It’s not often we may ask ourselves the question: What do tourists think of Scotland?
A film reel of Braveheart plays in our heads, with images of rolling hills, ancient castles and a water monster/hide and seek champion.
It was revealed that tourist numbers in Scotland rose by 5.5% in 2015, indicating that global fascination with our verdant land is well and truly alive.
We’ve compiled a list of the top ten most-visited tourist attractions in Scotland, showing that there’s much more to us than an expired Hollywood movie.
Number 10: Burns Birthplace Museum, Ayr
Come explore the origins of Scotland’s greatest son. The museum features memorabilia including guns, clothes and even original poetry transcriptions.
Number 9: The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art Two, Edinburgh
More post-modernism than you can shake a fragmented stick at. The adjacent Pig Rock Bothy hosts an ongoing variety of events.
Number 8: The Scottish National Portrait Gallery, Edinburgh
Some of Scotland’s most prolific historical figures are immortalised within these walls, including portraits of Robert Burns and Sir Walter Scott.
Number 7: National War Museum, Edinburgh
Here the story of Scotland’s wars are told to impressive detail, threading a historical narrative of clans, empire and identity.
Number 6: Edinburgh Zoo
Zoo visitors have endless options, from waddling alongside the daily Penguin Parade to intently waiting for the Giant Pandas to (finally) have a baby.
Number 5: Riverside Museum, Glasgow
Formerly the British Transport Museum, this institution has undergone a sleek, modern makeover. Planes, trains and automobiles galore.
Number 4: Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Glasgow
Grand, elegant, iconic. The Kelvingrove is an architectural wonder nestled in the heart of Glasgow’s West End. Venture inside for fascinating scientific displays and art collections.
Number 3: Scottish National Gallery, Edinburgh
Scotland’s largest art gallery is always free and open to the public. Inspiring art and sculpture dating from the Renaissance to the modern day await.
Number 2: National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh
Dinosaurs! Gladiators! Egyptian Mummies! Let out your inner child at this Scottish institution, featuring 16 galleries. Ten more will be added in July this year.
Number 1: Edinburgh Castle
Reigning high above the rest (quite literally) and stirring the imaginative blood of generations. The walls of this castle contain royal halls, palaces and magical power-giving stones.
Have you visited them all? Any attractions you think deserve to be on the list? Let us know by tweeting us @calemamj2016
THE GLASGOW GAZETTE 