3 great alternative museums across the central belt
Getting lost in a museum is one of life’s greatest joys, but it’s not all about the standard big-hitters. Megan Merino recommends three alternative museums to discover in and around the central belt
Museum On The Mound
Home to Scotland’s oldest bank note, this museum focuses on all things financial and is aptly housed in the former Bank Of Scotland Head Office. This historic building stands proudly at the top of The Mound and features exhibits on money’s evolution, building societies in Victorian Britain, and the impact on banking of computers and mechanisation.
Visit the Museum On The Mound site.
The Museum Of Piping
Inside Glasgow’s National Piping Centre, this museum offers a deep dive into the vital role of piping in Scottish culture. Discover the pipes and manuscripts of renowned piper John MacColl as well as an array of instruments from both Scottish and European origins. Listen to archive recordings and learn how bagpipe music was printed before having a go on the practice chanter yourself.
The Devil’s Porridge Museum
An hour and a half drive from Glasgow, this curiously named museum in Eastriggs highlights Scotland’s World War I history, focusing on the munitions factory that produced explosives for the war effort. Women made up the majority of the workforce and this museum showcases their crucial contributions through interactive exhibits, historical photos and personal accounts.