‘The Auld Country’ is packed with intriguing and spectacular attractions, from heritage museums to open-air wildlife and history.
1. Dunnottar Castle
Rich in Scottish heritage and history, Dunnottar Castle (pictured above) welcomes groups with discounts for 20 or more people. Sitting atop the cliffs, 160 feet above the waves in Aberdeenshire, the castle offers spectacular summer views on top of opportunities to learn about its history, from the 400 million year-old rock formation to the Viking invasion that went on to destroy the buildings.
Visitors to the castle should also take time to explore the surrounding area, including the harbour town of Stonehaven, home to a picturesque harbour, family friendly beaches and independent shops and restaurants.
2. Verdant Works Museum
Open daily throughout the summer, Verdant Works Museum tells the story of Dundee’s industrial heritage through a restored mill with interactive displays and working machines taking visitors back to 1833 to see how mill workers lived and worked in the city.
Groups can take advantage of discounts when visiting with 15 or more people. On-site coach parking is available beside the museum and catering can be arranged.
3. Scone Palace & Gardens
Overlooking the River Tay and the Highlands and open seven days a week for the summer season, Scone Palace & Gardens offers more than 1,000 years of history.
Groups can explore the palace or the 100 acres of woodland gardens with borders, flowering shrubs and trees. Private garden tours are available for groups and are led by head gardener Brian Cunningham, whilst the Walled & Kitchen Garden features four acres of herbs, vegetables and flowers.
4. National Museum of Rural Life
Groups of ten or more can visit Scotland’s National Museum of Rural Life in East Kilbride at a discounted rate to explore life in the countryside in the museum, working farm and farmhouse.
Inside the museum visitors can learn about the land, people and ways of working and see the largest collection of tractors, combine harvesters and farming machinery in Scotland. Take a countryside walk and see the farm’s residents, including Highland cattle, sheep hens and pigs and see how experts milk Ayrshire cows in the farm’s milking byre.
5. Logan Botanic Garden
Logan Botanic Garden on the south-west tip of Scotland has a subtropical climate thanks to the influence of the Gulf Stream, allowing exotic plants from around the world to thrive, including species from South and Central America, Southern Africa, Australia and New Zealand.
Open daily throughout the summer, highlights include palm trees, eucalyptus plants, the Walled Garden with an oasis-like fishpond, and the Logan Conservatory housing South African plant species. Groups of 11 or more can enjoy discounted admission.
6. Aberdeen Maritime Museum
Close to the harbour, Aberdeen Maritime Museum tells the story of the city’s seafaring history, including the early days of fishing and shipbuilding to offshore energy in the present day. Group guided tours focus on the various collections across four floors.
Among the available experiences are Tipple at the Top which includes traditional canapés and a tasting session for whisky, gin, beer and wine, and the After-Hours Experience which can be booked for 25-200 people and features exclusive use of the museum.
7. Highland Wildlife Park
Located within Cairngorms National Park, outside Aviemore, the Highland Wildlife Park is run by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland which also owns Edinburgh Zoo. It provides fantastic opportunities for close-up views of native Scottish animals, such as wildcats, deer and red squirrels.
The conservation charity also houses rare species from around the world, including the beautiful snow leopard, Pari, which is one of the newest arrivals.
