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.

Castles

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

Lochranza Castle

Museums

Explore Scotland’s museums and enjoy a fascinating day out where you can learn of famous warriors, see a variety of artefacts or get hands on with interactive displays.

Gordon Highlanders Museum, Aberdeen

Monuments and ruins

Discover the stories and characters behind Scotland’s monument and ruins, which honour the country’s legends and reveal a colourful past. Many monuments are in memory of great people.

Robert the Bruce statue, Stirling

Galleries

Marvel at a variety of art works in Scottish galleries with national collections, local venues and visiting exhibitions. You’ll find a range of galleries across the country to visit.

Scottish Gallery of Modern Art Two

Churches and abbeys

Step into the country’s past by visiting Scottish churches, cathedrals and abbeys, many of which date back thousands of years. Some were once used by monks and saints right at the beginning of Scottish Christianity.

Melrose Abbey

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

Historic buildings

Discover what it was like to live in one of Scotland’s historic buildings and homes as you explore the grand rooms and fine exhibits. There is a wide variety of properties across the country that you can visit.

Stanley Mills, Perthshire

Ancestors

Use these handy tips and information to help find out if you have Scottish ancestors and trace your family line back through hundreds of years with ancestry websites, research centres and historic attractions.

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

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Year of Natural Scotland 2013
Year of Natural Scotland 2013

Celebrate Scotland's natural beauty throughout 2013

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A replica of the Declaration of Arbroath on display in Arbroath Abbey

Declaration of Arbroath

Learn about the origins of the Declaration of Arbroath which signified the beginning of Scottish independence.

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

Robert the Bruce

Experience the story of Robert the Bruce by visiting buildings, fields and caves which played an important role in his life.

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.

History across Scotland

A piper in full Highland Regalia pipes in the haggis which is being carried on a tray by the chef behind him.
Traditions

Discover the traditions that make Scotland's culture so unique, from Highland Games to Burns Night and Hogmanay.

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.

The Forth Rail Bridge - built between 1883-90 from a design by John Fowler
Timeline

Discover the story of Scotland with this timeline which charts its development from its earliest inhabitants to the present day.

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.

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