History of Scotland
Scotland is an ancient land, steeped in a rich and varied history. From outstanding ancient archeological remains, to castles, monuments and battlefields, the history of Scotland is all around you, all the time, whichever Scottish region you choose for your self-catering holiday.
Legends and intrigue abound, monuments, ruins and castles are plentiful, and whether you decide to follow one of the many heritage trails or simply absorb the rich culture and history from afar, Scotland has a vibrant and colourful past that will thrill and enchant you. From bloody battlefields to stone circles dating from over 5000 years ago, many of Scotland’s most important sites are accessible, well maintained and free to visit.
Historical figures come to life in the galleries and heritage centres scattered across Scotland, and whether you would like to know more about Robert the Bruce or Robert Burns there is a wealth of information available to guide you.
Wherever you choose to base yourself for your self-catering break, there will be sites of historic significance not far away. From cairns and brochs, to crannogs and volcanic craters, Scotland’s rich history is preserved and celebrated in all its forms. Dedicated information and support is available for those who would like to trace their own ancestral past, while galleries, museums and heritage centres will guide you through the history of Scotland and it’s people, from the ancient past until the present day and the formation of the Scottish Parliament in 1999.
Loved by Locals
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Ardnamurchan Lighthouse
The Ardnamurchan Lighthouse supports a tea room, shop and an exhibition centre. The exhibition centre contains interesting exhibits on the history and workings of the lighthouse and on the geology of the Ardnamurchan. You can also climb the lighthouse itself to spot cetaceans and seabirds.
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Aberlour village
Aberlour is situated beside the River Spey, has excellent shops, pubs and is home to Walkers Shortbread. The village is surrounded by spectacular scenery and has great history. In August, the Aberlour Highland Games takes place with massed Pipe Bands, and Highland dancing.
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River Earn
The River Earn is full of wildlife and history. The site of the medieval Old Bridge of Earn is a scheduled Historic Scotland monument. The remains consist of an abutment and approach ramp in the River Earn and on its Northern bank.
Home to otters, kingfisher, beaver, heron, swans, salmon, ducks ... -
St Fillans Golf Club
St Fillans Golf Course is a picturesque 9 hole course at the East end of Loch Earn. Professional Sandy Lyle claims it as his favourite inland course. The course is surrounded by towering hills and steeped in history. Day visitors are always made to feel most welcome here.
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Carmichael History Walks
Walk around the historic designed landscape of Carmichael Estate, as depicted in a 1750 map. Cottage guests can explore the features remaining on the ground today. The Visitor Centre Farm Shop, where the original map is on display, has information on Carmichael history walks and maps for sale.
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Speyside Whisky Trail
Visit the distilleries dotted along Speyside and see how history shaped the whisky industry. The trail includes, Glen Moray, Speyside Cooperage, The Glenlivet, Strathisla, Glen Grant, Dallas Dhu Historic Distillery, Benromach, and Cardhu. Many of which are open all year round.
Ardnamurchan Lighthouse
25 miles from Acharacle; 5 miles from Kilchoan (From Mingarry Lodges)
The Ardnamurchan Lighthouse supports a tea room, shop and an exhibition centre. The exhibition centre contains interesting exhibits on the history and workings of the lighthouse and on the geology of the Ardnamurchan. You can also climb the lighthouse itself to spot cetaceans and seabirds.
Directions
Take the B8007 from Salen on the A861 and head towards Kilchoan. Pass through Kilchoan and turn right on the minor road signed towards the lighthouse. Follow the narrow single tracked road for 4 miles, passing the Sonachan Hotel, turn left at Grigadale following the sign towards the lighthouse.
Aberlour village
10 miles south of Elgin (From Weiroch Lodge, Ballindalloch)
Aberlour is situated beside the River Spey, has excellent shops, pubs and is home to Walkers Shortbread. The village is surrounded by spectacular scenery and has great history. In August, the Aberlour Highland Games takes place with massed Pipe Bands, and Highland dancing.
Directions
On the A95, 10 Miles south of Elgin.
