Opened in 1807 with funds and artifacts bequeathed to the Glasgow University by William Hunter, this was the first public museum in Scotland. It was originally sited on High Street but in 1870 the university moved to Gilmorehill and the Hunterian moved too. Since 1980, the art collection has been housed in a separate, purpose-built gallery across the road. The permanent collection in the museum includes exhibitions on the Romans in Scotland, the ancient Egyptians, Captain Cook, dinosaurs and fossils, human evolution and a vast collection of coins and medals. The gallery is probably most noted for the collection of works by Whistler but there's also a good array of 19th and 20th Century Scottish art, works by Rembrandt and Chardin as well as Scotland's largest print collection. A gift shop can be found on the museum premises. Some parts of the museum may have an entrance fee.
The Riverside Museum and Tall Ship are two very impressive structures that catch the attention on the banks of the Clyde. An array of classic cars, old bicycles and trams meet your gaze as you enter and there is a circa 1900 street down which you can traverse. The fun and colorful cars and other motors displayed at the museum will amuse children and the vintage transport collection is bound to make grannies and grandpas reminiscent of the golden years of transport. The street has various shops, such as dressmakers, photographers and even a subway station, which can be entered and explored. The museum was proud recipient of the European Museum of the Year award.
Opened in 1898 by the Earl of Rosebery, this handsome edifice has been standing in Glasgow Green as a strong cultural symbol. The former cultural center for the East Enders, People's Palace showcases the story of Glasgow and Glaswegians from the 17th Century through the 20th Century. Pictorials, audio-visuals, artifacts and stories bring life to the chronicles of Glasgow's people and its storied history. Comedian Billy Connolly's Banana Boots are among the most famous displays at this repository. The museum's premises brim with their own charm, featuring elements like the impressive ceramic fountain, the Doulton Fountain, which is set in the front of this building. The adjacent Victorian glasshouse, also known as the Winter Gardens, attracts as much attention.
Built in the early 1920s by local miners, this endearing grotto welcomes thousands of visitors from all over the world who come to pray in peace and tranquility. Drawing its inspiration from the Lourdes Grotto in France, Carfin Grotto houses many notable features including a glass chapel dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary under the title 'Maid of the Seas', in memory of those who lost their lives in the Lockerbie disaster. The grotto also shelters a subterranean cavern representing the Cave of Bethlehem, a tapestry of religious relics, shrines to various saints and monuments to those who died in wars and the Irish potato famine. The Pilgrimage Centre was opened in 1997 and, through an audio-visual presentation and exhibition, traces the history of pilgrimage worldwide. Also home to the sharply-sculpted memorial dedicated to Black Madonna of Częstochowska, Carfin Grotto, a solemn religious establishment, is one of UK's foremost pilgrimage sites.
This highly unusual gallery hosts performances by intricate kinetic metallic sculptures, created by Eduard Bersudsky, an artist from St Petersburg. The gallery's name is Russian for barrel-organ. Hauntingly macabre theatrical displays are accompanied by music and atmospheric lighting to create an eerily and charming effect that few can forget. Advance booking by phone is essential.
Built for Walter Blackie at the beginning of the 20th Century, this house is a wonderful showcase of Mackintosh architecture and furniture design. Margaret MacDonald, Mackintosh's wife, was responsible for the textile designs. Take time to wander through and appreciate the beautifully preserved rooms and perhaps stop for a quiet read in the library. An exhibition area explores the origins of the famous Glasgow Style and presents examples of the original fabrics and stained glass. The gardens are attractive on a sunny day and the tearooms provide welcome refreshment. Groups must book in advance and may only visit in the mornings.
Airdrie Public Observatory is one of the chief highlights of the town. It is the only observatory managed by the local astronomical association. The observatory is open to visitors only by prior request and is situated in the Airdrie Public Library. It is the smallest and the oldest of the four public observatories in the UK. It is owned by the North Lanarkshire Council and houses various interesting astronomical gears. It also hosts various events for its small community. Most of these events are also open to non-members.
A Roman Catholic Parish situated on the corner of Rose Street, the St Aloysius Church is a listed heritage structure and the only church to be run by the Society Of Jesus. It is the only catholic church to have a tower and was built in 1908. The church houses one of the only two copies of the Black Madonna, donated to it by visitors from Spain. The church is regularly used by colleges to old assemblies because of its large seating capacity.
Strathleven House IS AN 18-Century attention-stealer. This oldest and most classic example of Palladian architecture was designed by James Smith and is now a listed heritage structure. The country house now operates a well-equipped business center and provides rental space for private events. The manor has been fully restored and makes for a comfortable venue.
Once a defensive tower, Tower of Hallbar today is an unusual and intriguing holiday let for 7 persons. A former home to the Lockharts of Lee, the tower house is situated in the beautiful Clyde Valley and combines ancient grandeur with modern luxuries. It is beautifully constructed, four story-high structure and is crowned by a garret, cap house and a parapet walkway. The adjoining surroundings are equally enchanting with five acres (2.02 hectares) of native woodland, young orchards and meadows and the River Braidwood nearby.
The lovely Sorn Castle lies in the village of Sorn in East Ayrshire, Scotland. This charming castle dates back to the 15th Century and was extended then on. The gorgeous castle, built in pink sandstone rests right next to River Ayr and provides a stunning landscape. The tower house was extended in the 16th Century and additions were made to the castle in the 18th and 19th Century. Surrounded by splendid gardens, there are exquisite Scottish paintings resting in the castle.
Located 1 mile (1.6 kilometer) from the village of Plean, Plean Castle is a quaint yet attractive castle. Adjoined with a 15th-century tower house and a 16th-century manor house, the castle is the epitome of charm and heritage. The castle is a Category B listed building and has a hall, a garret, painting ceilings, vaulted basement, a sculpture garden and a pond. The castle is now let as a holiday accommodation.