Are you interested in military history? These are the must-visit war museums in Scotland:
1Edinburgh Castle
EdinburghThis most famous of Scottish castles has a complex building history. The oldest part, St Margaret’s Chapel, dates from the 12th century; the Great Hall was erected by James IV around 1510; the Half Moon Battery by the Regent Morton in the late 16th century; and the Scottish National War Memorial aft 2Stirling Castle
StirlingStirling Castle is a museum in Stirling. The museum features exhibits related to: weapons and war, social history, architecture and archaeology. 3Culloden Battlefield and Visitor Centre
InvernessCulloden Battlefield and Visitor Centre is a museum in Inverness. The museum features exhibits related to Weapons and War and Personalities. Key themes, people and exhibits in the museum include Bonnie Prince Charlie - Prince Charles Edward Stuart and Duke of Cumberland. 4Blair Castle
Blair AthollBlair Castle is a museum in Pitlochry. The museum features exhibits related to Weapons and War. 5Fort George
ArdersierFort George is a historical site that dates back to the 18th century. It is located in Ardersier, approximately seventeen kilometers northeast of Inverness in the Scottish region of Highland. This artillery fort offers a glimpse into the past, showcasing the military architecture and strategic planning of the time. Visitors can explore the fort and its surroundings, taking in the rich history and stunning views of the Scottish landscape. 6Linlithgow Palace
LinlithgowLinlithgow Palace is a museum in Linlithgow. The museum features exhibits related to: trade and commerce, photography, archives, natural sciences, weapons and war, social history, industry, coins and medals, personalities, architecture, sport, law and order, world cultures, land transport, medicine 7National Museum of Flight Scotland
East FortuneThe National Museum of Flight, located in the civil parish of Athelstaneford, is the most significant aviation museum in Scotland. It offers a comprehensive collection of aircraft, helicopters, and engines, making it a fascinating destination for aviation enthusiasts and history buffs alike. 8National War Museum Scotland
EdinburghThe National War Museum, situated within the historic Edinburgh Castle in Scotland, has been welcoming visitors since its opening in 1933. The museum is housed in a converted 18th-century ordnance storehouse and offers a comprehensive look into Scotland's military history spanning over 400 years. The museum is managed by National Museums Scotland. 9Caerlaverock Castle
BankendCaerlaverock Castle is a museum in Caerlaverock, Near Dumfries. The museum features exhibits related to: weapons and war, social history, architecture and law and order. 10Oban War and Peace Museum
ObanOban War and Peace Museum is a museum in Oban. The museum features exhibits related to Social History. 11The Black Watch Castle and Museum
PerthBalhousie Castle, a 17th-century structure, is situated in Perth, Scotland. It was initially the residence of the Earls of Kinnoull. This historical significance adds a layer of intrigue for visitors, providing a glimpse into the past and the nobility that once resided within its walls. 12The Gordon Highlanders Museum
AberdeenThe Gordon Highlanders Museum, located in Aberdeen, Scotland, is dedicated to the history of the Gordon Highlanders regiment. This regiment has a rich history, originating as the 92nd (Gordon Highlanders) Regiment of Foot in 1794. It later merged with the 75th (Stirlingshire) Regiment of Foot to form the Gordon Highlanders in 1881, and was eventually incorporated into a larger unit of the British Army in 1994. 13Shetland Museum
LerwickShetland 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 14Inverness Museum and Art Gallery - High Life Highland
InvernessInverness 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 15Chatelherault Country Park
FerniegairChatelherault 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. 16Dumbarton Castle
DumbartonDumbarton Castle is a museum in Dumbarton. The museum features exhibits related to: social history, weapons and war and architecture. 17Scotland's Secret Bunker
Saint AndrewsScotland's Secret Bunker is a unique historical site that offers a glimpse into the Cold War era. This nuclear shelter, located in Scotland, has been transformed into a museum dedicated to the Cold War. Visitors can explore the bunker and learn about its history and the role it played during this tense period in world history. 18HMS Unicorn