River Earn
0 km (From River Edge Lodges)
The River Earn is full of wildlife and history. The site of the medieval Old Bridge of Earn is a scheduled Historic Scotland monument. The remains consist of an abutment and approach ramp in the River Earn and on its Northern bank.
Home to otters, kingfisher, beaver, heron, swans, salmon, ducks ...
Directions
Right beside River Edge Lodges.
St Fillans Golf Club
6.5 miles (From Briar Cottages)
St Fillans Golf Course is a picturesque 9 hole course at the East end of Loch Earn. Professional Sandy Lyle claims it as his favourite inland course. The course is surrounded by towering hills and steeped in history. Day visitors are always made to feel most welcome here.
Directions
Leave Briar Cottages and turn left onto the A85. Stay on the road all the way through the village of St Fillans (6 miles). At the end of the village turn right signposted South Loch Earn. Follow the road until you see St Fillans Golf Club entrance on the left.
Carmichael History Walks
half a mile (From Carmichael Country Cottages, Carmichael Biggar)
Walk around the historic designed landscape of Carmichael Estate, as depicted in a 1750 map. Cottage guests can explore the features remaining on the ground today. The Visitor Centre Farm Shop, where the original map is on display, has information on Carmichael history walks and maps for sale.
Directions
Carmichael cottages are the service houses for the original castle and within half a mile of their cottage guests can explore both the ruined castle site and the remains of the original designed landscape clearly visible on this 263 year old map. Now a mature wood old features abound.
Speyside Whisky Trail
1 Mile from Weiroch (From Weiroch Lodge, Ballindalloch)
Visit the distilleries dotted along Speyside and see how history shaped the whisky industry. The trail includes, Glen Moray, Speyside Cooperage, The Glenlivet, Strathisla, Glen Grant, Dallas Dhu Historic Distillery, Benromach, and Cardhu. Many of which are open all year round.
Directions
Travel between Forres, Elgin, Rothes, Keith, Knockando, Dufftown and Glenlivet to explore the world's only malt whisky trail. From Forres follow the A96 to Elgin, and take the A941 towards Rothes and Dufftown, or take the B9012. See www.maltwhiskytrail.com for more details.
If you have a passion for history and heritage, the following links will assist in planning your holiday:
- VisitScotland’s Ancestral Scotland website.
- Historic Scotland safeguards the nation’s historic environment and promotes its understanding and enjoyment on behalf of Scottish Ministers with over 300 properties within their care.
- National Trust for Scotland – Established in 1931, The National Trust for Scotland is the conservation charity that protects and promotes Scotland’s natural and cultural heritage for present and future generations to enjoy.
- Historic Battle Sites – There are a great many battle sites to explore all over Scotland.
- A crofter’s way of life – Just one example of how they lived long ago.
- History of Scottish Fishing – Spectacularly situated on the harbour front in Anstruther, in the heart of the Fife fishing community, the Scottish Fisheries Museum tells the story of fishing in Scotland and its people from earliest times to the present.
- The Scottish Crannog Centre – A crannog is a type of ancient loch-dwelling found throughout Scotland and Ireland dating from 5,000 years ago. Many crannogs were built out in the water as defensive homesteads and represented symbols of power and wealth. The Scottish Crannog Centre features a unique reconstruction of an early Iron Age loch-dwelling, built by the Scottish Trust for Underwater Archaeology(STUA).
- Recumbent Stone Circles – Recumbent Stone Circles are a distinctive type of stone circle found in North East Scotland.
- Scotland’s Earth Heritage and Landscape.
- Rampant Lion – This section covers Clans, Clan Societies, Families, Tartans, Kilts and Highland dress generally. Links to Regiments and Scottish historical Re-enactment organisations and Scots at Home and Abroad are also here. Elsewhere, the Genealogy section of Rampant Scotland Directory also contains references to some clan/family histories while Clan/Family Histories section covers over 100 Scottish surnames.
- Clan Map of Scotland
Read more in our three part blog post on Places to Embrace Scotland’s History.