10 History Museums in Scotland That You Shouldn't Miss

The Scottish Crannog Centre is a 5-star reconstruction of an early Iron Age loch-dwelling built by the Scottish Trust for Underwater Archaeology. Our museum features 2,500-year-old underwater discoveries; our Iron Age Interpreters will guide you through life on the loch 500 BCE; hands-on ancient crafts and technologies. Hire a dugout canoe and paddle into prehistory (weather and experience permitting). Special events run regularly featuring artists, musicians, skilled craft workers and other specialists who, together with our own team of Iron Age interpreters, actively bring the past to life for adults and children alike. Gift shop offering an excellent selection of books, crafts and light refreshments from our snack bar. Dogs are welcome on site. Last entry for tours at 4.00pm.

Britain's first operational military air station was established in Montrose by the Royal Flying Corps in 1913. The heritage centre's collection of photographs and artefacts tell the story of RFC/RAF Montrose and the men and women who served here through two world wars. The award-winning heritage centre is an accredited museum run entirely by volunteers and was proud to receive The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service in 2014. COVID-19 precautions - visits must be booked in advance. Please see the museum website for more details.

Step back in time and visit "Scotland's Toughest Jail". Opening in 1888 it closed in December 2013 and little changed within that period. Known as "Scotland's Alcatraz" you will walk through the halls, cells, former kitchen, shower block, booking in area, courtroom, segregation block, infamous silent cell and hospital complex and much more. This 6 acre site was Scotland's only true "Convict Prison" [to be sent here meant you had been sentenced to "penal servitude"] it was the home of the first state owned passenger carrying railway in Britain and in 1987 was the scene of the only time the Special Air Service [SAS] was used to end a domestic siege after an officer was held hostage on the roof for 4 days, ending in the early hours of the 5th morning with a daring raid. Hear former officers tell their stories at key points on the route in our award winning audio sets and enjoy the experience within our 5* multi award winning complex.

** Currently closed due to Covid 19 crisis ** The Tenement House is a National Trust for Scotland property in Glasgow's City Centre. With 1892 original features it provides a rare glimpse into life in Glasgow in the early 20th century. The house, lived in by Miss Agnes Toward for over half a century is a unique opportunity to experience collections in their unchanged environment. See what it meant to be an 'independent woman' in the first half of the 20th century; experience how ordinary folk lived, and appreciate how many of the household amenities we now take for granted were considered luxuries less than a century ago. Authentic gas lighting has been installed to recreate the atmosphere of the house, which didn't have electric lighting until 1960. An exhibition on the ground floor makes the most of Miss Toward's extensive personal archive, providing a valuable time capsule for visitors today. Toilet facilities and a gift shop are available on the exhibition floor.

This museum combines fine art with historical and natural artifacts to give visitors a more complete picture of Inverness's complex history.

The People's Palace and Winter Gardens, set in historic Glasgow Green, the oldest public space in the city, tells the story of Glasgow and its people from 1750 to the end of the 20th century. Adjacent to the People's Palace is the extravagant and recently restored Doulton Fountain, unveiled in 1888 to commemorate Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee.

As restrictions continue to ease, we are reopening our venues in phases and look forward to welcoming you back safely! Admission remains free and by pre-booked timed ticket but we have made some changes to our opening hours. The Hunterian Museum will reopen at weekends from Saturday 1 May 2021. The Hunterian Art Gallery and Mackintosh House remain closed for now. We will provide an update on our reopening plans as soon as possible. Hunterian Museum Sat 1 and Sun 2 May, open 11am–5pm Fri 7, Sat 8 and Sun 9 May, open 11am–5pm Fri 14, Sat 15 and Sun 16 May, open 11am–5pm Fri 21, Sat 22 and Sun 23 May, open 11am–5pm Fri 28, Sat 29 and Sun 30 May, open 11am–5pm Fri 4, Sat 5 and Sun 6 June, open 11am–5pm Admission free. Timed tickets are required for entry.

A visit to Glenlee takes you back in time to experience what life was like on the high seas. Visit the galley, ring the bell, and explore the depths of the ship. Where did she sail? What cargo was transported around the globe? What was it like to command a ship in mid-ocean? Experience a fun and exciting day out, and discover what life was really like aboard a tall ship. Restored to her former glory, Glenlee is one of only five Clydebuilt steel sailing ship still afloat, and the only example in the UK. The Tall Ship Glenlee is an independent museum, dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of Glenlee and the maritime history of the area for the benefit of the local community and visitors to Glasgow. Be sure to visit our souvenir shop, and enjoy a tasty lunch in our newly refurbished cafe. Booking is not required. In line with current restrictions, we have a one-way system in place. Certain areas of the ship are closed temporarily. Masks are required in all indoor areas.

Famous for runaway weddings since 1754 Gretna Green is a wonderful place to get married in and visit. The Famous Blacksmiths Shop is steeped in history and has been standing since 1713 making it the earliest venue in the area for weddings. The visitors attraction and shopping village is visited by over 1 million people per year and has a range of lovely shops on site which stock the best of Scottish menswear, ladieswear - including brands such as Joules, Barbour, Harris Tweed and Ness - Scottish gifts, Hampers and Homeware as well as a Foodhall selling local and traditional scottish produce.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, access is currently limited to the Baikie Library and Drawing Room and our temporary exhibition 'Between Islands'. Visitor numbers are limited, so please be prepared to wait outside if the museum is busy. Please note that it is mandatory to wear a face covering in the building and that you will be asked for your contact details for the national Test and Protect system.