Six unusual Scottish attractions
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Once you've explored all the beautiful beaches, lochs and mountains, try some of Scotland’s more unique attractions ...
Arbroath Signal Tower Museum
Sitting beside the harbour in Arbroath, is an elegant complex of Regency buildings. These were built by Robert Stevenson, founder of the famous dynasty of lighthouse engineers, to house the families of the lighthouse keepers, who were manning the Bell Rock Lighthouse which lies 11 miles out on a dangerous semi-sunken reef. Visit here now and you’ll learn what life was like and see the massive lens of the last manually operated lamp. Our tip: Investigate the hand-illustrated Book of Signals.
Info: Admission is free.
T: 01241 435329 W: angus.gov.uk
Skye Museum of Island Life
One can only imagine what life was like on the Isle of Skye in centuries past – cold, wet and extremely hard. However, the islanders survived and you can see how at the Skye Museum of Island Life. The museum was opened in 1965 to preserve a village of thatched cottages, each closely depicting the conditions at the close of the 19th century. Warm, sturdy and economical of the available local resources, these croft houses admirably suited the landscape.
Info: Admission £2-£2.50, children 50p.
T: 01470 552206 W: skyemuseum.co.uk
Jacobite Steam Railway
West Coast Railways is the UK’s leading special trains operator and The Jacobite will take you on what is regarded as one of the greatest railway journeys of the world. Starting near Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis, it visits the country’s most westerly mainland railway station, Arisaig, and passes its deepest freshwater loch. It’s the route of Hogwart’s Express and you’ll enjoy views of the silvery beaches used in the films Local Hero and Highlander. Trips start in mid May.
Info: Cost for an adult return ticket £34, children £19.
T: 08448 504 685 W: westcoastrailways.co.uk
Eilean Donan Castle
Situated on an island where great sea lochs meet, and surrounded by some majestic scenery, Eilean Donan Castle is one of Scotland’s most iconic images. Although first inhabited around the 6th century, the first castle was built in the 13th century then rebuilt several times, most recently in the early 1900s.
Info: Admission £5.50-£6.50
T: 01599 555202 W: eileandonancastle.com
Edinburgh Zoo
Increasingly popular since the Giant Pandas Tian Tian and Yang Guang arrived, this zoo is one of country’s main attractions and a valuable educational resource. It has more than 1000 animals and will inspire your children with a range of activities including keeper talks, hands-on animal encounters and safari rides. Our tip: Book tickets to see the pandas in advance.
Info: Admission £14-£16.50
T: 01313 349 171 W: edinburghzoo.org.uk
Macduff Marine Aquarium
On the Banffshire Coast, this small aquarium has a unique kelp reef, giving you a chance to see ocean creatures in a way normally only seen by scuba divers. There’s a live camera link to the gannet colony at Troup Head. Our tip: RSPB members can visit the aquarium for free some Tuesdays – do call to check dates and details.
Info: Admission £3.95-£6.35
T: 01261 833369 W: macduff-aquarium.org.uk
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