Monuments to visit Scotland

From the Scottish Dene meaning deep valley, Dean Village, first known as Water of Leith Village, was a community of millers first mentioned in 1128. At the beginning of the 18th century, eleven mills were maintained here and the baxters of the bakers' guild conducted a flourishing trade. Nowadays, the district is appreciated for its setting below the city. Follow the Water of Leith Walkway or join the Gallery of Modern Art via the Dean Path, cutting through the picturesque Dean Cemetery.

The oval balloon buffs will be right at home here. The stadium of anthology was inaugurated in 1925, when the national team won its first grand slam. It is an integral part of Scotland's heritage and occupies a special place in the imagination of fans around the world. Between 1942 and 1944, it was even requisitioned to serve as a Royal Air Force depot. Although it can now accommodate more than 67,000 spectators, it had a much larger capacity, which had to make way for certain security arrangements. Yet it holds the world record for attendance at a rugby match, with an attendance of 104,000 at a Scotland-Wales match in 1975. U2, James Brown and David Bowie have each filled it, but it is when the players flanked by a thistle on their hearts enter the pitch that the stadium vibrates in unison, singing the famous 'Flower of Scotland'. The visit lasts 1h30 and plunges into the bowels of the enclosure, from the changing rooms to the players' tunnel, including the royal box, the press areas and the TV studios...

You'll visit areas that are usually inaccessible and you'll be told many stories about the history of rugby, Scottish exploits, stadium sights, but also about the sport and the preparation of international matches. Visits can be privatized and adapted on request. Reservations are required as visits are limited in place or may be cancelled depending on current events.

To visit Dunollie is to visit 3 sites. First, Dunollie Castle: its ruins, with a last renovation completed in 2019, offer a superb panoramic view on the Oban bay. Then the house-museum: a house from 1745 where each room has been renovated and fitted out to display old objects (^19th century) testifying to the daily life of its occupants. From the kitchen to the children's rooms, we discover everything about the life of a family in the 1800s. The museum also tells the story of the MacDougall clan and, through their epic story, traces the history of Scotland. Then, the park: its course invites to better understand the various invasions which marked the history of Scotland. It is also an opportunity to learn more about the civilization and mythology of the Vikings.

Regularly during the school vacations, the site offers practical and manual workshops of 1 hour for children (£5), which can be an excellent idea to familiarize them with English. There is also the possibility to follow a guided tour at no extra cost or to organize specific visits: adapted to children, focusing on the discovery of the gardens, taking a closer look at the old textiles..

You can have lunch, a picnic or a snack on the spot, thanks to The Kettle café and its menu, made of home-made products, very tasty and at mini prices.

Seven hundred years of history pass by in this superb castle. It is one of the oldest tower houses in the country, as evidenced by the oak trees planted in 1700. Drum Castle is full of secrets, as the tour will reveal. From room to room, the sumptuous decorations follow one another and stun by their beauty. On the top floor, the atmosphere changes: the white walls let the contemporary art express itself. You can also visit the gardens, the oak forest and the chapel.

If you like the Georgian style and the architecture of William Adam, then you can't miss this iconic site. The manor house is simply splendid, seen from the inside and outside, and offers a rich history, from its construction, to royal visits and its use as a prison camp in wartime. It is a place devoted to art, with regular exhibitions in collaboration with the National Galleries of Scotland, a landscaped park of ornamental follies and a superb neo-gothic mausoleum, among others.

750 years of Scottish history, celebrated precisely in 2019, await you here. Dating back to the 13th century, Blair Castlehas undergone many renovations and refurbishments over the years, finally displaying the elegance it enjoys today. Its past is linked to that of Mary Queen of Scots, the Three Kingdoms War, the Jacobite uprisings and even Europe's only legal private army, the Atholl Highlanders, which of course has only a ceremonial role and was authorised by Queen Victoria.

