Archaeology Scotland Recommends
The best way to learn about and appreciate Scotland’s historic environment is to get out and about and visit some of the unique archaeological sites, castles and museums that explore our past. Some lie off the beaten track (such as the deserted township at Rosal) while others are iconic monuments in the care of Historic Scotland or the National Trust for Scotland. Some, such as Archaeolink and the Scottish Crannog Centre specialise in living history, while others allow a more passive experience, with the chance to explore archaeology at your own pace.
Use the links below to see some of our favourite sites, museums and visitor centres in Scotland:
Aberdeen and Grampian
Angus and City of Dundee
Argyll, The Isles, Loch Lomond, Stirling and The Trossachs
Ayrshire and Arran
Dumfries and Galloway
Edinburgh and the Lothians
Falkirk
Fife
Greater Glasgow and Clyde Valley
Glasgow Museums (including the Resource Centre and Kelvingrove Museum)
Highland
Orkney
Bishop’s Castle and Earl’s Palaces
Skara Brae Prehistoric Village
Perthshire
One of the best-preserved relics of the 18th-century Industrial Revolution and the first example of Arkwright’s factory system in Scotland has been turned into a visitor centre and education centre that houses a range of exciting interactive displays and activities. These bring the history – and science – behind the watermills to life.
Scottish Borders
The Three Hills Roman Heritage Centre
Shetland
Jarlshof Prehistoric & Norse Settlement
www.shetlandopedia.com/Jarlshof
For a comprehensive list of sites, museums and heritage centres in the Shetland Isles, visit
www.visitshetland.com/attractions-and-activities/historical/visitor-attractions
Western Isles
Run by Historic Scotland, this is part of a fascinating complex that comprises the blackhouse itself and an equally interesting "white house". There is also an excellent visitor centre in another nearby converted cottage. The Blackhouse Museum is open all year round, but is closed on Sundays.
A small boat from the slipway takes tourists across to the castle during the summer (daily from 1 April to 30 September). Admission charge to the castle includes the boat fare.
This iconic stone circle and associated lines of standing stones is situated on a prominent ridge, visible from miles around. Excavations have revealed that the ring was set up between 2900 and 2600 BC, making it earlier than the main circle at Stonehenge.
