Built in the 15th century by one of Scotland's most powerful families, the Crichtons, Blackness was never destined to be a peaceful lordly residence; its enduring roles were those of garrison fortress and state prison.

A well preserved medieval castle, Craigmillar has a tower house, courtyard and gardens. Craigmillar's story is linked with that of Mary Queen of Scots. Superb views from tower house.

Dirleton Castle is one of the oldest surviving castles in Scotland and has boasted a garden probably since its earliest days as a medieval fortified residence. Today, there is a colourful blend of traditional formal gardens and more contemporary plantings including – as the Guinness Book of Records testifies – the world's longest herbaceous border.

A majestic landmark which dominates the capital city's skyline just as it has dominated Scotland's long and colourful history Edinburgh Castle is the best known and most visited of our historic buildings. Home of national treasures including the Honours of Scotland, The Stone of Destiny and Mons Meg, Edinburgh Castle is perched on an extinct volcano and offers stunning views. This instantly recognisable fortress is a powerful national symbol, and part of Edinburgh's World Heritage site.

Elegant late 18th century Georgian Town House, typical of Edinburgh's New Town, with a fine collection of furniture, porcelain, silver and pictures.

This secluded garden features rare and unusual plants in an informal setting, with wooded and wildlife areas.

The magnificent ruins of Linlithgow Palace are set in a park beside a loch. All of the Stewart kings lived at the Palace. Numerous renovations to the palace's grand facades and chambers were carried out as each sought to create the ideal modern palace. The Palace is the birthplace of Mary, Queen of Scots.

A three acre walled garden set in nine acres of woodland and policies. Neighbouring a 17th Century House and Dovecot.

The Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official residence in Scotland of Her Majesty The Queen, stands at the end of Edinburgh's Royal Mile against the spectacular backdrop of Arthur's Seat. The Palace is perhaps best known as the home of Mary, Queen of Scots and as the setting for many of the dramatic episodes in her turbulent reign. Mary witnessed the brutal killing of her secretary Rizzio by her jealous second husband, Lord Darnley, in her private apartments, which form part of the tour. Today the Royal Apartments are used regularly by The Queen and other members of the Royal Family for State ceremonies and official entertaining.

Scotland's largest medical collection reveals our nation's extraordinary contribution to modern medicine: from Burke and Hare's chilling murders through Sir James Young Simpson's pioneering work on pain relief to the most recent breakthroughs in sport and exercise medicine.

Set in the wonderfully restored Lady Victoria Colliery on the A7 in Newtongrange, this '5 Star' visitor attraction houses the story of coal for Scotland. This vital way of life can be discovered through exhibitions, interactives, film theatres, a recreated underground and coalface, the Magic Helmet Tour and Big Stuff – Massive Mining Machinery Tour! As well as our tours we also have a Gift Shop, licensed coffee shop serving hot meals and cold snacks, a picnic and play area and a large free car park.

Free tours of the Parliament building - booking essential! Special 'taster' sampling of Scottish food and drink in the Parliament Shop with discounts available for purchases of the food and drink being featured. Extended opening hours, extra tours available.

The Scottish Seabird Centre at North Berwick is a multi award winning wildlife visitor attraction. Perched on the sea at North Berwick, overlooking the islands of the Firth of Forth, visitors can enjoy a close encounter with wildlife to remember. The centre is the world leader in remote wildlife viewing with its amazing live interactive cameras, telescope viewing deck, exciting discovery centre with interactives, Kids' Zone, Wildlife Cinema, Migration Flyway and Environment Zone. The landmark centre boasts an attractive cafe with panoramic views and open decking over the sea and a well stocked gift shop. The main winter attraction from mid-October to December is the spectacle of hundreds of fluffy white seal pups being born on the islands and at this time of year, a wide range of wading birds and winter migrants can also be seen. There are multi media displays about the wide range of seabirds and marine wildlife in the area, including the puffins which inhabit the islands in summer and the world famous gannets which take up residence on the Bass Rock from February to October, as well as the occasional sightings of whales and dolphins.

A formidable stronghold set atop cliffs on the Firth of Forth, Tantallon Castle was the seat of the Douglas Earls of Angus, one of the most powerful baronial families in Scotland. Tantallon served as a noble fortification for more than three centuries and endured frequent sieges. Visitors can enjoy wild flowers in season and touch the replica cannon. Refreshments are available in the visitor centre.

The Queen's Gallery opened its doors to the public for the first time on St Andrew's Day in 2002 as part of The Queen's Golden Jubilee celebrations. Built in the shell of the former Holyrood Free Church and Duchess of Gordon's School, the Gallery offers a programme of changing exhibitions from the Royal Collection. Bruegel to Rubens: Masters of Flemish Painting, the current exhibition, comprises over 50 works from the 15th to 17th centuries and includes masterpieces by Hans Memling, Jan Brueghel, Van Dyck and David Teniers.