Castle. Inside, you will see sumptuous rooms, exceptional pieces of furniture - Chippendale furniture, for example - and a vast collection of weapons, as well as numerous paintings, especially in the impressive staircase. Raise your head to the ceiling and you'll also see some magnificent decorations. There are a total of 30 rooms in the castle to visit, with exhibitions in the last ones.

Park and gardens. The landscapes are varied around Blair Castle. You will visit the walled garden, called Hercules Garden, restored to its original Georgian design. Pond, Chinese bridge and orchard adorn it. Follow a carved walkway, explore Diana's Grove, a wooded area with some of Scotland's tallest trees, discover the ruins of St Bride's Church, in a site that was already a place of worship in Celtic times. Finally, you will see deer in a large park.

It is one of the must-see visits for lovers of religion and ancient books. In addition to the history of the house and its famous inhabitants - James Mosmann, royal jeweller, who made the Scottish crown; John Knox, father of the Scottish religion and key figure in history - it tells the story of the Humanities and first impressions. There is a collection of books by great humanists, a bible from 1521 and John Knox's History of the Reformation within the Realme of Scotland. The place also hosts the Scottish Storytelling Association.

Mount Stuart is a remarkable Victorian neo-Gothic palace built between 1879 and 1900. Intended for the Marquis de Bute, it succeeded a 1719 building that went up in smoke during a fire in 1877. It owes its great beauty to the architect Robert Rowand Anderson, who sought to reflect the good taste of its sponsor, a descendant of King Robert the Bruce. The interiors, as mysterious as they are refined, are in keeping with his passion for art, astrology, mythology and religion. However, he did not have time to settle there, his death having occurred just before the house was completed. With the guided tours (mid season) and the free visit (high season: July and August), visitors can enjoy its great architectural and stylistic value. It is difficult not to succumb to the elegance of the chapel, the marble staircase, the drawing room and the intriguing horoscope room. The palace is also an artistic place with contemporary art exhibitions renewed every year.

In addition to the palace, the gardens also have a high artistic value. Made to be explored, they offer many treasures in the form of arboreal and horticultural collections of world importance, with a surprising touch of tropical essences. It must be said that the Bute family was passionate about plants, and you can feel it: landscape art at its best, arboretum and pinetum (800 conifers!).

And if you fancy a snack, the Courtyard Cafe & shop will be perfect with its fresh local produce.

Built in 1856 for Queen Victoria, this superb castle is a very refined example of "Scottish baronial" architecture. Queen Elizabeth used to visit it regularly, but it is not strictly speaking a royal residence. The building does not belong to the crown, but to the family that owns it, as a private property. The visit is interesting, but do not expect to see everything. Only the ballroom and the exhibition space are accessible. Most of the discovery is done outside in the beautiful gardens.

Built in 1905 for Baron de Palmer, Manderston House is a sumptuous example of Edwardian style. When John Kinross, the architect, asked what his budget was, he was told that it didn't matter.... The result is there to prove it: this luxurious residence is just as luxurious as its gardens are charming. Don't miss the ballroom, the marble floors, the very advanced kitchen fittings, and the world's only silver staircase. The formal gardens (56 ha) are also superb and worth a stroll.

A Palladian villa from the 1750s, Dumfries House was built by the famous John and Robert Adam, with interiors decorated by Thomas Chippendale. Some rooms have been estimated at £4 million! Originally commissioned for William Dalrymple, Earl of Dumfries, it passed into the hands of the Marquesses of Bute in 1814. When the 7th Marquis decided to sell the house in 2007, his fate and that of its remarkable furniture was more than uncertain. Prince Charles himself, Duke of Rothesay, mobilized for its preservation and its opening to the public. Some of his watercolours can be seen in one of the salons. Since 2008, four different visits (all in English) have been organised to this symbolic building of the Scottish Enlightenment, which also includes 200 hectares of the original park, with promenades and an enclosed garden.

Special Favourite: The Dumfries House café is a must for a snack, as it is served in the old stables, with tables set in the stables where the horses used to be. Their names can still be read.

