International Museum Day: Five of the best value attractions in Scotland

ON the 18th May every year since 1977, International Museum Day has been celebrated worldwide.

This year is no different and, to mark the occasion, we’ve put together some suggestions of where to get the most for your money in Scotland, thanks to our friends at Voucherbox.

Robert Burns Museum, Alloway

Start your visit to the birthplace of Robert Burns by visiting the museum building and enjoy a 21st century tribute to Burns. It houses the world’s most important collection of Burns’ original works and personal belongings.

You can then take part in your very own self-guided tour of Burns Cottage plus museum housing manuscripts, books, artefacts and artwork.

National War Museum, Edinburgh

Nestled within the walls of Edinburgh Castle, visitors can discover the impact of war on Scotland’s history, identity and reputation abroad.

Over the last 400 years, many Scots have gone into battle, sometimes as paid forces for armies overseas.

Relive the dark days of the World Wars through their personal stories and find out why so many Scots chose to spend their lives as soldiers, sailors or airmen.

This is the story of the regular Scot and the human aspect of war, told through personal letters and mementos as much as military equipment.

Shetland Museum and Archives, Lerwick, Shetland

Set on the waterfront within a restored 19th century dock in Lerwick, the Shetland Museum and Archives chart the development of the archipelago from its earliest geological origins to the present day.

Its galleries contain everything from delicate Shetland lace to Pictish art and even the first telephone introduced in the islands in 1883.

Visit the renovated Boat Shed to watch vessels being constructed by hand using techniques handed down through generations, and admire completed examples suspended from the ceiling in the three-storey Boat Hall.

The Heritage Hub provides assistance to visitors interested in further exploring any aspect of Shetland’s culture and past.

The Museum of Edinburgh

Home to important collections on the history of Edinburgh, from prehistoric times to the present day, the Museum of Edinburgh is the City’s treasure box.

There’s a maze of historic rooms crammed full of iconic objects from the Capital’s past.

Find out about the history of Edinburgh from the earliest times to the present day and discover more about the city, its people, crafts and trades and the beautiful objects they created.

The Dick Institute, Ayrshire

Opened in 1901, the Dick Institute is a 4 star attraction and one of the most important cultural venues in the south-west of Scotland, featuring the largest museum and gallery spaces in Ayrshire. It is also East Ayrshire’s central lending library.

Featuring a programme of nationally important exhibitions, permanent displays of the museum’s diverse collections and innovative work by contemporary artists, film makers and young people from the area, the Dick Institute is a great day out!