Top 10 Specialty Museums in Aberdeenshire, Scotland

Please visit our website for updated visitor information. Located only 4 miles from Aberdeen, off the South Deeside Rd, Blairs Museum gives a unique insight into Scotland's Catholic history and heritage with spectacular collections spanning more than 500 years. The collection includes paintings (including the memorial portrait of Mary, Queen of Scots), church textiles from the 1400s, sacred silver, and Jacobite memorabilia (including the pocket watch of Bonnie Prince Charlie). New for 2021 – ‘Capparoni and the Papal Court’, an exhibition of hand-coloured nineteenth century engravings by Giuseppe Capparoni depicting the religious orders of Rome between 1823 and 1846.

Delightful small heritage museum run by a dedicated group of volunteers. The Museum is open from the beginning of April to the end of October

Aberdeen has long prospered off of sea-based industries, from the boom of the city's fishing industry in the early 20th century to its oil industry today; this museum explores the historic developments behind the city's maritime industries.

UPDATE 18.03.2020 Coronavirus (Covid-19) In light of the ever-evolving Covid-19 situation, it is with a heavy heart that we have decided to close The Gordon Highlanders Museum and Duchess Jean Tea Room to the public from 4.30 today until further notice. We will review this decision on a weekly basis and post any updates on this page and to our social media channels. Thank you for your understanding in this confusing and uncertain time; we hope to welcome visitors back to the Museum soon. The Finest Regiment in the World" was how Sir Winston Churchill described The Gordon Highlanders in 1900. So why not come and see why? A wonderful day out and a fantastic welcome await you at The Gordon Highlanders Museum where we are committed to preserving and sharing the legacy of this world-famous Regiment.

Located in the vibrant village of Alford, just 45 minutes from Aberdeen, the museum boasts an impressive range of transport exhibits, from travelling chariots, of the 1800's, to some of the fastest cars ever made. Every season the museum refreshes around one-third of its exhibits –this year's exhibition includes 'The Guy Martin Collection' and 'It's Electric' which gives an in-depth look at the past, present and future of electric vehicles. A few old favourites remain, including our MACK Snowplough, Billy Connolly's Boom Lowrider motortrike and one of our Curator's favourites, the ex-Grampian Police Rover SD1 Vitesse. Our Tea Room serves an array of hot drinks, light lunches and snacks. At the present time, we have in place comprehensive COVID 19 safety measures to keep our visitors as safe as possible. A clear signage system explains how it all works. To prevent overcrowding, we have moved to online bookings accessed through our website.

Brilliant design and meticulous maintenance give Pitmedden Garden its unique charm. With almost 6 miles of clipped box hedging, the parterres at the heart of the garden are a masterpiece of intricate patterns and sparkling colours. The Great Garden dates back to 1675 when it was originally laid out by Sir Alexander Seton. In the 1950s the Trust re-created the garden based on 17th-century plans of the gardens at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh. An orchard planted in 2014 is packed with more than 200 fruit trees. With honeysuckle and jasmine also casting their scent in the garden, Pitmedden really is a delight for the senses. Last Admission at 4pm.

The Museum of Scottish Lighthouses tells the story of the Northern Lighthouse Board from its creation in 1786 to its operation in the present day. A visit includes entry to the main Museum building which patrons can browse at their, but included in the ticket price is a tour of Kinnaird Head Lighthouse - the Northern Lighthouse Boards first light. The Museum has an on-site cafe and free parking facilities. Fraserburgh Visitor Information Centre is also contained within the site.

Completed in 1834 and now lovingly restored, the Salmon Bothy is a superb example of a salmon house with working and living accommodation. The intimate museum tells the story of Portsoy’s harbour and town as a trading, smuggling and fishing port. Explore your roots in the fully equipped genealogical research facility and use the Bothy as a base to explore Portsoy’s splendid harbour and town, as well as the great walks along the coast. 'Upstairs at the Bothy' is a unique and charming venue space regularly hosting musical events, workshops and activities. With a capacity of 60 people it makes a perfect meeting place or party venue and is available to hire.