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Prehistoric Burial Cairns of Clava Cairns
Experience & research your ancestry in Scotland
Come and discover the spirit of Scotland and connect with our windswept landscapes, ancient castles and friendly locals. Whether you've got your full family history and ancestry traced, want to find out more, or you simply feel Scottish at heart, get inspired by our historical, cultural and ancestral experiences.
Start your ancestral journey
Delve into history to find out more about the many clans of Scotland and how your ancestors lived. Follow in their footsteps as you explore Scotland.
Clan leaders at the Ballater Highland Games
© VisitScotland / David N Anderson
Discover your clan
Many people across the world are lucky enough to have ancestral ties to Scotland – are you one of them?
Learn about where in Scotland the clans have their ancestral roots and find which castles are connected to which clans. Connect with our stories, history and land for yourself. Plan the holiday of a lifetime where you can visit the characterful towns, villages and streets where your Scottish ancestors would have once travelled.
Hume Castle
© Visit Kelso
Find out what life was like
Feel connected to your ancestors and get a fresh perspective by learning more about their professions, language, culture and landscape.
Dunfermline Carnegie Library & Galleries
Tracing your family tree
There are lots of great resources available when looking to research your Scottish ancestry DNA. Check out these excellent online resources for more information.
Get inspired by these ancestral adventures
Find out what it's like to come to Scotland and discover your heritage! Including actor Eugene Levy as he explores the country uncovering his Scottish connections.
The River Dee, Aberdeenshire
© VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins
Eugene Levy visits Scotland
Follow actor Eugene Levy as he uncovers his roots and learns more about his Scottish ancestry:
"This adventure in Scotland has given me a new perspective on my own life, I’m surprised at how I feel being here. I came here as a stranger, but I leave knowing Scotland is part of who I am. I think my Mum would be proud."
Influencer Brooke Willson explores Ben A'an
An Influencer's ancestral trip to Scotland
"Travelling with my friend Maddy, who has Scottish ancestry, made our trip even more special. Our experiences helped us learn more about her heritage as we explored the beauty of Scotland."
Brooke Willson, Outdoor Lifestyle Influencer
Explore your unique ancestry on holiday in Scotland
There are many ways to trace your Scottish ancestry, but only in Scotland itself can you experience the land of your forebears and have a vacation turn into the adventure of a lifetime.
Scotland's landscapes, scenery & nature
Explore our ancient pine forests, arctic landscapes, coastal meadows and more.
Historic attractions in Scotland
Find out more about historic attractions, landmarks and places to visit in Scotland.
Authentic Scottish events, culture & traditions
Experience authentic Scottish culture and traditions at events including Celtic music festivals, Highland games and whisky events.
Scottish food & drink
Get a taste for Scotland and discover the country's mouth-watering food and drink.
Castles to visit in Scotland
From magnificent city landmarks to mysterious ruins, Scotland is bursting with fascinating castles to visit.
The Jacobite Rebellion
The Jacobite Risings proved a decisive period in Scotland's history
Scottish whisky
Whisky is Scotland's best known export and has been proudly produced throughout the country for hundreds of years.
Highland games in Scotland
From the tug o' war to the caber toss, Scotland's Highland games are not to be missed.
Film & TV locations in Scotland
This country has produced its fair share of top Hollywood names, and there have been a surprising number of movies filmed in Scotland, too.
Scotland Loves Local
Bringing local gift giving to life so you can enjoy and support Scotland wherever you are in the world.
Ancestral tours
Join a guided tour to really get to know Scotland.
Other things you might like
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8 Scenic natural wonders
Iconic driving routes & road trips in Scotland
Places to go in Scotland
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