Scottish National Portrait Gallery

One of the flagship venues run by the National Galleries of Scotland, this incredible gothic-style building was designed by Robert Rowand Anderson and opened for business in 1889. In recent years it has benefited from a major refurbishment that saw a fresh curatorial eye applied to its collection and a freshening of the interior. Since its 2011 relaunch, the impressive atrium – with its star-spangled ceiling and frieze of figures from Scottish history – feels more vibrant than ever. The art tells the tale of Scotland since the 16th century through the medium of portraiture; the gallery also hosts photography exhibitions, contemporary and historical.