Researching your roots in Scotland

Imagine the surprise to find that you are related to one of Scotland’s legendary figures such as our national bard, Robert Burns!

 

Perhaps your ancestors fought in the Wars of Independence, or were forced from their lands during the Clearances. These are just some of the secrets you might unearth as you research your family roots.

 

Have fun discovering your own roots and visiting the wonderful castles and attractions associated with your family lands. Find out what your surname can tell you and how your ancestors influenced the way we live today.

 

• Celebrate in true Scottish style

  

  From evenings of toe-tapping traditional music to the colour and excitement of contemporary events, a Scottish celebration is second to none!

• Coming home to Scotland

  

  Researching your roots doesn’t have to be complicated; the best place to start is with you! You’ll be surprised at how much you can find out just from a name.

• Research your roots by region

  

  Discover the family lands of your ancestors and follow in their footsteps at exquisite ancestral homes and fantastic heritage and visitor centres.

• Saying farewell to Scotland

  

  There were many reasons why Scots left their homelands and now, people with Scottish roots are dispersed across the world.

• View the surprising ancestry guide

  

  This useful ancestry guide gives an introduction to 10 fascinating attractions that can help bring your family past vividly to life.

• Aberdeen Maritime Museum

  Aberdeen City & Shire

  The award-winning museum incorporates Provost Ross’ House, built in 1593, and is located on the historic Shiprow. It is the only place in the UK where you can see displays on the gas and North Sea oil industries.

  Read more 57.147012 -2.095042

• Museum of Scottish Lighthouses

  Aberdeen City & Shire

  You can view a collection of glass lenses and lighting technology dating back to when the lighthouse was first manned and then climb up the 74 steps to the top of the lighthouse (open from Easter to October).

  Read more 57.697207 -2.004298

• The Gordon Highlanders Museum

  Aberdeen City & Shire

  The museum building is the former home of Scottish artist Sir George Reid and houses a spectacular collection of uniforms, art, weapons and over 4,000 medals that relate to the 200-year history of The Gordon Highlanders from 1794 - 1994.

  Read more 57.137081 -2.146349

• Aberdeenshire Farming Museum

  Aberdeen City & Shire

  Travel back to the 1950s to experience farming life in the north east of Scotland when you visit the Aberdeenshire Farming Museum which features brilliant displays and audio visual shows along with fascinating tours led by costumed guides

  Read more 57.521768 -2.032842

• Huntly Castle

  Aberdeen City & Shire

  Take a look around Huntly Castle’s beautiful architecture and explore one of the earliest strongholds in the castle’s grounds which sheltered Robert the Bruce in the 14th century.

  Read more 57.454774 -2.781858

• Gordon Castle

  Aberdeen City & Shire

  Visit the stunning Huntly Castle estate and be sure to explore the fabulous eight acre walled garden and you can even enjoy some fun activities such as salmon fishing, roe stalking and shooting in the grounds.

  Read more 57.620161 -3.086033

• Braemar Castle

  Aberdeen City & Shire

  Braemar caslte is just 9 miles from Balmoral Castle and both castles are situated in the heart of the stunning Cairngorms National Park where you can enjoy cycling, fishing, climbing, walking and even a round or two of golf.

  Read more 57.012127 -3.396631

• Family History Centre

  The Highlands

  Find out about genealogy, family history and clan history at this fantastic centre in the Highlands.

  Read more 57.463049 -4.240614

• Duntrune House

  Angus & Dundee

  This B&B is a listed country house and has all the facilities to help you research your genealogy and see if you have any connections to Scotland including computer and wi-fi access, an extensive collection of books on the subject and 1881 census discs.

  Read more 56.503993 -2.903713

• Pictavia

  Angus & Dundee

  Travel back in time to 2,000 years ago to the fascinating world of the Picts at this award winning attraction which features a mixture of original artefacts, replicas and interesting interactive exhibits.

  Read more 56.728477 -2.691048

• Verdant Works

  Angus & Dundee

  Find out more about the lives of Dundee’s jute weavers with intriguing displays and hands-on exhibits for all the family.

  Read more 56.461206 -2.984453

• Angus Folk Museum

  Angus & Dundee

  Step inside a collection of six 18th century agricultural cottages and discover what cloutie rugs, bannock spades, cruisie lamps and thrawcrooks were used for by your ancestors.