Park side: You can spend a whole day here, between the house and the huge park. Families will enjoy the children's adventure park and the educational farm. Garden lovers will stroll through the Chinese-inspired garden (with its bridge), the arboretum, the Rothesay gardens and the Queen Elisabeth Walled Garden.

Staying at Dumfries House: 22 magnificent guest rooms are now available for overnight stays, (B&B from £170/night).

This luxurious stately home was designed by the famous Scottish architect William Adam, in a Palladian style at the height of elegance and refinement. The house, which is over 400 years old, has many stories to tell and each room is filled with historical anecdotes. For example, the Queen's Bedroomis named after Queen Victoria who stayed here in 1857. Works of art are omnipresent here, thanks to an invaluable collection of paintings by Victorian painter James Giles. Don't leave without admiring the beautiful formal gardens.

Here is a site where you can easily spend a whole day with your family without getting bored. Lovers of castles, lovers of gardens, this site will delight you by all its aspects. This sublime 400 year old castle is located between Forres and Dyke, in the Moray region.

The Castle : This magnificent 1567 castle was built in the shape of a "Z" for the Brodie clan, of which it is the historic seat. Renovated in the 1830s and 1840s, it has been transformed from its medieval garb into the gleaming noble residence it is today. Every room, every corridor, contains treasures of antiques and Victorian elegance, with paintings by masters, French furniture and china.

The Gardens: 71 acres of gardens surround it to continue the outdoor fun and soak up a little more of this alluring place. When it was created, it had a collection of 400 varieties of daffodils. Now it has 1,160 - impressive, right?

The Playful garden: open in 2019, this playful garden featuring the castle's iconic rabbit (you'll know why when you visit) is reminiscent of an Alice in Wonderland-like world. Children will enjoy the many facilities, as well as the indoor games if the weather is not good. Another playground is located behind the castle, in the woods.

The cafes: one is located in the Playful garden, the other at the back of the castle, in the old kitchens. Here is a place with an incredible charm, and moreover, we eat well there!

Sitting in the shadow of Goat Fell, Brodick Castle is a must-see when visiting Arran. The fortification of the site dates back to the^5th century, when the Gaels extended their kingdom there from the Irish region of Antrim. In the ^10th century, it was the turn of the Norwegians to take over the place, before the island became part of the Kingdom of Mann & the Isles in the middle of the ^13th century. At the beginning of the ^14th century, it had been attached to the Scottish crown and had already experienced the wars of independence. The Earls of Arran began to build the building we see today in 1510. The War of the Three Kingdoms did not spare it and it passed from family to family according to conflicts and allegiances.

Castle. The interiors are the epitome of Victorian splendor and contain rooms and decorative elements of great value. The grand entrance hall with its hunting trophies is a reminder of the activities of the aristocracy of the time, while the bedrooms and the dining room are extremely elegant. An interactive visit of the castle, with actors in costume, sound and lighting effects is now in place, for a more playful discovery.

Park. The gardens are also worth a visit and are particularly pleasant in good weather. French gardens, they offer a peaceful escape between waterfalls, ponds and wooded paths.

Activities for children. They will love the Isle Be Wild playground and the Fairies & Legends Trail.

The Culzean Castle is an architectural marvel that stands proudly on the cliffs overlooking the Firth of Clyde. A stronghold of the Kennedy family since the 14th century, it was completely remodelled between 1770 and 1792 by the dazzling Robert Adam. The transformation had to reflect the wealth of its owner, who did not skimp on the means involved. Unfortunately, neither he nor the architect survived to see the work completed. Yet the building's place in Scottish heritage is such that it is even found on some £5 notes. One easily spends the day walking around its rooms and its 260-hectare park, which includes an orangery, an enclosed garden, greenhouses, a lake, a park with deer, cliffs, beaches and even a cave. General and American President Eisenhower himself stayed here several times and was offered apartments for life, for his decisive role in the Second World War. During your visit, don't miss the splendid oval staircase, the armoury with its collection of military pistols and swords and the Round Drawing Room.

