History

Scotland is steeped in history from the earliest times in human history (12,000 BC) to the relatively more modern times of castles and kings and queens.  The articles below are linked to the history of Scotland in some way.
Shandwick Stone: Explore the Ancient Pictish Cross-Slab

Discover the Shandwick Stone, a remarkable Pictish cross-slab dating back to AD 780. Detailed visitor information.

Bridges in Scotland: A Journey of History and Engineering

Journey from the historic Brig O' Doon to the engineering triumph of the Queensferry Crossing.

The Highland Clearances: What Happened, When, and Why?

Find out more about one of the most shocking times in Scottish History - families were forcibly removed from their homes.

Culloden Battlefield & Visitor Centre near Inverness

Explore Culloden Battlefield, the iconic site of Scotland's last great battle. An essential stop for every history lover.

Robert Burns' Birthplace: Burns Cottage in Alloway

Burns Cottage in Alloway. Uncover the history, and immerse yourself in the surroundings that shaped his enduring poetry.

Lundin Links Standing Stones on a historic golf course

Towering amidst a historic golf course in Fife, Scotland, these prehistoric monoliths offer a unique blend of sports and history.

General Wade's Bridge in Aberfeldy

General Wade's Bridge in Aberfeldy, a testament to 18th-century strategic planning and architecture.

What is the oldest castle in Scotland?

An overview of the very oldest castles in Scotland, from lesser-known Castle Sween to the famous Edinburgh Castle.

Is there a Prince of Scotland? History of a lesser known title

Study the fascinating history and modern significance of the 'Prince of Scotland' title, currently held by Prince William.

The origin of the lovely word 'Bonnie' in Scotland

'Bonnie', a term deeply embedded in Scottish culture. Discover its origin, historical context, and its role in literature and music.

How old is Scotland? The geology and history of our wee country!

Explore Scotland's captivating past, from its geological formation over 3 billion years ago to its cultural evolution.

Fort George near Inverness: A Tourist's Guide

Explore Fort George's rich history, architectural marvels, and the Highlanders' Museum at this 18th-century fortress.

The Faith, Hope, and Charity Statues in Inverness

Faith, Hope, and Charity statues in Inverness. Learn about their journey from atop the YMCA building to their rightful place in the city.

Discover the ancient stone circles of Aberdeenshire

Discover the mysterious stone circles of Aberdeenshire, ancient monuments rich in history and folklore.

The ruin of Bernera Barracks, near Glenelg.

The Bernera Barracks serve as a reminder of the government's efforts to assert control after the 1715 Jacobite uprising.

Uig Tower on the Isle of Skye, linked to the Highland clearances

Stories about the Highland clearances rarely end positively, but the people of Skye united against a wealthy landowner in 1884.

What Does a Scotsman Wear Under his Kilt?

The great kilt debate is finally put to rest. Read on to find out what a Scotsman wears underneath his kilt.

What is Scotland's National Animal? The unicorn!

The unicorn is Scotland's national animal, but why? Let's look at the history of the unicorn and why it was chosen by Scottish royality.

My favourite castle in Scotland - Duffus Castle

A magical ancient motte and bailey style castle ruin, jutting out of the Moray landscape near Lossiemouth.

Janet Horne - The last witch<br> in Scotland

The sad tale of Janet Horne, the last witch to be lawfully executed in Scotland. Read on to find out more about her.

A guide to the best castles to visit in Moray, northeast Scotland

A short guide to the best castles in Moray, tower houses, motte and bailey keeps and the traditional baronial style, Moray has them all!

Where are the most haunted places in Scotland?

Guest writer Kieran MacRae takes us to the most haunted places in Scotland! Not for the faint hearted!

Corrimony Chambered Cairn near Drumnadrochit

A four thousand year old burial site, similar in design to the chambered cairns at Balnuaran of Clava near Inverness.

Carn Liath Iron Age Broch near Golspie, Sutherland.

