum, located within the premises of the former Blairs College, showcases exhibits from the church's inventory. One of the notable exhibits includes a posthumous painting of the Scottish Queen Mary Stuart, which was hidden in a fireplace during the revolution and thus escaped destruction. This museum offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich history and heritage of the Roman Catholic Church in Scotland.
  11. Glenesk Folk Museum11

    Glenesk Folk Museum

     Glenesk
    Glenesk Folk Museum is an independent museum set in the midst of Glenesk, one of the five Angus Glens. Opened in 1955 by its creator and original curator, local schoolteacher Greta Michie, the museum existed in a building called The Retreat. This was built for Captain Wemyss in the 1840s as a huntin
  12. Old Haa12

    Old Haa

     Yell
    Old Haa is a museum in Burravoe, Yell. The museum features exhibits related to: archives, archaeology, music, social history, fine art, maritime, decorative and applied art, land transport and personalities.
  13. Crail Museum and Heritage Centre13

    Crail Museum and Heritage Centre

     Crail
    The Museum provides an insight into the past life of this ancient Royal Burgh, its kirk, seafaring tradition, Crail Golfing Society (founded in 1786 - the 7th oldest in the world) and airfield history from the First World War until its closure in 1960 (HMS Jackdaw, Fleet Air Arm Station, HMS Bruce
  14. Fairfield Heritage Centre14

    Fairfield Heritage Centre

     Glasgow
    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
  15. Shetland Textile Museum15

    Shetland Textile Museum

     Gremista
    The Böd of Gremista, located at the north end of Lerwick in Shetland, Scotland, is a significant historical site. This 18th-century Shetland fishing booth is a typical example of the architecture and lifestyle of the time. It is protected as a category B listed building, indicating its importance in the country's architectural heritage.
  16. 16

    Linlithgow Museum

     Linlithgow
    The Linlithgow Union Canal Society, also known as LUCS, is a waterway society and a registered charity in Scotland. It is based at the Linlithgow Canal Centre on the Union Canal in Linlithgow, West Lothian. The society was founded in 1975 with the aim of promoting and encouraging the restoration and use of the Union Canal, particularly in the vicinity of Linlithgow.