With children: There should be two playgrounds for them: Adventure Cove and Wild Woodland. Cabins, slides, maze, climbing, adventure in the trees: they'll want more!

Park only: It is also possible, depending on the time you have available, to visit only the estate's park. You will then benefit from a reduced rate (£3/adult)

The impressive fortress of Caerlaverock seems impregnable, with its triangular structure in the middle of the water. Yet it was captured twice and one of the sieges lasted thirteen weeks. Built in the 13th century, it was the stronghold of the Maxwell family until they abandoned the place in the 17th century. The site, partly in ruins, retains considerable historical interest for its innovative architecture and its role in the wars against England. What appeals beyond history? Its enchanting and romantic aspect!

The Drumlanrig Castle is a unique example of 17th century architecture. Built between 1679 and 1689, it was commissioned by William Douglas, the Duke of Queensberry. Its beautiful pink sandstone facades support 120 rooms, 17 turrets and four towers. Some precious works of art can be seen here, such as Rembrandt's Old Woman Reading and Leonardo da Vinci's Madonna with Spindles. Visits take place exclusively in the summer, and for a guided tour you must be on site at 11am (and plan to book in advance).

Estate and Gardens: Visitors can also enjoy 16 hectares of gardens and 48,000 hectares of parkland throughout the Queensberry Estate. There are a number of footpaths and site rangers also lead guided walks through the gardens. Bicycles can be hired on site. There are many walking and hiking routes from or through the estate.

Playground: Entrance to the adventure playground is included in the park entrance, leaving the children with hours of fun, while the parents enjoy the sumptuous setting.

Village and craft shops: Drumlanrig castle is home to a community of creative craftsmen, who have their shop in this privileged location. It is in this same space, with its village spirit, that you can rent a mountain bike to go hiking in the mountains.

Tearoom: In the former kitchens of the castle, local products are served, some even coming from the vegetable garden. Sweet or savoury palate, you will find something to eat

This magnificent monument, built from 1699 to 1701 by Sir William Bruce, has since been substantially extended by an architect, William Adam. Robert and John, his sons, also architects, took care of the luxurious interior. Hopetoun House has remained unchanged since then, both in its high level of refinement and in its Georgian attributes.

The drawing rooms and the view from the roof are a must, as is the impressive staircase with its trompe l'oeil paintings. The park and the English gardens are also magnificent and the deer are happily roaming around. The family of the Marquis of Linlithgow still lives here, but an association is in charge of preserving the heritage of the place. Many works of art and sumptuous decorations are to be discovered and it is also the occasion to take a tea in the enchanting tea room or to buy some good products from the farm of the domain. Notice to families: Children will love the place, since several areas and activities are dedicated to them. They can walk along a path specially designed to facilitate their visit to the house, dress as they did in the past in Butler's panty, go on a bug hunt, try a treasure hunt (geocaching) or an orienteering race (extra charge of £2), or have fun in the park games.

Practical information : During your visit, depending on your desires or your budget, you can choose to visit the gardens alone (half price) or gardens + house. The parking is free.

Sometimes a retreat for kings in peacetime, sometimes a refuge for Catholics in wartime, the Stuart de Traquair family has always been faithful to the cause of Mary Queen of Scots and the Jacobites. At Traquair House, we discover nearly a thousand years of history. The wooded park is ideal for strolling or adventures in its maze of more than 2,000 m². The plus: the brewery that existed until the 18th century restarted production in 1965 and the products can be tasted. And, uh... The establishment also does B&B, for a night in an extraordinary setting!

William Adam is at the origin of this seductive witness of 18th century Scottish architecture. Begun in 1725, the construction of Mellerstain House was completed by his son, Robert Adams. The interiors are elegant and harmonious, thanks to a very accomplished Georgian décor and several works by great painters, such as Aikman, Gainsborough, Ramsay and Van Dyck. The beautifully landscaped gardens offer pleasant views of the lake and the Cheviot Hills. A contemporary sculpture park offers another dimension to the ensemble. Superb!

