Little-known Scottish tourist attraction in running to be crowned best in UK – and it's not in Glasgow or Edinburgh

Scottish Sun

30-04-2025

Read on for the full list of venues
GREAT SCOT Little-known Scottish tourist attraction in running to be crowned best in UK – and it's not in Glasgow or Edinburgh
A LITTLE-KNOWN Scottish tourist attraction is in the running to be crowned the best museum in the UK.
Five attractions across the country have been shortlisted for the Art Fund Museum Of The Year Award 2025.
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The Perth Museum has been shortlisted for the top award
Credit: PA
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The museum is the new home of the Stone of Scone, more commonly known as the Stone of Destiny
Credit: PA
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The Stone of Destiny was used during King Charles' coronation
Credit: Culture Perth & Kinross/Rob McDougall
And there is a chance to win a £120,000 prize.
The Perth Museum is the only Scottish site to be shortlisted along with four other venues for a top award.
It opened its doors in March last year following a £26.5million redevelopment project.
When the transformation project was first announced, Culture Perth and Kinross also revealed that the museum and art gallery would be split into two separate attractions.
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Following the multi-million redevelopment project, Perth Museum is now located in Perth's former city hall, with the space transformed by the architecture firm Mecanoo.
It looks at 10,000 years of Scottish and world history through a local lens.
The museum is the new home of the Stone of Scone, more commonly known as the Stone of Destiny.
It was previously kept at Edinburgh Castle, and was used during the coronation of Scottish Monarchs.
The Stone of Destiny was used during King Charles' coronation.
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Another one of its main attractions is a permanent exhibition of Bonnie Prince Charlie's sword.
The solid silver broadsword belonged to Bonnie Prince Charlie who was officially known as Prince Charles Edward Stuart - the grandson of James II, who was King of England in 1685.
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While it was previously part of a private collection, it is the first time the sword has been on display to the public.
Other objects of interest include a 3,000-year-old Carpow Logboat.
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The museum will also feature a cafe, a gift shop and learning and event spaces.
Beamish, The Living Museum of the North in County Durham, Chapter in Cardiff, Compton Verney in Warwickshire, Golden Thread Gallery in Belfast have also been nominated for the top award.
The winner will be announced on June 26 at a ceremony in Liverpool, which will be the first time the award has been presented outside London.
The four losing finalists will receive £15,000 each.
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Following the multi-million redevelopment project, Perth Museum is now located in Perth's former city hall
Credit: PA
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Another one of its main attractions is a permanent exhibition of Bonnie Prince Charlie's sword
Credit: PA
Beamish, The Living Museum of the North is an open air museum, looking at life in the north east of England in the 1820s, 1900s, 1940s and 1950s, while Chapter is a Welsh arts centre made up of a gallery, artist studios, theatres, cinemas, a cafe bar, and community garden.
Compton Verney is an art gallery with six installations and the Golden Thread Gallery is a Northern Irish contemporary art gallery.
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Art Fund director Jenny Waldman, who will chair the judging panel, said: "This year's finalists are inspiring examples of museums at their best - deeply connected to their local communities, responsive to the world around them, and alive with energy and ideas.
"Each one offers a distinctive experience, showing the endless creativity and care that goes into making museums inspiring and exciting spaces for everyone.
"Art Fund is proud to celebrate their work and support their ambition through Art Fund Museum of the Year.
"We hope people across the UK will be inspired to visit these remarkable places and museums in their local area to discover the powerful role they can play in our lives."
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The award aims to recognise inspiring projects and activity from autumn 2023 through to winter 2024, looking at the overall achievements of the organisation, impactful projects, staff and volunteers, and community engagement.
The prize is funded by Art Fund members who buy a National Art Pass.