When visiting Edinburgh, staying in a Biggar hotel puts you in a convenient location for exploring. The town historically had coaching houses and inns – today, pick from B&Bs, guesthouses and luxury hotels.
Scotland's rich history
Biggar claims the highest number of museums per head of anywhere in the UK. Biggar Puppet Theatre, with shows suitable for the family and young children, is also Scotland's only permanent puppet theatre.
The Biggar Museum Trust oversees the town's museums. From summer 2015 onwards, several museums will be relocated and reopened as the new Museum of Biggar and Upper Clydesdale.
The town is home to the last preserved gas works in Scotland, the Biggar Gasworks. It's a protected Historic Scotland site, and is open from June to September.
Biggar Kirk, a stone chapel, stands in the town centre. The current Kirk is actually the second, larger version built in 1546. It replaced a smaller stone church, which is turn was the replacement for the original wooden place of prayer.
Events and shopping
The market town feel of Biggar is reflected in the variety of independent shops. The local grocery has won awards for its fresh, quality produce.
Biggar Little Festival is held every year – a pun on the town's name. It celebrates the arts, music and dance, craft, literature and more. The festival takes place over ten days in October. If you visit during Hogmanay, over the New Year, the town puts on a gigantic bonfire for the occasion.
Places to eat in Biggar
Restaurants line Biggar's High Street. These include the Taj Mahal for Indian food, Townhead Café fish and chips, and set menus with an impressive wine list at The Barony, formerly known as Fifty Five Restaurant. They're joined by cafés and snack bars.
Taylor's of Biggar is famous for its ice cream. The dessert menu at the traditional Elphinstone Hotel's restaurant is also not to be missed.