  Read more 56.609184 -3.00298

• RRS Discovery

  Angus & Dundee

  Become a polar explorer when you visit Discovery Point and follow the ship’s story from its Dundee beginnings to its final journey home to Scotland and find out more about how Captain Scott and his crew survived for two years lost in the Antarctic.

  Read more 56.455744 -2.970601

• Edzell Castle

  Angus & Dundee

  Visit Edzell Castle and explore the beautiful walled garden that was added to the castle in 1604 - the present garden layout was recreated during the 1930s. Admire the magnificent walls which feature carved panels portraying the Seven Cardinal Virtues, Seven Liberal Arts and Seven Planetary Deities.

  Read more 56.810277 -2.670688

• Spynie Palace

  Angus & Dundee

  Spynie Palace was the residence of the bishops of Moray for five centuries and it the largest surviving medieval bishop’s house in Scotland, along with St Andrew’s Castle.

  Read more 57.675833 -3.295532

• Airlie Estates

  Angus & Dundee

  The Airlie Estates include Cortachy Castle and Airlie Castle and the extensive grounds are perfect for long walks, shooting and even fishing in the River South Esk.

  Read more 56.72358 -2.985009

• Clan Gunn Society

  The Highlands

  The Clan Gunn Heritage Centre and Museum is located in Latheron's parish church

  Read more 58.282844 -3.368775

• Inverness Museum and Art

  The Highlands

  Discover how the Highlands is linked with the rest of the world and explore art, history and heritage.

  Read more 57.476989 -4.22523

• Highland Folk Museum

  The Highlands

  Learn more about the social and rural life of the Highlands in permanent and temporary exhibitions.

  Read more 57.069828 -4.104805

• Ross of Mull Historical Centre

  Argyll, the Isles. Loch Lomond, Stirling & the Trossachs

  At the Historical Centre you can find out more about the facinating Ross of Mull, a large peninsula extending south west from the centre of Mull which almost touches the isle of Iona.

  Read more 56.318134 -6.233508

• Museum of Islay Life

  Argyll, the Isles. Loch Lomond, Stirling & the Trossachs

  Uncover the history of Islay at the museum which houses a fascinating colelction of artefacts that cover many date ranges from the Mesolithic ages, c.8000 BC, to the 1950s.

  Read more 55.742912 -6.377524

• Gairloch Heritage Museum

  The Highlands

  From the mysteries of a Pictish symbol stone to the croft house and crofting tools, there is so much to explore at this museum.

  Read more 57.728295 -5.692745

• Callendar House

  Argyll, the Isles. Loch Lomond, Stirling & the Trossachs

  Follow in the footsteps of roaylty when you visit Callendar House which has played host to many prominent historical figures over the years including Oliver Cromwell, Mary Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie.

  Read more 56.000667 -3.784359

• Caithness Horizons

  The Highlands

  Opened by Prince Charles in 2009, the museum tells the story of the county of Caithness from the Devonian era to the present day.

  Read more 58.595651 -3.518805

• Stirling Castle

  Argyll, the Isles. Loch Lomond, Stirling & the Trossachs

  See the amazing The Stirling Heads at Stirling Castle - a collection of recreated carvings of Scottish monarchs, worthies, Roman emperors, courtiers and costume and Hercules that once featured on the palace ceilings.

  Read more 56.123763 -3.946951

• Castle Campbell

  Argyll, the Isles. Loch Lomond, Stirling & the Trossachs

  At Castle Campbell you will discover ‘John Knox’s Pulpit’ in the beautiful garden where the preacher once addressed his congregation in 1556.

  Read more 56.174924 -3.674522

• Inveraray Castle

  Argyll, the Isles. Loch Lomond, Stirling & the Trossachs

  Admire the unique architecture of Inveraray Castle, the first castle of its size to be built on the west coast of Scotland and take some time to explore the immaculately kept gardens.

  Read more 56.237107 -5.078061

• Mount Stuart

  Argyll, the Isles. Loch Lomond, Stirling & the Trossachs

  Take a look around Mount Stuart and admire the breathtaking architecture with highlights including richly decorated reception rooms, a magnificent marble hall and a stunning chapel.

  Read more 55.800606 -5.023434

• Tain Through Time

  The Highlands

  Tain & District Museum boasts a varied collection of objects as well as photographs and archives.