An ancient broch not far from Golspie and Dunrobin Castle. Carn Liath is around 2000 years old and is a fascinating place to visit.

Old Inverlochy Castle in Fort William near the River Lochy

A quick visit to the fantastic ruin of Old Inverlochy Castle, a 13th-century ruin built by the powerful Comyn family.

Spean Bridge Commando Memorial near Spean Bridge

A visit to Spean Bridge Commando Memorial, a fantastic monument to the heroic commandos of World War 2.

Marionburgh Cairn and Stone Circle near Ballindalloch Castle

A quick visit to this interesting 4000 year old ring cairn and stone circle near the Ballindalloch Castle ticket office.

Ballindalloch Castle and Gardens in south Moray

A family-owned 16th-century castle on a large estate with golf, shooting, stalking and fishing. Fantastic gardens and self guided tour.

Inveravon Pictish Stones near Ballindalloch Castle

A nice place to stop on the NE250, the ancient Inveravon Pictish Stones are a fascinating hidden gem.

Craigellachie Bridge / Telford Bridge built in 1812.

One of the finest surviving cast iron bridges in Scotland is located near Craigellachie in Moray. Find out more!

Why didn't the Romans invade Caledonia / Scotland?

How was Scotland able to withstand the might of the Roman Empire 2000 years ago? The Battle of Mons Graupius and Hadrian's Wall.

Scottish Mythical Beasts & Monsters from Gaelic folklore

A brief overview of some of the weird and wonderful Scottish mythical beasts & monsters from Scotland's folklore.

The Highland Games - a fantastic event held all over Scotland

Let's look at the Scottish Highland games - athletic events, history, music, locations and ticket prices around Scotland!

Lochindorb Castle, a focal point in history in the east Highlands.

Once home to Edward Longshanks and the Wolf of Badenoch, Lochindorb Castle is steeped in medieval history!

Flower of Scotland: The unofficial national anthem

Does Scotland have its own national anthem? Flower of Scotland is the adopted song of choice but is not official.

What is the Motto of Scotland? ‘Nemo me impune lacessit’

Discover the meaning of Scotland's unique motto and its use throughout history and the modern world.

The best Scottish Inventions from the past 300 years

An in-depth article into the many amazing Scottish inventions from the past 300 years which have shaped the modern world.

Coulter's Candy / Ally Bally Bee, a traditional Scottish song

A look at the popular Scottish folksong - Coulter's Candy / Ally Bally Bee - which is still sung to children today.

A visit to the ruin of Auchindoun Castle near Dufftown in Moray

A 600 year old castle on a hilly prominence near Dufftown in Moray. Lets look at the car park and directions to this amazing castle.

Scotland's real national animal - the proud highland cow!

Synonymous with Scotland, loved by tourists and locals alike, what is the enduring appeal of the Highland cow?

Victorian Market, a wonderful covered market in Inverness.

The 152 year old Victorian Market in Inverness on Academy Street. Independently owned businesses in the city centre.

Arthur's Seat & Holyrood Park, in Edinburgh, central Scotland

Climb an extinct volcano in Edinburgh?! Fantastic walks, lochs and geology - a stones throw from the city centre.

Celebrating Burns Night in Scotland

All about Burns Night in Scotland, celebrating the life and work of Robert Burns, national poet of Scotland.

How do we celebrate Christmas<br>in Scotland?

An article about Scottish Christmas traditions and how we celebrate this fantastic
holiday in Scotland.

Standing stones and cairns near Ballindalloch Castle

Upper and lower Lagmore Stone Circles near Ballindalloch and Bridge of Avon, don't drive by our history - stop for a look!

The Falkirk Wheel, an engineering marvel in central Scotland

Visiting the Falkirk Wheel, the worlds only rotating boat lift, connecting two canals. Fantastic engineering and many activities.

Randolph's Leap on the River Findhorn, Moray

An area of outstanding natural beauty, Randolph's Leap is a lovely area for a walk in west Moray with an interesting story.