DundeeThe HMS Unicorn, now a museum in Dundee, Scotland, is a unique piece of naval history. This Leda-class frigate underwent significant design changes during its construction, including the incorporation of a circular stern and the use of a construction system with small-sized timbers. These alterations make it a distinctive example of naval architecture from its era. 19Dumfries Museum and Camera Obscura
DumfriesDumfries 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 20Mull Museum
TobermoryMull Museum is a museum in Tobermory. The museum features exhibits related to Archives, Archaeology, Weapons and War, Social History and Maritime. 21Glenfinnan Visitor Centre
GlenfinnanGlenfinnan Visitor Centre is a museum in Glenfinnan. The museum features exhibits related to: weapons and war and architecture. Key themes, people and exhibits in the museum include: prince charles edward stuart - bonnie prince charlie, scottish architect james gillespie graham, battle of culloden a 22Montrose Air Station Museum
MontroseThe Montrose Air Station Heritage Centre is a significant historical site located in the northern part of Montrose, Angus, Scotland. The Centre is situated on the grounds of the former airfield, which holds the distinction of being the first operational military airfield in Great Britain. This makes it a unique destination for those interested in aviation history. 23Perth Museum and Art Gallery
PerthPerth 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 24Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum
StirlingStirling 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 25Scapa Flow Museum
LynessScapa 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- 26
Devil's Porridge Museum
EastriggsDevil's Porridge Museum is a museum in Annan. The museum features exhibits related to: weapons and war and social history. Key themes, people and exhibits in the museum include: ideal communities: eastriggs and gretna, mixing the devil's porridge, qunintinshill rail disaster, state management scheme 27Clan Macpherson Museum
NewtonmoreClan Macpherson Museum is a museum in Newtonmore. The museum features exhibits related to Fine Art, Decorative and Applied Art, Weapons and War, Archives and Social History. 28Orkney Wireless Museum
KirkwallThe 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. 29Scalloway Museum
ScallowayScalloway Museum is a museum in Shetland. The museum features exhibits related to: weapons and war, social history and maritime. Key themes, people and exhibits in the museum include: the shetland bus operation. 30Hawick Museum and the Scott Art Gallery
HawickHawick Museum and the Scott Art Gallery is a museum in Hawick. The museum features exhibits related to Weapons and War, Science and Technology, World Cultures, Fine Art, Natural Sciences, Personalities, Land Transport, Costume and Textiles, Decorative and Applied Art, Coins and Medals, Archaeology, 31The Watt Institution
GreenockThe 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. 32Strathnaver Museum
BettyhillStrathnaver 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. 33Elgin Museum
ElginElgin 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 34Bute Museum
RothesayBute 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 35Montrose Museum and Art Gallery
MontroseMontrose Museum and Art Gallery features exhibits related to Religion, Social History, Archaeology, Music, Coins and Medals, Maritime, Trade and Commerce, Weapons and War, Decorative and Applied Art, Law and Order, Natural Sciences, Costume and Textiles, Personalities, Fine Art, Land Transport, Scie 36The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards Museum
EdinburghThe Royal Scots Dragoon Guards Museum is a regimental museum that showcases the collections of the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards and its predecessor regiments. It provides a comprehensive view of the history and heritage of these regiments, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in military history. 37Rozelle House Galleries
AyrRozelle House Galleries is a museum in Ayr. The museum features exhibits related to Social History, Costume and Textiles, Weapons and War, Archives, World Cultures, Natural Sciences, Medicine, Personalities, Archaeology, Coins and Medals, Fine Art and Decorative and Applied Art. Key themes, people a 38Royal Scots Regimental Museum
EdinburghRoyal Scots Regimental Museum is a museum in Edinburgh that tells the story of the Regiment in chronological order on pictorial wall panels supported by maps, display cases, tableaux and dioramas. Its medal collection is partly on display. Besides this, the museum features weapons, pictures, collect 39Borders Textile Towerhouse
