These standout museums earned their spot thanks to world-class collections, immersive exhibits and global appeal
Scotland is home to some of the UK’s most fascinating museums, and three standout venues have earned recognition as some of the best museums outside of London. These sites are not only treasures of history and culture but also prime destinations for any visitor to Scotland.
Three Scottish museums have been recognised in the prestigious Blooloop Top 25 UK Museums Outside London list. These remarkable institutions have earned their place through their exceptional collections, engaging exhibits, and cultural significance, attracting visitors from across the world.
All three have benefited from multi-million pound regenerations in recent years, breathing new life into these excellent sites. Each museum has artefacts and exhibits that tell great stories of Scotland’s past.
David Livingstone Birthplace
Opened after a £9.1mil regeneration in 2021, the David Livingstone Birthplace, located in Blantyre, South Lanarkshire, brings to life the story of the renowned Scottish explorer. This Grade A-Listed building was carefully refurbished to provide a modern interpretation of Livingstone’s legacy.
The museum explores his remarkable achievements, like his self-education and commitment to becoming a doctor, while also confronting more difficult aspects of his explorations.
As museum director Grant Mackenzie explained: “Livingstone was self-educated and walked eight miles into Glasgow at three or four in the morning each day.”
The museum now aims to explore the explorer’s legacy within a broader world context, incorporating modern issues such as Black Lives Matter. It provides a balanced view of Livingstone’s life, showing both his accomplishments and the more troubling aspects tied to colonialism.
Burrell Collection
Meanwhile, in Glasgow, the Burrell Collection showcases a stunning array of nearly 9,000 artefacts spanning over 6,000 years of history. After undergoing a major £68million refurbishment, it reopened in 2022, boasting an expanded and more accessible space.
The collection, which includes ancient Egyptian relics, Islamic art, medieval furniture, and Impressionist paintings by the likes of Degas and Cézanne, is housed in a sleek modernist building at Pollok Country Park.
The Burrell Collection was recognised as the Art Fund’s 2023 Museum of the Year, cementing its place as one of the finest museums in the UK.
Its mission is not only to preserve Sir William Burrell’s extensive collection but also to ensure its accessibility for future generations. As museum curators continue to enhance the visitor experience, the Burrell Collection stands as a testament to the rich diversity of global culture.
Perth Museum
Further north, the Perth Museum reopened in March 2024 after a significant £27million renovation. The renovation has breathed new life into the historic Edwardian building, transforming it into a major cultural hub.
Home to one of Scotland’s most iconic historical artefacts, the Stone of Destiny, the museum holds great significance in both Scottish and UK history.
This stone has been used for centuries in the coronation of British monarchs, and its return to Perthshire after over 700 years adds an important chapter to the museum’s collection.
In addition to the Stone of Destiny, the Perth Museum features remarkable exhibits like a 3,000-year-old boat made from a single tree and a banner from the early women’s suffrage movement in Scotland.
The museum promises a dynamic cultural offering, with temporary exhibitions and educational programmes in addition to its permanent displays.
As the city’s architecture firm Mecanoo has enhanced this once-political and social gathering space, the museum has become a must-visit destination for history and culture enthusiasts.