The Royal Burgh of Dornoch in the north Scottish Highlands

The town of Dornoch in north Scottish Highlands on the east coast. A lovely place with a cathedral and many nice restaurants.

Morayvia Aerospace Museum based in Kinloss

A spur of the moment visit to Morayvia, a brilliant aerospace museum based in Kinloss with many fantastic exhibits.

Beauly Priory, ruin in the highlands of Scotland

The ruin of Beauly Priory, once home to Valliscaulian monastic monks from France. A great tourist attraction west of Inverness.

How to carve a neep lantern for a very Scottish Halloween

An article about neepie lanterns and how to carve them. A great Scottish tradition in the Halloween holidays!

A visit to Clava Cairns located near Culloden battlefield

An amazing trip back in time to view the 4000 year old burial cairns and standing stones at Clava Cairns.

Redcastle ruin near Inverness<br>and Beauly

The ruin of Redcastle, situated on the Beauly Firth it is a wonderful castle and gardens to visit in The Black Isle.

Dunrobin Castle, one of Scotland's great houses

Held by the Sutherland clan for over 700 years, Dunrobin Castle is steeped in history and has a beautiful Victorian garden.

Dornoch Cathedral, 13th century church in the Scottish Highlands

Learn about the rich history surrounding Dornoch Cathedral and its Bishop - Gilbert de Moravia in 1222.

Skelbo Castle, overlooking Loch Fleet in Sutherland

A charming ruin of a Scottish Castle located near Dornoch in the north of Scotland. Currently owned by a Russian billionaire!

Spey Viaduct, disused railway bridge near Garmouth, Moray

Spey Viaduct is a stunning example of Victorian engineering, completed in 1886 it is now part of the coastal trail walk.

A list of the best things to <br>see and do in Moray

Often overlooked by holiday makers, Moray is a fantastic county packed with interesting things to see and do.

The Scottish Saltire - The Flag of Scotland

A little history of the iconic Scottish Saltire flag, one of the oldest flags still in use in the world today.

Balvenie Castle, a ruined castle near Dufftown in Moray.

An article about the ruin of Balvenie Castle near Dufftown and Glenfiddich Distillery in the county of Moray.

Boyne Castle, a dangerous ruin but a true hidden gem

Exploring the extremely ruinous Boyne Castle, reclaimed by nature, near Portsoy, Aberdeenshire

The Falls of Shin Waterfall and Salmon leaping, Sutherland

The Falls of Shin Waterfall, visitor centre and Salmon leaping in Sutherland. Fantastic restaurant, play park and woodland walks.

Visit Sueno's Stone, a large Pictish carved Monolith in Forres

Visit the 1100 year old Sueno's Stone, a carved standing stone of Pictish origin in Forres, Moray. Find out more.

Ruthven Barracks near Kingussie in the great Spey Valley.

The ruins of Ruthven Barracks - go back in time to the Jacobite rebellion and learn about a focal point in Scottish history.

Outlander Filming Locations around Scotland

Just a few of the fantastic filming locations I have visited in Scotland from the hit TV show Outlander.

Nelson's Tower - monument to Lord Nelson  in Forres, Moray

Nelson's Tower memorial, built in the 1800s to celebrate the victory at the Battle of Trafalgar during the Napoleonic wars.

The magnificent Moray Firth / Coast in North East Scotland

Things to see and do on the Moray Firth / Coast in North East Scotland. Castles, Cliffs, Dolphins and more.

Is Scotland a country? The UK's political structure.

Let's delve into the history of Scottish Independence & the political structure of the United Kingdom - Is Scotland a country?

A budget conscious collection of free things to do in Edinburgh

A visit to Edinburgh need not be expensive, here are some free activities you can do on your visit.

Findlater Castle on the Moray Firth Coast, near Banff

A crumbling ruin of castle situated on the Moray coast near Cullen with a fascinating history and link to Mary Queen of Scots.