Unusual Museums To Visit When Travelling In Scotland

Scotland is a nation with a proud history, and as you might expect in a country with such a colourful past, it is home to numerous interesting and unusual museums. It is well known that some of the best museums in Scotland are a little out of the ordinary; these quirky sites often make for the most fascinating visits since they offer something truly unique! Read on to discover some favourites.

The National Piping Centre

There’s nothing quite as iconic and instantly associated with Scotland than the national instrument: the bagpipes. The National Piping Centre in Glasgow proudly displays various bagpipes from all over Scotland as well as European bagpipes. Perhaps the museum’s greatest claim to fame is its main artefact on show – the world’s oldest surviving Highland bagpipe chanter.

St Vigeans Sculptured Stones Museum

This micro-museum is open to visitors by appointment only, so make sure to book in advance. The village church of St. Vigeans is located at the centre of 38 ancient Pictish stones – this is an incredible photo opportunity. Admire the beautiful craftsmanship and delicate carving of the stones that feature Latin, Pictish and Old Irish words. St. Vigeans was likely an important religious site for the Picts, judging by the number and quality of the stones. A few of the stones were even incorporated into the walls of the church itself and remain in place to this day.

HM Frigate Unicorn

HM Frigate Unicorn is one of the oldest surviving wooden warships in the world and now one of the most-loved maritime museums in Scotland. Cruise the decks of this beautiful ship built in 1824 and admire the well-preserved features including the country’s national animal, the unicorn, adorning the ship’s prow.

Scotland’s Secret Bunker

Ever visited a subterranean museum situated in an ex-survival bunker designed to withstand nuclear war? Now you can with a trip to Scotland’s Secret Bunker! This is perhaps the most unusual place you’ll ever come across – it lies 100ft underground beneath a Scottish farmhouse and was designed as a safe house for the top members of Scottish government in the event of nuclear war. The size of the site is equivalent to two football pitches on top of each other underground and is complete with a BBC studio, switchboard room and many relics from the Cold War.

Scotland is an amazing country to visit if you’re in search of history and culture, and one of the best ways to travel is on a Scotland cruise. Travelling in this way means you can see so much more of this amazing country, especially the beautiful and wild coastline. Book your Scotland cruise today for great museums, beautiful scenery, fascinating culture spots and plenty more.

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Paul Newman is the Marketing and E-Systems Executive for European Waterways, the UK's most respected provider of all-inclusive, luxury barge holidays if you’re looking for a relaxing Scotland cruise, or itineraries to a host of other excellent destinations. Part of a team of experienced barging aficionados, Paul is first in line to endorse the perks of a slow-paced barge cruise to anyone looking for a unique holiday experience.