  Read more 58.579917 -3.347487

• Glencoe and North Lorn Folk

  The Highlands

  Get a true flavour of what life would have been like living and working in the Highlands at this museum.

  Read more 56.682846 -5.101297

• HistoryLinks Museum

  The Highlands

  Dornoch HistoryLinks Museum is a great place to learn more about the cathedral, the feuding clans and much more.

  Read more 57.879393 -4.034313

• Culloden

  The Highlands

  Experience the new visitor centre and exhibition at Culloden Battlefield and imagine what it was like to be fighting for your country.

  Read more 57.478253 -4.09479

• Abbot House

  The Highlands

  Abbot House dates back to the Middle Ages and you can explore the history on a guided tour.

  Read more 56.070517 -3.46309

• Scottish Fisheries Museum

  The Kingdom of Fife

  Set against the picturesque fishing village of Anstruther, learn more about Scotland's fishing industry at this excellent museum.

  Read more 56.221888 -2.696399

• Crail Museum Heritage Centre

  The Kingdom of Fife

  Crail boasts an interesting heritage from the golf course to the picturesque harbour.

  Read more 56.261334 -2.625069

• Burns Monument Centre

  Ayrshire & Arran

  Research your family history with the centre's fantastic facilities including records of births, deaths and marriages in Scotland from 1855, census returns from 1841-1901 and Ayrshire newspapers from 1834.

  Read more 55.612106 -4.490379

• North Ayrshire Heritage Centre

  Ayrshire & Arran

  find out more about your geneaology and the history of Ayrshire at the heritage centre which houses collections that include pamphlets, books, pamphlets, photographs, maps, newspapers and an extensive archive collection.

  Read more 55.635826 -4.790483

• The Isle of Arran Heritage Centre

  Ayrshire & Arran

  At the Isle of Arran Heritage Centre you can see a 5,000 year old Clachaig Man that has been re-created by computer technology from a skull found in a long cairn at Clachaig, on Arran, in 1900 then sculpted by local artist Marvin Elliot.

  Read more 55.583256 -5.160271

• Museum of Ayrshire Country Life and Costume

  Ayrshire & Arran

  At the Museum you can see one of the oldest and tallest grain mills in Scotland, Dalgarven Mill. Beautifully restored, it rises through four floors and is powered by an impressive six metre water wheel that you can see and hear turning.

  Read more 55.673277 -4.711392

• The Scottish Maritime Museum

  Ayrshire & Arran

  Located on Irvine's Harbourside, you will discover a collection of shipbuilding machinery, small boats and lifeboats as well as Scotland's incredible 'Cathedral of Engineering', the Linthouse Engine Shop, built in 1872.

  Read more 55.609002 -4.67848

• Vikingar!

  Ayrshire & Arran

  Travel through 500 years of Viking history at Vikingar! ans you experience the sights, sounds and smells of their intriguing lives and stories.

  Read more 55.799777 -4.869295

• Dundonald Castle

  Ayrshire & Arran

  Visit the stunning ruins of Dundonald castle and learn more about its connection to the Stewarts.

  Read more 55.57678 -4.597199

• Lochranza Castle

  Ayrshire & Arran

  Visit the impressive remains of Lochranza Castle and keep your eyes peeled for a chance to spot some seals in the sea surrounding the property.

  Read more 55.705081 -5.292192

• Eglinton Country Park

  Ayrshire & Arran

  Explore the estate that was once the ancient seat of the Montgomery clan chief and enjoy a leisurely walk around the grounds or you can explore on horseback and you can even enjoy a spot of fishing on the estate.

  Read more 55.640324 -4.665918

• Culzean Castle

  Ayrshire & Arran

  The beautiful Castle is perched on a cliff overlooking the Firth of Clyde and it is one of the best places in Scotland to spot bats.

  Read more 55.354696 -4.789326

• Dunure

  Ayrshire & Arran

  Dunure is famous for its fishing heritage vbut it also has some fantastic historic attractions to explore including Dunure House, built in 1800, Dunure Mill, and Dunure Castle.

  Read more 55.405098 -4.75987

• Ellisland Farm

  Dumfries & Galloway

  Visit one of Robert Burns' homes in Dumfries & Galloway and find out more about Scotland's National Bard and his family lived and see the amazing scenery surrounding the farm that inspired the poet.

