Wonder how exciting Scotland’s history is? Check out our collection of 7 fascinating of the ancient places and people around the country. The road trip taken between those places goes well with an exploration of new online casinos.
1. Loch Ness
Easily the most iconic view of all, Loch Ness may be a mystery that remains unsolved, but this watery realm is certainly well worth the journey. Loch Ness is the largest freshwater lake in Scotland, and is situated on the north-east coast of the country.
In terms of flora and fauna, the most popular attractions in this area include the towering Quaichrie (a Neolithic circular chambered tomb) and the ruined town of Urquhart.
2. Scrabster Harbour
Scrabster Harbour, known as The Gough in its native Aberdeenshire, was founded in the 18th century by the shipbuilder George Stevenson and is named after the celebrated writer Robert Louis Stevenson.
Scrabster harbour is one of the oldest in the UK, having been used to produce local trade goods and materials.
In more recent years, the harbour has provided the backdrop to a popular film, Steven Spielberg’s “The Wind that Shakes the Barley”, starring James McAvoy and Cillian Murphy.
3. Castle Fraser
Castle Fraser is located on the Inverbervie side of Loch Ryan, just 8 miles from the ferry port at Fort Augustus.
The castle, founded in the 12th century, is one of only two ‘megalithic’ castles in Scotland. This designation applies to castles or fortresses made from massive and unbroken stones.
Today, the castle is used as a military museum.
4. Fort George
Fort George is located in Fort Augustus, at the head of Loch Ness. It was the favourite residence of James IV of Scotland and has been described as the most beautiful fortress in Scotland.
Over the years the castle has been used as a gunpowder fort and as a base for a royal hunt.
As well as the castle, there are around 20 acres of beautiful gardens to be enjoyed at Fort George.
5. Caerlaverock Castle
The Caerlaverock Castle is one of Scotland’s finest castles, on a plateau of 700ft on the banks of Loch Leven.
Constructed in 1448 and completed in 1450, the castle was damaged by Scots independence soldiers during the Jacobite rising of 1715, a key battle in the fight for British supremacy in the Highlands.
In April this year it was the scene of one of the most tragic events in Scotland’s history, the Clackmannanshire shootings, in which 16-year-old Willie Scott was fatally shot by two self-styled guards, Michael McGibbon and Richard Kerr, at the castle.
6. Doune Castle
The Doune Castle is a popular tourist attraction, situated near Stirling on the banks of the Forth.
The castle, founded by Sir William Wallace, was restored in the 19th century and has been used as a hunting lodge for many Scottish royals.
7. Fountains Abbey
Fountains Abbey was founded in 1060 and is one of Scotland’s most important monastic sites.
The abbey is named after the fine series of fountains that still flow into the loch where the monastery once stood.