Floors Castle is a flagship of Scottish heritage and is also currently the largest castle still inhabited. Built in 1721 by William Adam for the Duke of Roxburghe, it was embellished by William Playfair in the 18th century. To say the least, the two renowned architects have done an admirable job. Everything here is an ode to greatness and good taste. For more than 40 years, visitors have been admiring the rich 17th and 18th century French furniture, 17th century Belgian tapestries, but also Gobelins tapestries, refined porcelain and fine art pieces of all kinds... Lovers of master paintings will love to come across two paintings by Henri Matisse, one by Augustus John and one by Pierre Bonnard. On the literary side, an original by the poet Robert Burns is also kept here. In all, there are 154 rooms, the most beautiful of which can be visited, and no less than 365 windows: one for each day of the year. The walled garden is also very attractive. Indeed, it contains one of the most beautiful Victorian vegetable gardens, and the floral spaces are regularly recomposed, thus offering landscape paintings by masters, varying according to the seasons and topiary inspirations. You will no doubt also be charmed by the summer pavilion, named Queen's House, following the visit of Queen Victoria in 1867. Finally, you will have to treat yourself to a lunch or an afternoon tea in this superb setting! Exactly, two nice cafés are there for that...

This magnificent fortress-like building was built as a prison in 1823, on the site of an old castle destroyed in 1409. Prisoners lived here until it was closed in 1868. Here you can learn about prison life in the 19th century and the history of the convicts who had to endure it. Some claimed that it was the most comfortable penitentiary in Scotland... In its centre, the small historical museum tells the story of the town's past, its people and its traditions.

Dunnottar castle is undoubtedly one of the most photogenic and impressive castles. Its ruins awaken all the fantasies of terrifying ghosts or epic medieval scenes. Home of the Counts of Marischal, he was visited by the greatest historical figures: Marie Stuart, William Wallace and the future King Charles II. Through its discovery, the whole history of Scotland is explored, from the Picts. Why not continue the excursion on the surrounding trails to the War Memorial? The view is breathtaking.

The Crathes estate offers many attractions. If you are travelling with your family, plan to spend a day there. The castle dates from the 16th century and takes the form of a maze of turrets, for an interior decoration of great richness, both aesthetic and historical. The gardens are beautiful and invite you to stroll among sculpted topiaries and hedges of yew trees several hundred years old. A Go Ape tree climbing centre and a Wild Wood play area will entertain adventurers of all ages.

Ballindaloch Castle was founded around 1546 by the MacPherson-Grants family... and it is still the same family that lives there. Originally a fortified tower, the building was transformed in the Victorian era to assume the splendour we know today. In the castle you will admire an important collection of Spanish paintings and one of the most beautiful private libraries in the country, among others. The gardens, with its centuries-old trees, are an enchantment.

Erected in 1869, this superb 67m tower is dedicated to none other than the famous national hero of the 13th century: Sir William Wallace. It was made possible thanks to a fund-raising campaign in the midst of the resurgence of Scottish identity. Its elaborate Victorian Gothic style contrasts with the very modern University of Stirling, at the bottom of the hill from which it dominates the surroundings. It is said to have been here that the fierce warrior watched Edward I's army set off before the Battle of Stirling Bridge on 11 September 1297. Climbing the 246 steps to the top offers a magnificent view of the surrounding area. The visit also allows you to see the weapons used in the battle against the English, some busts of great Scottish names and the sword of Wallace himself.

Good to know : Access to the monument (outside) is entirely free. A free parking is available at the bottom of the site and you can go up by following a path that goes through the woods or the small road, only used by the site shuttle. The site alone offers magnificent panoramas.

Guided tours with actors: In high season, guided tours are offered by actors in costume. All year round, conferences and animations are programmed.

Legends Coffee House: To refresh yourself and regain your strength after walking to the monument, let yourself be tempted by the Legends Coffee House. It's cosy and everything is local.

