Free Museums in Loch Leven

"This extremely rich museum has the advantage of being free, so there is no reason to deprive yourself of this interesting cultural break. Located in the Old Town (more precisely on Chambers Street) in a nice building, the National Museum of Scotland is very large (6 floors) and you can easily spend a few hours there to see everything. This modern, fun and interactive museum will appeal to adults and children alike!"

"Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Nachosan used under CC BY-SA 3.0. Walk down memory lane in this recently renovated museum highlighting items from prehistoric Scotland, arranged in a magnificent seven-level structure. Glance through more than 20,000 objects, ranging from weapons, ornaments, and artwork, each arranged in historical stages."

"Not just for kids, the Museum of Childhood includes excellent collections of old toys, including model trains, dolls, and games from around the world. But it's more than just a place full of old toys (as much fun as they are). The museum — the first of its kind when it opened in the early 1900s — explores other aspects of growing up, including a fun look at schooldays, trends, and fashions."

"The Museum of Childhood in Edinburgh was the first museum in the world to focus solely on childhood. Recently completely renewed, the result is a celebration of books, toys, games and dolls all the way from the early 1800s to the present day. Free to enter, this one-of-a-kind museum is located on the grounds of Sudbury Hall on the Royal Mile."

"Dynamic Earth is a multi-media presentation that takes visitors on a 500-million-year journey through the Earth's history. Using hi-tech gadgetry and superb special effects, its displays realistically portray natural events such as volcanoes, tropical rainstorms, and glaciation. Located at the foot of Arthur's Seat near Holyrood Park, this unique science center is housed in an ultra-modern tent-like structure and is particularly fun for kids."

"It comprises two galleries, one on either side of Belford Road, and a fantastic sculpture park. The lawn at the front of Modern One was landscaped to a design by Charles Jencks. Modern One is housed in a neoclassical building, which was designed by William Burn in 1825."

"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..."

"You can explore Leith and visit the Trinity House Maritime Museum, stroll along the Water of Leith Walkway or see the latest exhibits on display at the National Gallery of Modern Art."

"A short stroll through the North Inch park brings you to the mighty Black Watch Castle and Museum. Here, you can immerse yourself in the extraordinary history of The Black Watch, from its formation in 1739 to the amalgamation of the Regiment in 2006. This five-star visitor attraction brings to life the work of the Black Watch regiment and the many pivotal roles it has played in our military history."

"The Black Watch was one of the most important parts of Scottish military history. Inside Balhousie Castle in Perth, you’ll find an entire museum dedicated to this military regiment. With weapons displays, live drums, and an interactive kids programme, there is lots to see and keep them entertained."

"Housed in Balhousie Castle on the edge of North Inch park, this museum honours what was once Scotland’s foremost army regiment (it was subsumed into the new Royal Regiment of Scotland in 2006). Formed in 1725 to..."

"Beautifully set in a circular cast-iron building that was once a waterworks, this gallery exhibits an extensive collection of paintings by the Scottish Colourist JD Fergusson in a most impressive display...."

"Brew Dog was established in 2007 by two young men who were passionate about craft beer and tired of uninspiring industrially produced beers and ales. They began to brew headline grabbing beers such as Tactical Nuclear Penguin (with an astonishing 32% ABV) and Sink the Bismarck (an incredible 41% ABV -the result of a beer arms race between Germany and Scotland). They opened their first bar in Aberdeen in 2010 and the following year opened a Brew Dog pub in the heart of Edinburgh which quickly became a local sensation."

"Located in the heart of Edinburgh’s old town, this bar is anything but old-fashioned. The styling is industrial featuring exposed brick and stainless steel but fret not, the atmosphere is warm and lively as residents and visitors flock to sample the now world renowned, headline grabbing beer. Perhaps unsurprisingly the beer offering is vast and not just from the brand itself, which can be sampled in a range of measures."

"Offering some of the best beers in the city, BrewDog's Lothian Road is about both quantity and quality. A huge space boasting over 20 craft beers as well as a menu of hearty eats, from beefy burgers and healthy salads to delicious chicken and cauliflower wings."

"Perhaps a controversial choice as an essential Edinburgh craft beer, given that Paolozzi, the Edinburgh Beer Factory's flagship brew, only launched on October 18 - but in that short time, the crisp, sparkling lager has gained enviable comparisons (in our local bottle shop, anyway) to Munich's much-revered Augustiner Hell. Perhaps such a success straight off the mark is due to the wealth of experience behind it - the EBF is headed up by John Dunsmore, former boss of both Tennent’s owner C&C Group and macro brewing plc Scottish & Newcastle. Of course, the beautifully-labelled bottle (sporting designs by Leith-born Pop Art figurehead Eduardo Paolozzi) makes it a lovely drink to be seen holding as well."

"If you’re planning a road trip of Scotland we suggest celebrating your arrival into Edinburgh Airport by immediately sipping suds at Edinburgh Beer Factory. The brewery is located a short 8 minute drive from Edinburgh Airport, making it the perfect first or last stop on a Scottish beer tour. Edinburgh Beer Factory first opened in November 2015."

"If you can't agree on whether to go for a seafood meal or get a nice juicy steak then this is the perfect compromise. You'll find a tempting menu for lunch and dinner that includes all manner of seafood, including pots of irresistible mussels, and matured Scotch beef steaks. It's conveniently located in the popular Grassmarket area, which is always bustling and vibrant."

"Summer is great for outdoor ventures and the Mussel and Steak bar is great for that outdoor chill vibe with your BFF. The menu itself also has a wide selection of great steaks, and this family run establishment means there is a personal touch and great memories to be made here."