  Read more 55.133507 -3.684411

• Clan Armstrong Trust Museum

  Dumfries & Galloway

  The Museum, located in Langholm, is the biggest and most comprehensive clan Amstrong museum in the world and its collection features many fascinating documents and artefacts relating to the clan.

  Read more 55.158209 -3.011658

• Dumfries Museum and Camera Obscura

  Dumfries & Galloway

  Find out more about the region's earliest inhabitants in the Dumfries Museum and Camera Obscura. The was installed in the windmill tower in 1836 and is the oldest working instrument in the world.

  Read more 55.064945 -3.615023

• National Museum of Costume

  Dumfries & Galloway

  Travel back in time when you visit the National Museum of Costume at Shambellie House and spend the afternoon following fashion from the 1870s - 1950s.

  Read more 54.983222 -3.625898

• The Museum of Lead Mining

  Dumfries & Galloway

  This 4-star attraction in located in the village of Wanlockhead, the highest village in Scotland at 1531 ft (461 m) above sea level.

  Read more 55.3971 -3.780863

• The Mill on the Fleet

  Dumfries & Galloway

  Find out more about the heritage and history of the Gatehouse of Fleet as you explore the exhibitions and enjoy views over The Fleet Valley which is a designated National Scenic Area - one of only three in this part of Scotland.

  Read more 54.881906 -4.184904

• Cream O Galloway

  Dumfries & Galloway

  See how ice cream is made from cow to carton and taste some of the delicious ice cream flavours after a tour of the farm then enjoy Cream O Galloway's spectacular adventure play area.

  Read more 54.844026 -4.179056

• Caerlaverock Castle

  Dumfries & Galloway

  Visit the stunning castle with it's spectacular red sandstone wllas that are unique in Britain for their triangular shape.

  Read more 54.975709 -3.523846

• Drumlanrig Castle

  Dumfries & Galloway

  Admire the renowned Buccleuch Art Collection housed in the castle and explore the grounds by foot, bike or even on a Landrover tour.

  Read more 55.273651 -3.80869

• Threave Castle

  Dumfries & Galloway

  Threave Castle is breathtakingly formidable with a huge tower house that's size is equivalent to a 10-storey block of flats.

  Read more 54.939051 -3.969669

• Cardoness Castle

  Dumfries & Galloway

  At Cardoness Castle you can see a well-preserved six story tower house, an example of a 15th-century Scottish nobleman’s residence.

  Read more 54.876532 -4.19434

• ScotlandsPeople Centre

  Edinburgh & The Lothians

  Find out more about your family history at the ScotlandsPeople Session, you can try out their fantastic resources at one of their free, drop-in taster sessions that last for two hours and are available at 10am 2pm every day.

  Read more 55.953721 -3.189277

• The People’s Story

  Edinburgh & The Lothians

  In the museum you can see displays depicting a wartime kitchen and a bookbinder's workshop as well as an old jail that was originally part of the historic building.

  Read more 55.951433 -3.180447

• National Mining Museum Scotland

  Edinburgh & The Lothians

  Learn more about the history of mining in Scotland and explore over 60,000 items in the museum from photographs and books to coal cutters and locomotives.

  Read more 55.86142 -3.065825

• Prestongrange Industrial Heritage Museum

  Edinburgh & The Lothians

  See fascinating objects at the museum such as the rare Hoffman Kiln that was built in 1937 and the Cornish Beam Engine which is unique in Scotland as it is the only beam engine that remains on the site where it originally worked.

  Read more 55.951603 -3.008859

• Almond Valley Heritage Centre

  Edinburgh & The Lothians

  Discover Scotland's rural past at the heritage centre with highlights including a working watermill, a threshing barn, walks through a wonderful orchard and a plethora of friendly farm animals.

  Read more 55.885889 -3.547365

• Crichton Castle

  Edinburgh & The Lothians

  Admire the castle's stunning diamond-faceted facade which was added to the building around 1580 Francis Stewart. around 1580.

  Read more 55.83953 -2.991414

• Blackness Castle

  Edinburgh & The Lothians

  The formidable castle is known as 'the ship that never sailed' as, from the seward side, it looks like a huge stone ship that has run aground.

  Read more 56.005868 -3.516655

• Borthwick Castle

  Edinburgh & The Lothians

  Follow in the footsteps of Mary Queen of Scots and stay in one of the lavishly decorated bedrooms in beautiful Borthwick Castle.

