Scotland's historic landscapes and built heritage
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The Falls of Clyde
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The ruins of Holyrood Abbey © Historic Scotland
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Linlithgow Palace, West Lothian
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Skara Brae
Scotland's historic landscapes include a wealth of monuments and castles spread throughout the country. Uncover fascinating tales of royalty, exploration and conservation across historic sites, many of which are havens for an array of wildlife.
Historic monuments and sites
There is no shortage of historic sites and monuments across Scotland which perfectly illustrate the nation's journey through the ages.
Discover the Neolithic village of Skara Brae on Orkney or the Iron Age dwellings recreated by the Scottish Crannog Centre in Aberfeldy, and learn how our ancestors used to live and work the land.
One of Scotland's five UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Scotland, the beautifully restored 18th century cotton mill village at New Lanark is a fascinating day out for the whole family. A short distance away is the popular circular walking route around the magical Falls of Clyde. This local nature reserve runs from New Lanark to Bonnington Weir and offers spectacular views across the Clyde gorge. Throughout the year, look out for otters, peregrine falcons and yellowhammers.
Royal connections
Explore the royal connections of Scotland's many castles by following the Castle Trail in Aberdeenshire, the only one of its kind in Scotland. These include the Highland of the Royal Family at Balmoral and Craigievar, which is said to have been in the inspiration behind Walt Disney's castle.
Further south, in Edinburgh & The Lothians, explore the beautiful ruins of Holyrood Abbey within the grounds of the Palace of Holyroodhouse before taking a leisurely walk through Holyrood Park.
Or head to nearby West Lothian and visit Linlithgow Palace, birthplace of Mary, Queen of Scots. It provides a dramatic backdrop for the wildfowl population which inhabit Linlithgow Loch and the surrounding peel, which has the protected status of being a Site of Specific Scientific Interest.
