Mordern, Free, Best Art Museums in Cairneyhill

"The Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum is a treasure house of Stirling’s history, art and artefacts. Scottish history collections, fine art and archaeology are used in the main display, called ‘The Stirling Story’, which explores the history of the town over the past Millennium (entry is free)."

"Edinburgh's gallery of modern art is split between two impressive neoclassical buildings surrounded by landscaped grounds some 500m west of Dean Village. As well as showcasing a stunning collection of paintings by the popular, post-Impressionist Scottish Colourists – in Reflections, Balloch, Leslie Hunter pulls off the improbable trick of making Scotland look like the south of France – the gallery is the starting point for a walk along the Water of Leith. Fees apply for some exhibitions."

"Split between two buildings on either side of Belford Road, Modern One and Modern Two, the gallery houses the nation's collection of modern and contemporary art. Modern Two, previously the Dean Gallery, was built as an orphanage. An austere structure, it's home to a large collection of Dada and Surrealist art, and a collection of the works of Sir Eduardo Paolozzi."

"Edinburgh's gallery of modern art is split between two impressive neoclassical buildings surrounded by landscaped grounds some 500m west of Dean Village. As well as showcasing a stunning collection of paintings..."

"Tucked away in Edinburgh’s Old Town, the Urbane Art Gallery is one of the most cutting edge spaces in the city. It covers a range of artists and mediums, but the majority of work has a hint of urban delight about it. Visit the gallery’s website."

"The grounds of 17th-century Bonnington House, 10 miles west of Edinburgh, have been lovingly converted by owners and art patrons Robert and Nicky Wilson into a gorgeous, landscaped sculpture park. Meadows and woodland showcase works – many of them specially commissioned – by a clutch of Britain's leading artists, including Antony Gormley, Anish Kapoor, Cornelia Parker and Nathan Coley, anchored by the the vast landscape sculpture Cells of Life by Charles Jencks. A varied events program includes tours every Wednesday at 10.30am."

"The beautiful grounds of a Jacobean manor house have been transformed by an art-loving couple, Robert and Nicky Wilson, into an impressive…"

"Canongate, The Royal Mile, EH8 8DX (website) Open daily 9:30am-6pm (26 March to 31 October) and 9:30am-4.30pm (1 November to 25 March)Adult: £6.70, Over 60/Students £6.10, Under 17/Disabled: £3.40, unders 5's go free. If you like art but find conventional art galleries too big and daunting, then the Queen's Gallery is the answer, as it hosts small intimate exhibitions as part of the Royal Collection Trust. The building is a conversion of a former Holyrood Free Church and Duchess of Gordon’s School and features a beautiful teak and sycamore staircase."

"Situated at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, this gallery is one of 15 in the UK that houses the Royal Collection, the largest private art collection in the world. This is a fascinating record of the personal tastes of kings and queens over the past 500 years, comprising decorative arts, drawings, watercolours, paintings and photographs. Those that have made contributions to the collection over the years include Frederick Prince of Wales, George IV, Queen Victoria and Queen Mary."

"I went to the Queen’s Gallery instead, which showcases a small subset of the art that is found within the royal, private collection. ***For the Queen’s Gallery, tickets are £7.00 for adults, £6.40 for adults over 60 or students (with valid ID), £3.50 for children under 17 or the disabled, and children under 5 are free.The Queen’s Gallery is open daily from 9:30 am – 6:00 pm."

"La Barantine Victoria is a beautiful French cafe located in the heart of Edinburgh. Offering some of the very best coffee in the capital, the quality of the flaky croissants and butter pastries is also second to none. Diners can spend a lazy hour or so enjoying chocolate croissants, almond croissants, fresh scones, pain au chocolate and even freshly made baguettes whilst enjoying a hot morning coffee and watching the world go by."

"One of the top-rated coffee shops in Edinburgh on TripAdvisor (and we’d have to agree), La Barantine is a gem of a coffee shop in the laid back area of Bruntsfield. While the coffee here is fantastic, this little French café is famed for its cakes and pastries baked on the premises each day. Husband and wife duo Celine and Vincent sold their boulangerie-patisserie in France and opened up shop in Bruntsfield in 2010."

"With four locations dotted around Edinburgh, there’s no excuse not to pay a visit to La Barantine. The owners of the boulangerie-pâtisserie decided to leave France in 2010 in order to pursue their Scottish dream. Upon arrival in Edinburgh, Vincent and Céline soon opened up La Barantine in the Bruntsfield area."

"Tucked away in the student centred neighbourhood of Newington, Southpour stole my heart the minute I walked in. Exposed brick walls, chevron tilework, bouquets of thistle, and twinkling fairy lights all contribute to an elegant aesthetic without ever trying too hard. You’ll find Scottish classics like kippers, haggis, and scotch eggs as well as your classic burgers and sandwiches."

"Set within the walls of historic Edinburgh Castle the National War Museum explores the history of Scotland at war. During the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, the Scottish Highlander was viewed with suspicion and fear by the British state and even by many lowland Scots. In time the image of the Highland soldier became a central icon of Scottish identity, and Scots enlisted in the Armed forces in huge numbers."

"Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh, EH1 2NGOpen daily, 09:45 – 17:45. Entry to the museum is free. (Historic Environment Scotland charges for admission to Edinburgh Castle where the National War Museum is locate)."