  Read more 55.825395 -3.009417

• Edinburgh Castle

  Edinburgh & The Lothians

  See one of the world's oldest canons at Edinburgh Castle at over 550 years old, Mons Meg.

  Read more 55.948763 -3.199198

• Palace of Holyroodhouse

  Edinburgh & The Lothians

  Admire Jacob de Wet's beautiful portraits of the real and legendary kings of Scotland in one of the most famous rooms in the Palace, the Great Gallery.

  Read more 55.952797 -3.172316

• Strathclyde Genealogy Centre

  Glasgow & The Clyde Valley

  Located on the third floor of the Mitchell Library, you can find an abundance of resources in the centre and the library that will help you research your family genealogy.

  Read more 55.86519 -4.272423

• Glasgow & West of Scotland Family History Society

  Glasgow & The Clyde Valley

  Find help and advice on researching your family history at the Family History Society which runs a series of fascinating talks and meetings on the subject throughout the year.

  Read more 55.871259 -4.301295

• People’s Palace and Winter Gardens

  Glasgow & The Clyde Valley

  The People's Palace and Winter Gardens are surrounded by the stunning Glasgow Green which is the oldest public space in the city.

  Read more 55.851208 -4.236985

• National Museum of Rural Life

  Glasgow & The Clyde Valley

  Step back in time and experience a working farm being run like it was in the 1950s where you can see pigs, sheep and Ayrshire cows as well as a replica 1950s farmhouse.

  Read more 55.775414 -4.221368

• New Lanark Visitor Centre

  Glasgow & The Clyde Valley

  Enjoy the intriguing 'Annie McLeod Experience' ride where you will meet the ghost of mill girl Annie who takes you on a journey back to 1820.

  Read more 55.663202 -3.781802

• Paisley Museum

  Glasgow & The Clyde Valley

  At the museum you can have a look around the Coats Observatory which is one of four public observatories in the country.

  Read more 55.844976 -4.430001

• Bothwell Castle

  Glasgow & The Clyde Valley

  Find out how bleak the conditions were for prisoners in the 13th century when you take a look around the castle's ancient prison tower.

  Read more 55.809474 -4.094467

• Craignethan Castle

  Glasgow & The Clyde Valley

  The castle's caponier is one of only two gun defences of this kind built in Scotland and is the first that was built in Britain.

  Read more 55.687216 -3.902094

• Newark Castle

  Glasgow & The Clyde Valley

  Learn more about the working life of servants back in the 15th and 16th century in the caslte's 'below the stairs' area.

  Read more 55.934581 -4.67797

• Dumbarton Castle

  Glasgow & The Clyde Valley

  Enjoy breathtaking views from Dumbarton Castle where you can see the stunning scenery of the White Tower Crag and even the peak of Ben Lomond.

  Read more 55.935938 -4.561423

• Fife Folk Museum

  The Kingdom of Fife

  See costumes, toys and games as well as agricultural tools from the past at this museum in Ceres.

  Read more 56.292097 -2.970343

• Culross Palace

  The Kingdom of Fife

  Step back in time and discover atmospheric cobbled streets in Culross before visiting the historic palace which dates back to 1597.

  Read more 56.055421 -3.631503

• Kellie Castle

  The Kingdom of Fife

  This wonderful 14th century castle boasts a beautiful Victorian garden and spectacular interiors with highlights including fine furniture and ornate ceilings.

  Read more 56.238574 -2.773319

• Aberdour Castle

  The Kingdom of Fife

  There are many points of interest to visit at this imposing castle including St Fillan's - a restored Norman church.

  Read more 56.055265 -3.297981

• Orkney Library

  Orkney

  Trace your Orcadian family history at the local library and discover more about Orkney's fascinating heritage.

  Read more 58.98197 -2.962388

• The Orkney Museum

  Orkney

  Formerly a house where the Baikie family lived for three centuries, The Orkney Museum now showcases a collection of international significance.

  Read more 58.98163 -2.960969

• Tomb of the Eagles

  Orkney

  Head back to the stone and bronze ages at the Tomb of the Eagles & Bronze Age House, uncovered by a local farmer in the 1950s.

  Read more 58.744546 -2.941512

• Kirbuster Farm Museum

  Orkney

  Kirbuster housed the Spence and Hay families until the 1960s and it is now open for visitors as a traditional, unrestored 'firehoose'.