The Britannia, Britain's last royal yacht in service from 1953 to 1997, is today a five-star tourist attraction and an exclusive venue for evening events in Edinburgh. Visitors can explore the state apartments, crew quarters and engine room. They can also discover why the Britannia was so special to Queen Elizabeth II and the Royal Family, and what life was like on board for the crew. The Britannia occupies a special place in maritime history as the latest in a long line of royal yachts. To guarantee entry, it is advisable to book tickets online in advance. The Britannia is also the sister ship of the Fingal Hotel, where guests can extend their stay in one of the luxurious cabins.

Created in 1582, it is the fifth oldest English-speaking university on the planet and was at the centre of the Enlightenment movement in Scotland. Charles Darwin, David Hume, Alexander Graham Bell, Sir Conan Doyle, Robert L. Stevenson and Sir Walter Scott have all passed through its walls. Today, the most famous buildings are the Old College (1789) on South Bridge, the New College (1846) on Mound Place and the buildings dividing Bistro Square: the Medical School (1880), McEwan Hall (1897) and Teviot Row House (1889) which is the oldest student union built in history and has no less than six bars. Several museums depend on the university, if three are accessible only by appointment or with limited schedules/dates (anatomy, natural history and geology; see website), two others are open to the public.

Talbot Rice Gallery: this contemporary art gallery offers temporary exhibitions by international artists.

St. Cecilia's Hall: it has one of the largest collections of musical instruments in the world.

Based on plans by Charles Rennie Mackintosh in 1901, this beautiful house was only actually built between 1989 and 1996. The materials were chosen to stick as closely as possible to the world of the architect and to that of his wife, who had designed the interiors. Fans won't fail to look at it, so to appreciate the dining room, the oval room or the main hall, very typical and faithful to their designers. It is located in the middle of a wooded environment in Bellahouston Park. It is also an art gallery and exhibition space.

In 1424, King James ^I launched the construction of this palace on the shores of Loch Linlithgow, after a fire had razed the town's previous castle. It quickly became the royal residence of choice for the Stuarts, who appreciated the tranquility and the country setting. It was also an ideal stopover between Stirling and Edinburgh, where the court regularly visited. James V and Mary Queen of Scots were both born here. However, when her son, James VI, united the crowns of Scotland and England in 1603, he moved to London and Linlithgow Palace lost its royal use. It was kept in good condition until it was partially destroyed by fire in 1743, so that today you can see mainly the ruins. It is no less romantic and its central fountain is a masterpiece. It was the inspiration for the fountain in the Palace of Holyrood in the capital. A detour to the medieval St Michael's Church, which stands next to it, is a must. We also like the superb landscape which places the palace in a setting, between luxuriant vegetation and deep blue waters of the eponymous loch. The walk in the garden is also very enjoyable.

Smart info : There are guides and quizzes in French to know everything about the site and to have fun exploring it, between adults and with the family. And if you're around at the end of June, check out the annual Spectacular Jousting at Linlithgow Palace! (Reservations are available and recommended online.)

If you enjoyed Discovery Point, you may also want to visit Dundee's second naval attraction. This almost 200 year old ship is the only example of a wooden warship still visible in Scotland. Built by the Royal Navy and launched in 1824, she could accommodate 46 guns and 300 men for a total length of 46 metres. Today it is possible to walk along its four levels, from bow to stern, to immerse oneself in the heart of this fascinating witness of the past. Children can even take the tour in disguise!

Despite its military activity during the Wars of Independence and the War of the Three Kingdoms, Doune Castle has remained almost intact and has been used in several film shoots, such as the Holy Grail of Monty Python or, more recently, theGame of Thrones series, in which it was sometimes used as a set at Winterfell, as well as the Outlander series. It was the home of Robert Stuart, Duke of Albany. Son of King Robert II and brother of King Robert III, he was regent of the country during his father's illness and held the reins of power during his brother's reign.

