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Historic Attractions in Scotland
If there's one thing we could really go on and on about, it's Scotland's history. But don't worry, it is certainly not boring - it's just that it stretches back thousands and thousands of years, meaning there is plenty to cover! Behind the famous buildings in Scotland there are some great stories - which hopefully you'll hear when you visit these Scottish heritage sites.
Stirling Castle
Historic attractions in Scotland
Excite your curiosity at these historical sites across Scotland. From Neolithic villages to historic abbeys, get a glimpse of life in eras gone by.
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Rosslyn Chapel
The ornate stonework and mysterious symbolism of the chapel are guaranteed to inspire visitors.
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Arbroath Abbey
Explore the substantial ruins of a Tironensian monastery
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The Blackhouse, Arnol
This traditional Lewis thatched house is fully furnished, complete with an attached barn, byre and stackyard.
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Gladstone's Land
The historic townhouse in Edinburgh takes you through three centuries of Gladstone’s Land history.
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St Andrews Cathedral
Visit the remains of St Andrews Cathedral, which was once Scotland’s largest cathedral and most magnificent church
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Famous Blacksmiths Gretna Green Experience
Dive into the history of true love at the Famous Blacksmiths Shop at Gretna Green.
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Castles & Battlefields Accessible Highlights Guide
Read about Scotland's most accessible castles and battlefields by Euan's guide
Landmarks and monuments in Scotland
Scotland's landmarks entice visitors from near and far. Whether you want to photograph some ruins or climb to the top of a historic monument, you really are spoilt for choice.
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The National Wallace Monument
An outstanding landmark and one of Stirling’s most striking visits - commemorating the life of Sir William Wallace
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Antonine Wall
The Antonine Wall was an ambitious engineering project which once struck fear and dread into the hearts of the people of Scotland.
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Culloden Battlefield
Visit the powerfully moving site of the final Jacobite Rising – the last and most harrowing pitched battle to be fought on British soil.
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Calanais Standing Stones
Located in the west coast of Lewis, the 5,000 year old Callanish Stones are famous all over the world.
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Skara Brae
The Neolithic settlement of Skara Brae is one of the best preserved groups of prehistoric houses in Western Europe.
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Glenfinnan
Situated at the head of Loch Shiel, Glenfinnan attracts visitors from around the world to experience its stunning scenery.
Flowers in bloom in the gardens of Sir Walter Scott's Abbotsford House.
© Abbotsford House
Castles and palaces
Scotland is full of historical castles to discover, including medieval ruins perched on dramatic clifftops and oppulent baronial mansions,
What's New
Explore some of our 13 UNESCO World Heritage designations, uncover Scotland's complex history with the National Trust for Scotland, or browse Museum Galleries Scotland's new interactive map. Make sure you also take a trip to the newly refurbished Burrell Collection, which just won The Museum of the Year Award 2023.
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Facing Our Past
Take a look at the National Trust for Scotland project which looks at historic properties and their colonial connections
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UNESCO trail
The first country in the world to bring together 13 UNESCO sites into one trail.
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Museums Galleries Scotland map
Browse museums and galleries across Scotland with this interactive map
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The Burrell Collection
One of the greatest art collections ever amassed by one person, consisting of more than than 9,000 objects spanning 6,000 years of history.
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Scottish National Gallery reopening
Explore the newly refurbished Scottish Wing of the National Gallery on the mound.
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Perth Museum - The Home of Destiny
The new Perth Museum opens its doors to the public at Easter Weekend 2024. It is the new home of the legendary Stone of Destiny.
Delve into Scotland's history
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Historic Towns in Scotland
Get ready to take a journey through some of the finest historic towns in Scotland.
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Famous Scots
From Rabbie Burns to Macbeth, there are famous Scots in history and even Hollywood.
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Jacobite Risings
The Jacobite Risings proved a decisive period in Scotland's history
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Standing Stones
Scotland's standing stones uncover a fascinating prehistoric past
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Crown Jewels of Scotland & The Stone of Destiny
Our jewel encrusted crown, elaborate sword and sceptre and the Stone of Destiny.
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7 Historic Wonders
Discover seven historic wonders in Scotland that should be on your must-see travel list.
Your historic photos of Scotland
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