  Read more 59.120342 -3.274695

• Corrigall Farm Museum

  Orkney

  Learn more about the important and unique features of Orkney farming from machinery to local improvements.

  Read more 59.050235 -3.193407

• Scapa Flow Visitor Centre

  Orkney

  If you are interested in Britain's world wars, head to Scapa Flow, the Royal Navy's main anchorage during both WW1 and WW2.

  Read more 58.83775 -3.214088

• Stromness Museum

  Orkney

  Whether you are looking for activities with the whole family or you simply want to explore Orkney's maritime history and connections with The Hudson Bay Company, Stromness Museum will give you a fascinating insight.

  Read more 58.958487 -3.301037

• Bishops & Earls Palaces

  Orkney

  Not far from St Magnus Cathedral, these palaces witnessed the death of King Hakon of Norway in 1263.

  Read more 58.980339 -2.95949

• Heart of Neolithic Orkney

  Orkney

  This UNESCO World Heritage Site is of great archaeological significance boasting standing stones as well as a chambered tomb.

  Read more 59.048612 -3.341603

• Seallam! Visitor Centre

  Outer Hebrides

  Why not use the genealogy visitor centre - Co Leis Thu? - which holds research about almost every household in the Outer Hebrides over the last 200 years?

  Read more 57.796684 -7.065787

• Museum nan Eilean

  Outer Hebrides

  Photographs, prints, paintings and much more are displayed at Museum nan Eilean.

  Read more 58.209047 -6.383367

• Kildonan Museum

  Outer Hebrides

  This museum plays host to ceilidhs, music and dance as well as offering an archaeology room, exhibits and a craft shop.

  Read more 57.221746 -7.396803

• Kisimul Castle

  Outer Hebrides

  Known locally as the 'Castle in the Sea', this is the only signifcant mediavel castle which survives in the Western Isles.

  Read more 56.952238 -7.487586

• The Blackhouse

  Outer Hebrides

  In the village of Arnol, blackhouses sit alongside more modern buildings where peat fires burn throughout the year.

  Read more 58.343257 -6.596357

• Shetland Family History Society

  Shetland

  Use the Shetland Family History Society's fantastic resources and consult their genealogy experts to find out if you have family conenctions to Shetland.

  Read more 60.156322 -1.148864

• Shetland Museum and Archives

  Shetland

  Browse Shetland Museum and Archives' extensive collection of around 5000 magazines, books, magazines, pamphlets and journals relating to Shetland about subjects such as archaeology, genealogy, culture, folklore, the sea and war.

  Read more 60.157866 -1.150175

• Gearrannan Blackhouse Village

  Outer Hebrides

  This coastal crofting village will certainly give you a taste for island life.

  Read more 58.29493 -6.784095

• Böd of Gremista and Shetland Textile Working Museum

  Shetland

  The böd was built in 1780 and is the only böd in Shetland that has been renovated to its originall state. The böd was also the birthplace of Arthur Anderson, founder of P&O Ferries.

  Read more 60.170679 -1.170011

• Fetlar Interpretative Centre

  Shetland

  Research your family roots using the centre's genealogical database which, in the case of some families, dates as far back as the 1500s.

  Read more 60.593654 -0.856422

• Quendale Watermill

  Shetland

  The Quendale Estate dates back to the 16th Century and in 1770 the Grierson family acquired it and became the Lairds, commisioning the mill to be built in 1867.

  Read more 59.912502 -1.327381

• Scalloway Castle

  Shetland

  Although the now unintelligable inscription above the entrance of the castle says 1600, the building work actually started in late 1599 and continued for 5 years.

  Read more 60.135931 -1.273353

• The Family History Centre

  Perthshire

  Located in the Registration Office in Perth, experienced staff will help you in your search of genealogical records.

  Read more 56.39697 -3.42671

• Muness Castle

  Shetland

  Muness castle has some beautiful architectural details and is the northernmost castle in the British Isles.

  Read more 60.688658 -0.849408

• Old Scatness Broch & Iron Age Village

  Shetland

  The earliest evidence showing that the site was inhabited for two millennia is some ard-cultivated soil that contains Early Iron Age pottery and coarse stone tools.

  Read more 59.87894 -1.30601

• Dalmunzie Castle

  Perthshire

  Overlooked by towering mountain peaks, Dalmunzie is a Lairds mansion turreted in the Scots Baronial style.

