Scotland is a country that has a fascinating history behind it. Fortunately due to the great work of organizations like Historic Scotland and the National Trust for Scotland many historic buildings and sites have been preserved for the benefit of the nation. There are literally hundreds of buildings, monuments and sites that are worthy of a mention.
I have listed 11 of my personal favorites to wet your appetite, and give you some ideas as to where to visit this summer.
Craigivar Castle, 6 miles south of Alford:
Craigievar Castle is a pinkish harled castle six miles south of Alford, Aberdeenshire, Scotland. It is currently the seat of the Clan Sempill. The setting is among scenic rolling foothills of the Grampian Mountains. The contrast of its massive lower story structure to the finely sculpted multiple turrets, gargoyles and high corbelling work create a classic fairytale appearance.
Culloden, Drumossie Moor, North East of Inverness:
A fascinating place to go and visit,experience one of the most historic and brutal battles ever fought in this country.
Visiting Culloden the last hand-to-hand battle fought on British soil, takes on a whole new meaning with the opening of an exciting new visitor center and interactive exhibition. The battlefield itself is now restored to as close as possible to that marched on by the two sides on that fateful day.
Come and find out why this battle that lasted only one hour changed the way of life of the Highlands and Islands for ever.
Dunnottar Castle, near Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire:
Visit Dunnottar Castle for an unforgettable experience. A dramatic and evocative ruined cliff top fortress in a truly stunning setting.
As you wander around the extensive buildings - from the keep through the barracks, lodgings, stables and storehouses to the less-ruinous chapel and drawing room - you will discover the importance of Dunnottar, an impregnable Castle that holds many rich secrets of Scotland's colourful past.
William Wallace, Mary Queen of Scots, the Marquis of Montrose and the future King Charles II, all graced the Castle with their presence. Most famously though, it was at Dunnottar Castle that a small garrison held out against the might of Cromwell's army for eight months and saved the Scottish Crown Jewels, the 'Honours of Scotland', from destruction. Crown, sceptre and sword now take pride of place in Edinburgh Castle.
Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh:
Edinburgh Castle dominates the city of Edinburgh like no other castle in Scotland, and Edinburgh Castle is unequalled in the whole of the British Isles. Over one thousand years of history sit on top of the famous Edinburgh rock, and when you see Edinburgh Castle you will understand why over a million visitors a year visit Edinburgh Castle.
Edinburgh Castle is every schoolboy's dream of what a castle should look like and if there is only one site you should visit in Edinburgh, this should be it.
Eilean Donan Castle, Dorrie, by Kyle of Lockalsh
As one of the most iconic images of Scotland, Eilean Donan is recognized all around the world. Situated on an island at the point where three great sea lochs meet, and surrounded by some majestic scenery, it is little wonder that the castle is now one of the most visited and important attractions in the Scottish highlands.
Although first inhabited around the 6th century, the first fortified castle was built in the mid 13th century and stood guard over the lands of Kintail. Since then, at least four different versions of the castle have been built and re-built as the feudal history of Scotland unfolded through the centuries.
Glasgow Cathedral, Glasgow:
I don't think it matters what religion you are this cathedral is a an amazing building to go and visit, have a wonder round. I love sitting down in here and just chilling out.
In 543AD, Glasgow's patron saint St Mungo founded this cathedral on the site of a Christian burial ground. It is Scotland's oldest medieval church and now houses the Church of Scotland. The first stone church on this site was established in 1136 by Bishop Achaius and King David I, but was destroyed by fire and rebuilt in 1197. The present building is in the Gothic "First Pointed" style and dates from the 13th century. Bishop William de Bondington (1233-1258) supervised the initial work but the cathedral was not completed until 200 years later. Approximately 550 years ago, Glasgow University was founded in the sacristy of the upper church, which also houses the nave and choir, while in the suitably solemn lower church you can visit the shrine of St Mungo.
Glenfinnan Monument, Glenfinnan, Loch Shiel:
A truly atmospheric and beautiful location, which never fails but to inspire me every time I go and visit it, no matter what the weather is like, there is also a good visitor center nearby.
Half way between Fort William and Mallaig on the A830 lies Glenfinnan. This impressive monument marks the spot where the Young Pretender "Bonnie Prince Charlie",came ashore on Monday 19 August 1745 and the uprising began.he arrived in a small rowing boat, which landed at the north end of Loch Shiel. It was early afternoon. Prince Charles Edward Stuart, "Bonnie Price Charlie" came ashore and met his escort of 50 McDonald's before retiring to a nearby barn to await the response to letters he had sent to possible supporters all over the Highlands
Glenmorangie Disterllery, Tain:
There is nothing quite like visiting a Scottish Distillery, it is most certainly a unique and interesting tour. Glenmorangie may not be the best whiskey tour out there, but it is one of my personal favorites and its my favorite whiskey.
No visit to Scotland would be complete without a distillery tour, and Glenmorangie will not disappoint. The distillery tour will let you see the skilled mashmen, stillmen and warehousemen as they go about their daily work. You will also see the fermenting room, filtering processes, bottling and labeling, the cooking of the preserves and sauces.
No visit to Scotland would be complete without a distillery tour, and Glenmorangie will not disappoint. The distillery tour will let you see the skilled mashmen, stillmen and warehousemen as they go about their daily work. You will also see the fermenting room, filtering processes, bottling and labellings, the cooking of the preserves and sauces.
The National Wallce Monument, Stirling:
This monument was built in honor of one of Scotland most revered sons William Wallace.Completed in 1869 after eight years' construction, the 220 feet high Wallace Monument sits prominently on the Abbey Craig two miles north of the city of Stirling itself. It was from this prominent hilltop in 1297 that William Wallace watched the English army approach across Stirling Bridge before leading the Scots into the battle of the same name: and victory (see our Historical Timeline). A fitting, and striking, location for the national monument to a national hero
The National Wallace Monument is packed with fascinating exhibits and displays - so come and visit one of the country's most magnificent sights, and meet Scotland's national hero - William Wallace.
The Royal Yacht Britannia, Leith, Edinburgh:
The most famous ship in the world, the Royal Yacht Britannia was launched at John Brown's Shipyard in Clydebank on the 16th April 1953.
She has served the British Royal Family for over 40 years, clocking up more than one million miles around the globe, including Royal Family holidays and more than 900 official voyages.
Britannia has carried on a tradition of Royal Yachts, dating back 300 years to the reign of Charles II.
Moored at Leith, a short bus ride from the center of Edinburgh, and with the airport less than 30 minutes away, this magnificent ship has been host to some of the worlds most famous people
Urquart Castle, 2 miles from Drumnadrochit:
It is close to the village of Drumnadrochit. Though extensively ruined, it was in its day one of the largest strongholds of medieval Scotland, and remains an impressive structure, splendidly situated on a headland overlooking Loch Ness. It is also near the castle where the majority of Nessie (Loch Ness Monster) sightings occur.
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