Scottish National Portrait Gallery
This marvellous gallery rests inside of a unique, neo-gothic palace on Queen Street. On a visit, the red sandstone architecture along with the stunning, stained-glass intreriors are bound to impress!
The Scottish National Portrait Gallery holds the title of being the world’s first purpose-made portrait gallery. It’s been open for over 100 years, attracting many visitors during this time.
Nowadays, the museum offers free access and is a marvellous excursion for all the family. This is because it boasts a range of accessible features, including wheelchair access and a buggy park. Additionally, there are regular events for specific needs, including dementia-friendly and BSL tours.
The gallery is easily reached, resting in central Edinburgh. Not only can you access it by car and train, but it offers handy bike storage.
The main highlight of the gallery is, of course, its grand collection of portraits. There are so many to uncover here, all of which are of Scots; most have been painted by Scots, too.
During a tour of the gallery, you’ll be able to spot the impressive works of Mary, Queen of Scots and The Countess of Argyll. An audio guide is also available, offering even more insight into these works and more.
No visit to the Scottish National Portrait Gallery is complete without venturing to Café Portrait! A range of homemade dishes can be tucked into here before picking up a souvenir from the Gallery Shop.
Come and experience this free attraction with so much to offer…
Image Credits: Gary Campbell-Hall – CC BY 2.0