  Read more 56.82367 -3.490561

• Jarlshof Prehistoric and Norse Settlement

  Shetland

  At Jarlshof you can see a Norse longhouse which is strong evidence that shows that the Vikings weren’t all about looting and pillaging.

  Read more 59.867526 -1.28186

• Stanley Mills

  Perthshire

  Explore this complex of water-powered cotton mills and enjoy the new interactive visitor experience.

  Read more 56.479636 -3.43892

• Heritage Hub

  Scottish Borders

  Browse the Heritage Hub's fantastic archives to help you trace your family tree or even discover more about the history of your house.

  Read more 55.420856 -2.788539

• Atholl Country Life Museum

  Perthshire

  Capture the past and find out about local personalities before having a look at the only stuffed cow in Scotland.

  Read more 56.766137 -3.845479

• Eyemouth Maritime Centre

  Scottish Borders

  Find out more about the underworld of smugglers and see a collection of smugglers' memorabilia and relics on display.

  Read more 55.838123 -2.062484

• Crieff Visitor Centre

  Perthshire

  View and purchase a selection of quality Scottish products, visit the Highland Drovers Exhibition and see beautiful Caithness Glass.

  Read more 56.363686 -3.852126

• Gunsgreen House

  Scottish Borders

  The house was built in Built in the 1750s for infamous local smuggler John Nisbet and it is still a House of Secrets - discover the hidden tea chute at the top of the house and a dark, barrel-filled cellar full of smuggled alcohol.

  Read more 55.874075 -2.085891

• The Black Watch Castle

  Perthshire

  From uniforms to medals and photographs, discover all about Scotland's oldest Highland Regiment and admire Balhousie Castle - originally an L-shaped tower house.

  Read more 56.40345 -3.436691

• Halliwell’s House Museum

  Scottish Borders

  The museum building dates from the end of the 18th century and is part of what is most likely the oldest surviving row of houses in Selkirk.

  Read more 55.546467 -2.842069

• Borders Textile Towerhouse

  Scottish Borders

  Find out about the Scottish Borders' textile industry's connections to Vivienne Westwood, Chanel and Dior at the Borders Textile Towerhouse.

  Read more 55.422083 -2.787884

• Scone Palace

  Perthshire

  Home of the Earls of Mansfield, there is plenty to see at Scone Palace from artworks to the celebrated crowning place of the Kings of Scots.

  Read more 56.422608 -3.438111

• Floors Castle

  Scottish Borders

  Floors Castle is a truly stunning building with akin to a romantic fairytale castle with towering turrets, cupolas and pinnacles.

  Read more 55.605298 -2.46009

• Traquair House

  Scottish Borders

  Visit Traquair House, Scotland's oldest inhabited residence, and discover an 18th century brewery.

  Read more 55.608347 -3.063982

• Menzies Castle

  Perthshire

  This Seat of the Chiefs of Clan Menzies was a resting place for Bonnie Prince Charlie on his way to Culloden in 1746.

  Read more 56.622381 -3.90253

• Hermitage Castle

  Scottish Borders

  Visit the site of a secret tryst between Mary Queen of Scots and the 4th Earl of Bothwell. Mary visited her lover on 16 October 1566 at the castle after he was badly injured in a skirmish.

  Read more 55.255173 -2.792774

• Killiecrankie

  Perthshire

  Visit this tranquil landscape and imagine a soldier leaping across the River Garry to make his escape.

  Read more 56.744077 -3.777018

• Smailholm Tower

  Scottish Borders

  The 15th century Smailholm Tower is surprisingly intact - it is still roofed and retains all of its floors and its surrounding buildings and wall also remain.

  Read more 55.604281 -2.57638

• Atholl Estates

  Perthshire

  With a history dating back to the 13th century, today you can stay on Atholl Estates to get active in the great outdoors and enjoy beautiful Blair Castle.

  Read more 56.777232 -3.855085

• Melrose Abbey

  Scottish Borders

  Keep your eyes peeled as you explore Melrose Abbey to spot some of the intriguing sculptures,such as the famous bagpipe-playing Melrose pig.

  Read more 55.599028 -2.719377

• Lochleven Castle

  Perthshire

  Reach the castle by passenger boat to uncover a colourful history.

  Read more 56.199732 -3.416653