Art, architecture and design in Scotland
With both ancient and modern architecture, an abundance of museums and galleries, from Scotland's National Galleries to exciting independent galleries and a vast array of renowned artists, Scotland is an exciting place when it comes to arts and culture.
Art festivals range from the Glasgow International Festival of Visual Art, which takes place every two years, to the Spring Fling in Dumfries & Galloway, when around 80 arts and craft studios open their doors to the public. There are also an exciting range of exhibitions on offer throughout the year and if you keep your eyes open you will find sculptures in surprising locations as you explore Scotland’s landscapes.
Follow in the footsteps of great artists including Glasgow-born Charles Rennie Mackintosh in the Year of Creative Scotland and find your own inspiration.
 | Art Outdoors Enter the secretive world of Scotland’s sculpture parks or hike the wild hills and glens to uncover hidden artworks set amongst beautiful gardens and natural landscapes. |
 | City Architecture The architecture across Scotland is wide and varied with each city possessing its own distinct architectural character and a combination of both historic and contemporary buildings. |
 | Major Galleries and Museums
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 | Independent Galleries and Museums Across Scotland you will find a great selection of interesting, independent galleries sitting alongside the major and well-established. These galleries are at the forefront of creativity and offer a deeper insight into local culture |
 | Scottish Artists From the famed 19th century works of The Glasgow Boys to Paolozzi’s post-war sculptures and Vettriano’s popular paintings, Scotland has produced a wealth of artists spanning generations. Find out more about Scotland's artists using our helpful biographies. |
 | UNESCO Sites UNESCO exists to identify and preserve sites of archaeological significance. In Scotland, there are five sites which have made it onto UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites. |
 | Eco-friendly Design Across Scotland you will find many interesting buildings with eco-friendly features in their architectural design. From ancient dwellings to modern, sustainable homes - and even an entire eco-village - green designs are quickly becoming more important in our architecture. |
 | Castle Architecture Scotland’s first castles were built in the 11th century with the introduction of the Norman influence. Today, Scotland boasts thousands of castles around the country from dramatic ruins to those which are perfectly preserved |
 | Religious Architecture Scotland is home to many iconic religious buildings, from the Borders to the northern Islands. Explore fine architectural feats, such as the intricate masonry at the famous Rosslyn Chapel, near Edinburgh, and step back in time at Scotland's oldest cathedral in Glasgow, or the preserved 11th century sites in Orkney. |
 | Art Fairs, Exhibitions and Festivals Scotland is renowned for creativity and its art scene ranges from the traditional to the contemporary with a thriving collection of artists living and working in the country. Don't miss the many festivals and events offering the opportunity to meet and experience the artists and their work. |
