Historic Scotland

A majestic landmark which dominates the capital city's skyline just as it has dominated Scotland's long and colourful history Edinburgh Castle is the best known and most visited of our historic ...

One of Scotland's grandest castles due to its imposing position and impressive architecture, Stirling Castle commands the countryside for many miles around.It towers over some of the most ...

The magnificently situated Urquhart Castle, on the banks of Loch Ness, remains an impressive stronghold despite its ruinous state. Once one of Scotland's largest castles, Urquhart's ...

Beautifully situated on the banks of the Tay. The choir is now the parish church, but the 15th-century nave and the tower are cared for by Historic Scotland on behalf of Scottish Ministers. Small ...

When a wild storm on Orkney in 1850 exposed the ruins of ancient dwellings, Skara Brae, the best preserved prehistoric village in northern Europe, was discovered.The excavated farming settlement ...

Melrose Abbey is a magnificent ruin on a grand scale with lavishly decorated masonry. The Abbey is thought to be the burial place of Robert the Bruce's heart, marked with a commemorative carved ...

The remains of what was Scotland's largest and most magnificent church still show how impressive St Andrews Cathedral must have been in its prime. Its museum houses a collection of early and ...

With its moat, twin towered gatehouse and imposing battlements, Caerlaverock Castle is the epitome of the medieval stronghold. The castle's turbulent history owes much to its proximity to ...

One of Scotland's most beautiful medieval buildings, Elgin Cathedral is a magnificent ruin, much of which dates back to the 13th century.Its many outstanding architectural features include the ...

Maeshowe is the finest chambered tomb in north-west Europe and more than 5000 years old. It was broken into in the mid-twelfth century by Viking crusaders who carved graffiti runes on the walls of ...