Scottish history

From the stone circles that are scattered across Scotland’s islands, which are thought to date back 5,000 years, to the opening of the new Scottish Parliament in 1999, Scotland has a rich and colourful history. As you travel around Scotland, uncover stories of heroes, villains, fallen monarchs and bloody battles. Find out more about Scotland’s literary greats, trace back your family history and marvel at some truly breathtaking castles, monuments and architecture.

Historic sites

Discover over 5,000 years of Scotland’s incredible history by visiting famous battlefields, Neolithic sites, Roman frontiers and hundreds more fascinating historical sites. Browse our list of historical sites in Scotland.

Calanais Standing Stones, Isle of Lewis

Castles

From magnificent city landmarks to mysterious ruins, Scotland is renowned for its iconic castles. Browse our list of castles in Scotland.

Lochranza Castle

Churches & cathedrals

Right across Scotland you will find a wide variety of magnificent churches, cathedrals and abbeys. Browse our list and decide which ones you want to visit.

The restored Abbey on Iona

Historic buildings

Scotland has a fascinating history and a whole range of wonderful historic buldings. Browse our list which includes everything from historic houses to palaces and famous cottages.

Culross Palace

Historic ships

Scotland is home to the oldest British-built warship still afloat and The Royal Yacht Britannia, which sailed the British Royal Family around the world. Browse our list of historic ships.

The RRS Discovery, Discovery Point

Monuments & ruins

From the finest megalithic tomb in the British Isles, to the Neolithic settlement of Skara Brae and the spectacular 220 ft high National Wallace Monument, there is plenty monuments and ruins to visit. Browse our list to start planning your trip.

Scott Monument

Museums

Browse our list of fantastic museums in Scotland such as Kelvingrove Art Gallery And Museum, the National Museum of Scotland, Inveraray Jail and the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum.

Riverside Museum

Galleries

Scotland has a long and proud history of world-class artists from the portraiture of Henry Raeburn to the bold designs of the Glasgow Boys and the recent commercial success of Jack Vettriano. Browse our list of galleries in Scotland.

Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum

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Watch with VisitScotland
One of Andy Goldsworthy's Striding Arches on Bail Hill

My Shortlist

A circular chamber, known as the Dome, which houses registers in the ScotlandsPeople Centre, Edinburgh

Scottish ancestors

Use these handy tips on how to delve into the Scottish history books and records and find out if you have Scottish ancestors.

The inscription on a memorial cairn at Culloden Visitor Centre marking the site of the Battle of Culloden in 1746 near Inverness

Historic sites

Discover Scotland's past at historic sites ranging from battlefields to crumbling ruins and Edinburgh's medieval Old Town.

A portrait of Robert Burns and exhibits at the Robert Burns House Museum in Dumfries

Who was Robert Burns?

Learn about the inspiring life of Robert Burns and how his passion for Scotland and social justice informed his timeless works.

Looking up to Edinburgh Castle at the top of Arthur's Seat

Castles

Plan a trip around some of Scotland’s fascinating castles with ideas on what mysterious ruins and imposing properties to visit.

More history

  • Looking up at a statue of Robert the Bruce on the castle esplanade with the National Wallace Monument behind, Stirling

    Statue of Robert the Bruce with the National Wallace Monument behind

  • Floors Castle at dusk, Kelso

    Floors Castle at dusk

  • The family tree of Mrs Chris Lawson on display at the Seallam! Visitor Centre, Northton, Isle of Harris

    A family tree at the Seallam! Visitor Centre, Northton, Isle of Harris

  • View of Balmoral Castle from the gardens

    Balmoral Castle

  • The exterior of Verdant Works, Dundee

    Verdant Works, Dundee

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History across Scotland

A couple look at Bruce's Stone above Loch Trool in the Galloway Forest Park
Dumfries & Galloway history

Explore the history of Dumfries & Galloway in museums and former homes to hear of romance, triumph, beginnings and ends.

Culloden Battlefield at dusk, near Inverness
Highland heritage

The fascinating history is written all over the Highlands which features battlefields, monuments and ancient relics.

Looking along the main driveway to Castle Fraser
Cliff-top ruins and grand fortresses

Explore ‘Castle Country’, a region with more castles per acre than anywhere else in the UK.

The view across the East Sands towards the Cathedral and St Rule's Tower in St Andrews at dusk
Scotland's former capital

The Kingdom of Fife has many historical and royal attractions including in Dunfermline, a former capital of Scotland.

The ruins of Dun Carloway Broch, Isle of Lewis
Ancient standing stones

The Outer Hebrides have been inhabited for 6,000 years and many historical sites and standing stones tell of an intriguing past.

Exterior of Brodick Castle which is floodlit at night
History and heritage of Ayrshire & Arran

In this wonderful part of the world you can uncover a different century each day.

The Edinburgh skyline from Holyrood Park with the Castle, the Tolbooth of St John's Kirk, St Giles and the Old Town visible
A UNESCO World Heritage Site

Discover the fascinating history and heritage of Edinburgh & the Lothians through outstanding historical attractions.

Looking across to the Stones of Stenness
Neolithic Orkney

Orkney is home to remarkable attractions, none more so than the Heart of Neolithic Orkney – a UNESCO World Heritage Site.