Mosaic reliefs

The mosaic reliefs in Glenrothes are an unexpected burst of colour in what you might think is just another Scottish town. These aren't dusty museum pieces behind velvet ropes - they're out in the world, part of the town's fabric, created as part of a post-war regeneration scheme that actually bothered to commission proper art. You'll find abstract and figurative works scattered across public spaces, and they're genuinely striking once you know to look for them.

It's the kind of thing that works brilliantly if you're into mid-twentieth-century design and public art, or if you're the type who reads plaques. Honestly, though, most families with young children will have exhausted their interest within twenty minutes. The reliefs themselves are static - you're looking, not doing - which limits the appeal for the under-tens crowd.

There's no formal gallery building as such, so admission is free and you can wander around at your own pace. You could easily combine this with a walk through Balbirnie Park, which is barely two miles away and far better for actually letting kids burn off energy. Kingdom Caravan Park is similarly close if you're staying overnight. Winter's actually decent here, as the low light picks out the textures rather nicely, though summer means you've got the surrounding town facilities and food options open. Allow an hour if you're thorough, thirty minutes if you're just passing through.