National Galleries Scotland: Portrait

A neo-Gothic palace dedicated to exploring various aspects of the Scottish story, the Portrait is a hidden gem right at the heart of Edinburgh. The art tells you stories of the land and its people, through the medium of imagery. Find familiar faces when you discover contemporary portraits of pop culture icons like Billy Connolly, Emeli Sandé and Tilda Swinton in the rooms above. You will spot recent pioneers in science, sport and the arts and sit alongside famous historical figures such as Mary Queen of Scots, Robert Burns and Charles Edward Stuart.

The gallery is decorated in elaborate murals and sculptural embellishments inside and out - really, take time to look up at the Zodiac ceiling in the world-famous Great Hall.