Scottish National Portrait Gallery, Edinburgh

Amazing building is worth a visit in itself. Conveniently located in the city centre. The permanent collection is good and there are always interesting exhibitions on. Some are pay to enter, most are free. If you visit a lot, I recommend looking into becoming a Friend of the National Galleries of Scotland, for free entry to the paid exhibitions, and other benefits. Visit the library and look at curious exhibits relating to the Edinburgh Phrenological Society! Large cafe with impressive selection of salads, soups, sandwiches and called, including gluten free cakes. Portraits of contemporary and recent Scottish celebrities (writers, actors, and so on) are on the cafe walls.

Fascinating tour through Scottish history. The top floor has the earlier portraits, including those of David Hume Robert Burns, and James Watt. Unfortunately, the rooms with the earliest portraits were closed for restoration while I was there. The Great Gallery is small but beautiful. The museum provides excellent biographical sketches for the portraits. Admission is free.