Tioram Castle is located on the rocky island of Eilean Tioram, where the waters of Loch Moidart and the Shiel River meet. It was seduced at a strategic point, rivers and seas being once the preferred routes of circulation. Among other things, vestiges of Viking presence were found there. In ruins, it cannot be visited even at low tide. However, you can walk around the island and around the building. However, be very careful (risk of rock falls) and watch the tide schedules.

Raised in the 13th century, this medieval building is one of the oldest stone castles in the country. Placed at the mouth of Loch Linnhe, it was the work of the Earls McDougall, before passing into the hands of the Campbell clan in the 15th century. Besieged by Robert the Bruce during the Wars of Independence, it is a witness to the history of the country. Very well preserved, it offers to see imposing walls, the remains of its great hall and the residences of the new house, as well as a chapel. Climb the ramparts to embrace a superb view!

It is the oldest of Scotland's castles still inhabited; the MacLeods have been living there since the 13th century. Their motto is Hold Fast! ("Hang in there!"). The family never abandoned the building, its rock, and even less the Fairy Flag, an old piece of cloth that has caused many adventures.

The tour includes a visit to the castle, where you can see various objects from the MacLeod clan, but also the bedrooms, lounges and dungeons, as well as the gardens, created in the 19th century. The latter have become one of the largest horticultural gardens in Scotland.

Perched on an island in the middle of Loch Laich, a cove in Loch Linnhe, this fortress was built in the 14th century by the McDougall clan and was used for the filming of a scene from the Monthy Python film, Sacred Grail (1975). Tours last about two hours, including the boat trip, and are led by the Stewart Allward family, the current owner of the site. You can also enjoy the superb view of the castle from the Castle Stalker View café, which offers a breathtaking view of the building, or by walking a few metres towards the shore.

Designed by the Spanish Enric Miralles, the construction of the Scottish Parliament's headquarters was spread out from 1999 to 2004. Today, this boldly shaped building stands in stark contrast to the rest of Old Town and its neighbour, the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Some people love it, others hate it... It can be visited free of charge: an interactive exhibition explains the role, functioning, history and architecture of parliament. Several guided tours (to be booked) are available: classic, "Architecture tour", "Art tour" and "Photography Tour".

It overlooks the River Ness. The Jacobites seized it in 1746. Its present pink appearance dates from a refurbishment from 1837 to 1847. It now houses a court of justice and a military garrison. The statue of Flora MacDonald, the heroine who helped Bonnie Prince Charlie in his escape, adorns its front and was sculpted by Andrew Davidson, a native of Inverness. If the visit of the castle is not possible, its top is however accessible to the public (Castle Viewpoint). From there, you can enjoy a 360 degree view on the city and the hinterland of the Highlands.

This colossus overlooking the hill was completed in 1815 to celebrate the victory of Trafalgar by the famous Admiral Nelson ten years earlier. In 1853, a huge sphere was installed on top of the Nelson Monument. Every day, at 1pm, she is hoisted up a mast and then released to give the time to the sailors of Leith. In its tiny museum, this story is told alongside some documents on the legendary naval battle that defeated Napoleon. At the top, the view is pleasant, but not much different from Calton Hill.

You can't miss this castle if you follow the A837 and the North Coast 500. Its ruins, at the end of Loch Assynt, have an undeniable romantic appeal. The remains as much as the site are worth a stop, and a car park is just the place to be. There are information boards with some of its secrets. Built in 1597 by the McLeod clan, it is the former prison of the Marquis of Montrose in 1650 and is linked to a dark history of betrayal. Burned down in 1745, it was never rebuilt and has remained as a haunted ruin?

Built in 1665 to defend the bay of Bressay, the fort was rebuilt in 1781 and then modified during the Victorian era. Unfortunately, only the ramparts remain today. In good weather, take a walk along the small cliffs of the Knab, at the southern tip of the town, or to the loch of Clickimin, just west of the town. On a small island in this small lake, connected to the shore by a dyke, is a perfectly preserved circular brooch dating back to the Iron Age. The lake is frequented in particular by tufted ducks.

