Scotland is home to some of the most remarkable examples of ancient architecture in Europe. The country’s rich history can be seen throughout its landscape, from the ruins of medieval castles to the remnants of Neolithic settlements. Arguably, the most famous example of ancient Scottish architecture is Edinburgh Castle, which sits on a volcanic crag above the city and has been continuously in use for almost 2,000 years. However, many other important historical sites around Scotland have withstood the test of time. Let’s take a look at some of these lesser-known monuments:
Edinburgh Castle
Perhaps the most famous ancient monument in Scotland is Edinburgh Castle. The fortress sits on a volcanic crag above the city it has called home for almost 2,000 years. The castle was the center of political power in Scotland for centuries, and its long and turbulent history is written into its very fabric. The oldest surviving part of the castle dates from the 12th century, and the impressive Great Hall was completed in the 14th century. Although the castle was first built as a defensive structure, by the 16th century it was used as a royal residence. Today, Edinburgh Castle is one of Scotland’s most important tourist attractions. Visitors can explore the castle’s extensive grounds and visit its many historic buildings, including the National War Museum of Scotland, the Scottish Crown Jewels, the Royal Palace, and the Great Hall.
Callanish Stones
The Callanish Stones are a collection of ancient standing stones in the Outer Hebrides, Scotland. There are around 60 stones at the site, which form a giant circle. The stones are thought to have been built around 3,500 years ago, and they are one of the most important examples of Neolithic architecture in Scotland. The site is managed by Historic Environment Scotland, and it can be visited by the public. The Callanish Stones are particularly interesting due to their resemblance to the nearby standing stones at Stonehenge. Although the two sites were built and used thousands of years apart, they share a similar design and architecture. These are two of the most famous examples of ancient architecture in the world, and they are only about 200 miles apart. Perhaps these two stones were built by the same people? Historians and archaeologists continue to explore this fascinating connection between the two sites.
Ring of Brodgar
The Ring of Brodgar is a Neolithic henge and stone circle near the town of Stromness on the island of Orkney, Scotland. The site was built around 3,000 BCE and is one of the most important and well-preserved examples of Neolithic architecture in the world. The Ring of Brodgar is thought to have been used as a ceremonial site and a religious center by the ancient inhabitants of Orkney. The site is managed by Historic Environment Scotland and it can be visited by the public. It is also open to archaeologists, who often excavate the site to learn more about the people who built it. The Ring of Brodgar is one of the most important surviving symbols of ancient architecture in Scotland, and it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Arbroath Abbey
Arbroath Abbey is a ruined abbey on the coast of Angus, Scotland. The abbey was built by the Scottish King and Saint, William the Lion, in the 12th century. It was a center of learning and religion in Scotland for several centuries, but it was abandoned and eventually destroyed by King James III in the 15th century. Today, the abbey is one of the most important surviving examples of medieval architecture in Scotland. The abbey is managed by Historic Environment Scotland and it can be visited by the public. Archaeologists often explore the site, and a small museum at the site displays some of the artifacts they have found there. Arbroath Abbey is one of the most important surviving examples of medieval architecture in Scotland, and it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Dunskey Castle
Dunskey Castle sits on a crag above the River Dee in the Dumfries and Galloway region of Scotland. The castle was built in the 12th century as a royal fortification, and it continued to be used as a fortress until the 16th century. It is one of the best-preserved castles of this period in Scotland, and it is also one of the most important surviving examples of medieval architecture in the country. Dunskey Castle is managed by Historic Environment Scotland and it can be visited by the public. It is open on a limited basis due to the fragile nature of its stonework, but it is well worth the trip. Dunskey Castle is one of the most important surviving examples of medieval architecture in Scotland and it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Auchen Castle
Auchen Castle sits on a hill above the Auchenfrew River in the southwest of Scotland. The castle was built in the 12th century as a royal fortification. It was used as a defensive structure for around 500 years until it was abandoned in the 16th century. Auchen Castle is one of the best-preserved examples of a medieval fortification in Scotland, and it is one of the most important surviving examples of medieval architecture in the country. Auchen Castle is managed by Historic Environment Scotland and it can be visited by the public. It is open on a limited basis due to the fragile nature of its stonework, but it is well worth the trip. Auchen Castle is one of the most important surviving examples of medieval architecture in Scotland and it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Croft Moraig Stone Circle
The Croft Moraig Stone Circle is a collection of standing stones in the Outer Hebrides, Scotland. There are around 20 stones at the site, which form a small stone circle. The stones are thought to have been built around 3,000 years ago, and they are one of the most important examples of Neolithic architecture in Scotland. The site is managed by Historic Environment Scotland and it can be visited by the public. It is open to archaeologists, and there have been several excavations at the site over the years. The Croft Moraig Stone Circle is one of the most important surviving examples of Neolithic architecture in Scotland.
Machrie Moor Standing Stones
The Machrie Moor Standing Stones are a collection of ancient standing stones in Argyll, Scotland. There are about 20 stones at the site, which form a small stone circle. The stones are thought to have been built around 3,000 years ago, and they are one of the most important examples of Neolithic architecture in Scotland. The site is managed by Historic Environment Scotland and it can be visited by the public. It is open to archaeologists, and there have been several excavations at the site over the years. The Machrie Moor Standing Stones are one of the most important surviving examples of Neolithic architecture in Scotland.
Conclusion
These are just a few of the many ancient monuments in Scotland. From Prehistoric standing stones to medieval castles, and even ornate buildings from the Victorian era, Scotland is filled with fascinating and beautiful pieces of architecture. With its distinct history and culture, Scotland is a fascinating place to visit.