HawickBorders Textile Towerhouse is a museum in Hawick. The museum features exhibits related to: fine art, weapons and war, natural sciences, social history, science and technology, archaeology, decorative and applied art, archives, costume and textiles and personalities. 40Glenesk Folk Museum
GleneskGlenesk 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 41Old Haa
YellOld 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. 42Crail Museum and Heritage Centre
CrailThe 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 43Colzium House
KilsythColzium 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. 44Douglas Heritage Museum
DouglasDouglas Heritage Museum is a museum in Douglas. The museum features exhibits related to Archives, Weapons and War and Social History. 45Brechin Town House Museum
BrechinBrechin Town House Museum is a museum in Brechin. The museum features exhibits related to Personalities, Social History, Archaeology, Decorative and Applied Art, Costume and Textiles, Archives, Fine Art, Coins and Medals, Weapons and War and Science and Technology. 46Clan Gunn Heritage Centre and Museum
LatheronClan Gunn Heritage Centre and Museum is a museum in Latheron. The museum features exhibits related to Archaeology, Fine Art, Weapons and War, Archives and Costume and Textiles. 47Clan Donnachaidh Museum
PitlochryClan Donnachaidh Museum is a museum in Pitlochry. The museum features exhibits related to: coins and medals, social history, archaeology, maritime, archives, fine art, decorative and applied art, music, weapons and war, personalities, natural sciences, medicine and costume and textiles. 48Museum of the Cumbraes
MillportMuseum of the Cumbraes is a museum in Isle of Cumbrae. The museum features exhibits related to Personalities, Fine Art, Social History, Natural Sciences, World Cultures, Archives, Costume and Textiles, Archaeology, Weapons and War and Decorative and Applied Art. 49Skelmorlie ROC Post
SkelmorlieSkelmorlie ROC Post is a museum in . The museum features exhibits related to: weapons and war. 50Lanark Museum
LanarkLanark Museum is a museum in Lanark. The museum features exhibits related to Medicine, Coins and Medals, Social History, Archives, Costume and Textiles and Weapons and War.- 51
Historylinks Museum
DornochHistorylinks Museum is a museum in Dornoch. The museum features exhibits related to: weapons and war, land transport, archives, decorative and applied art, sport, social history, religion and costume and textiles. Key themes, people and exhibits in the museum include: original royal dornoch golf clu - 52
Dalbeattie Museum
DalbeattieDalbeattie Museum is a museum in Dalbeattie. The museum features exhibits related to Natural Sciences, Archives, Weapons and War, Medicine, Land Transport, Social History, Costume and Textiles and Fine Art. - 53
Glencoe Folk Museum
GlencoeGlencoe Folk Museum is a museum in Glencoe. The museum features exhibits related to: archives, medicine, costume and textiles, social history and weapons and war. - 54
Coldstream Museum
ColdstreamColdstream Museum is a museum in Coldstream. The museum features exhibits related to Social History, Archaeology, Weapons and War, Archives and Fine Art. - 55
John Gray Centre
HaddingtonJohn 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 - 56
Coastal Communities Museum
North BerwickCoastal Communities Museum is a museum in North Berwick. The museum features exhibits related to: archaeology, medicine, coins and medals, natural sciences, personalities, maritime, social history, costume and textiles, decorative and applied art, weapons and war, archives and fine art. - 57
Royal Highland Fusiliers Regimental Museum
GlasgowThe Royal Highland Fusiliers Regimental Museum is a museum in Glasgow that tells the story of the Regiment, antecedent regiments & successor battalion. - 58
Alyth Museum
AlythAlyth Museum is a museum in Alyth. The museum features exhibits related to Social History, Decorative and Applied Art, Fine Art, Archaeology, Music, Costume and Textiles, Weapons and War, Archives, Natural Sciences, Land Transport, Coins and Medals and World Cultures. - 59
Banff Museum
BanffVisit 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 - 60
Baird Institute
CumnockBaird 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. - 61
Museum Store
GrangemouthMuseum 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 - 62
George Waterston Memorial Centre and Museum
Fair IsleGeorge 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 - 63
Brander Museum
HuntlyBrander Museum is a museum in Huntly. The museum features exhibits related to Coins and Medals, Social History, Weapons and War, Costume and Textiles, Personalities, Archaeology and Natural Sciences. Key themes, people and exhibits in the museum include Huntly textile industry and learn about:, 19th