These two impressive ruins were the residences of the Bishops of Orkney from the 12th and 17th centuries respectively. The medieval Bishop's Palace is a sturdy building with beautiful views of St Magnus Cathedral and Earl's Palace was a model of refinement in its time. Its Renaissance architecture, its turrets and vast rooms make one imagine the splendour of its former days. Today, they provide a beautiful glimpse of their past grandeur.

The Glasgow Tower offers a stunning panoramic view. Just the figures alone make you dizzy: it rotates 360°, it is referenced in the Guinness Book of Records as the highest fully rotating self-supporting structure in the world, it is 127 m high... Before climbing, you will discover the history of the tower and all the adventures and feats of its engineering. Climbing to the top of the tower takes just over 2 minutes. People prone to vertigo will be able to try the geolocated augmented reality experience on iPad.

Falkland Palace is a magnificent example of a Renaissance palace. It was the country residence of the Stuart kings. You will follow in the footsteps of Mary Queen of Scots in the royal apartments. The rooms have been recreated in their former splendour. You will discover that the castle is full of secrets, fascinating stories... and there is even talk of a treasure. The formal gardens are superb, as is the landscaped park, and the tennis court, one of the oldest in Britain, is a curiosity to see.

This site is to be discovered both as a cultural place and as a space of artisanal and alternative stores. A heritage site, it is the former Victorian railway station that has been perfectly renovated. An exhibition with explanatory panels is held in the open air to tell the story of the station in its splendid period, when Strathpeffer was an international resort, as well as its role during the wars, then its abandonment and its new life, starting in the 1990s.

When passing through the Tongue area, don't miss the short walk to Castle Varrick Hill, which dominates the surroundings. It's not as long as it looks when you can see the castle in the distance! This fortress of the MacKay clan was built in the 14th century. Its remains offer beautiful views (it is possible to climb up the tower) and give a glimpse of the former glory of the site. The trail starts next to the RBS Bank at the corner of the A838. It is about 3 km long, with an easy ascent.

Dunninald Castle is a neo-Gothic style castle built in 1824. You can discover it on guided tours (approx. 40 min per tour). Beyond the castle we see today, the site has more than 1,000 years of history, and several fortified sites preceded the superb present building. The great wealth of the place also lies in its enclosed garden, at the height of its beauty in July. The walk in the surrounding woods (1 mile) offers beds of daffodils and hyacinths in the spring.

Legend attributes the discovery of this source to Bernard de Clairvaux, founder of the Cistercian order. This water would have cured him. Later, chemical analyses attest to its medical interest in soothing intestinal disorders. In 1788, a lord bought the spring and built a small neoclassical-inspired temple dedicated to the goddess of health, Hygieia. This picturesque building has been the subject of many paintings. Steps lead up to a terrace below the temple, from which there are beautiful views of the river.

Affectionately referred to as the "Squinty Bridge" by Glasgow residents, the Clyde Arc impresses with its elegant, contemporary curve that crosses the Clyde River at an angle. Officially opened on September 18, 2006, it was designed by Edmund Nuttall Ltd. who, thanks to its inventiveness, was able to win this monumental contract in 2002. The Clyde Arc, as much because of its futuristic asymmetry as because it opened up the banks of the Clyde, has become the symbol of Glasgow's urban renaissance.

Erected and owned by the MacSweens, Lochranza Castle dates back to the 13th century for its oldest part, and to the 15th and 16th centuries for the rest. Robert the Bruce is said to have passed through here in 1306. It was used around 1490 by James IV, then by Cromwell in 1650. In 1705, it passed under the yoke of the Hamilton family, before falling into disrepair during the 18th century. It is now protected by Historic Scotland. If you are a tintinophile, the silhouette of this castle will surely speak to you: it inspired the mysterious ruined castle of Ben More from the album L'Île Noire.