Monuments to visit Scotland

The unhappy Queen Mary Stuart spent a month here in October 1566. She was visiting her adviser, secret lover and future husband, the Earl of Bothwell, in the Hermitage Castle. This beautiful 16th century stone house retraces his life, as tragic as it is fascinating. We discover for example one of his hair, a death mask, and his last thoughts in the Last letter room. It is all very informative, against a backdrop of politics, betrayals, murders and lies.

Muness Castle dates back to the late 1500s. It was built for Laurence Bruce of Cultmalindia, half-brother of Robert Stuart, first Earl of Orkney, who is a prominent figure in Shetland. Accused of oppression, it is also described as heroic in some legends. It is the northernmost castle in Britain. It is also a remarkably fine tower-house, a superb example of this type of architecture, with many remarkable details. One can see the life of the family and the servants

Andrew Carnegie was born in 1835 in this modest weaver's house. He is one of the main actors in the development of the steel industry in the United States. Nicknamed the richest man in the world in his day, he single-handedly embodied the American dream. He is remembered as a brilliant businessman and philanthropist, giving millions of dollars to various foundations and bequeathing his fortune to charities. The house traces his life and his work.

The Engine Shed invites you to explore Scotland's built heritage. Classical and interactive exhibitions provide an understanding of architecture over the centuries, capturing its history and becoming the ultimate in learning about Scotland's built heritage. The museum spaces are very modern: 3D theatres, augmented reality, participatory workshops... This very concrete visit puts you in a situation and makes you discover the buildings in all their states: plans, materials, know-how, engineering, technologies, and even practical advice.

Designed by William Adam in 1750, the House of Dun is an elegant Georgian-style country house set in the middle of a beautiful park of gardens and woods. This house is the architectural embodiment of the ideal of an 18th century laird. Nothing is left to chance. Everything is aesthetics, geometry, symmetry and classical art, down to the smallest detail, from the floors to the ceilings and all the ornamental and decorative elements. The kitchen was, for its time, ultra modern, which is what makes it so attractive today.

This library is a pure jewel. Bibliophiles, lovers of literature or history, you must enter this cultural mecca, which spans 5 floors. It houses some of the finest national collections, including one of the world's largest collections of Burns manuscripts. It hosts many events. Genealogy enthusiasts can also research their Scottish ancestors at the Family History Centre. A café and an online store will allow you to prolong the immersion.

This medieval fortress, now in ruins, belonged to the Moray family and is one of the most beautiful motte and bailey castles in the country. Mottes were common in the 12th and 13th centuries before being replaced by stone castles. These fortifications consisted of a wooden keep, placed on top of an artificial mound. Some also had an enclosed courtyard, or bailey, with additional wooden buildings. This proud castle was once one of the strongest in Scotland. It has, alas, been abandoned since 1705.

In ruins for more than 300 years, this castle is nevertheless particularly imposing and impressive, overlooking the sea. It was once more important than Culzean Castle, its famous neighbour. Its origins date back to 1200. The Kennedy family prospered here. Mary Queen of Scots is said to have stayed there for three days from August 4, 1563, as the guest of Gilbert Kennedy. The castle was the scene of battles and the object of many conflicts. It became a ruin around 1700 and was used as a quarry before becoming a romantic site.

This high ruined castle was built by Robert II in the 1370s, shortly after his accession to the throne. Because of its location on a promontory, it offers a superb view of the surrounding countryside and the Firth of Clyde. The visit allows to discover the history of the place and the building, from room to room. The surroundings are also interesting and worth putting on good shoes: Dundonald Woodland (large deciduous forest), access to Auchans Castle (remains), walk on Smuggler's Trail (leaflets at the castle).

This place is a must for those who are interested in the country's heritage or for budding genealogists. It has many resources on the history of the region, with newspapers, maps, photographs, books, official and unofficial archives. If you need to do genealogical research, you've come to the right place. At its heart is the statue of Robert Burns, the centerpiece of the original monument erected in 1879. It is the only place in Scotland to have archives dating back over 500 years. For £15, you can even do genealogical research.

This Edwardian mansion is full of surprises. It houses the Sharp Collection, rich in paintings, tapestries and ceramics. It also displays antique board games. The exteriors are beautiful and have many attractions. The walk through the woods to the hill is pleasant and offers a magnificent view of Perthshire. A botanical trail invites fascinating discoveries. The Kingarrock golf course has been restored and is available for play.

The prison in the old town can be visited on a guided tour with an actor in costume, taking turns playing different roles. Immersed in the gloomy atmosphere of the building, designated as one of the worst prisons in Britain, you will discover the history of crime and punishment in the Stirling of yesteryear. You will meet the executioner Jock "The Happy Hangman" Rankin, but also the murderers and the tortured. From the top of the tower you will enjoy a beautiful view of the historic town and the surrounding countryside.

This castle is believed to be the oldest surviving and well-preserved castle in Scotland. Erected in the 1100s, it is an impressive complex, adapted through the ages and architectural fashions up to the 1600s. The painted ceiling is a remnant of 17th century splendour. It successively belonged to the Mortimer, Randolph and Dougras families. The walled garden is an invitation to stroll, as are the terraces and park overlooking the Forth.

Kilchurn castle is one of the most photographed castles in Scotland. It must be said that its ruins are particularly photogenic, facing the loch and the hollow of the mountains. It was built in the 1400s and was the stronghold of the Campbells clan of Glenorchy for 150 years. After the first Jacobite uprising in 1689, it became a garrison stronghold, before being abandoned at the end of the 18th century. Currently, it is only visited from the outside. A car park a few hundred metres away makes it easy to stop there.

Emblematic site of Tarbert, its castle is a listed monument of national importance, thanks to the passage and action of Robert The Bruce, King of Scotland in 1325. He is the one who had it expanded and strengthened. If the site has been a ruin since the 18th century, it is very pleasant to visit for its view of Loch Fyne and its park, much appreciated by families for a picnic, a nature outing or to watch the sheep of the Hebrides shearing grass. It is him you will see, illuminated, at night, from the port of Tarbert.

Toilets, this is a public restroom... Recommending a toilet in a guidebook is not common, but you shouldn't miss it... Between the galley and the pier, the Victorian toilets of Rothesay are more than a place of ease, a stopover that has become unmistakable and even very attractive. Opened in 1899, these toilets are a fine example of the style of the period, with their ornate ceramics and mosaics.

These ruins will undoubtedly be among those that will impress you the most. The castle looks like a ghost ship, a stone ship stranded on a cliff. It bears two names: Girnigoe, first for a first construction, then Sinclair, named after the clan that erected it in this form at the end of the 15th century. It has survived several battles and was demolished by cannon fire, never to be rebuilt. Now preserved and protected, it is accessible to all.

Kellie Castle is a Victorian castle. It is admired for its artwork, its ornate plasterwork - the majestic ceiling of its library is one of the oldest in Scotland - and the great beauty of its Arts and Crafts garden, with the fragrance of ancient rose varieties. The stables are also an exhibition space: they pay tribute to the sculptor Hew Lorimer. It is even possible to visit his sculpture workshop. The castle is open to the public, with volunteers present in the rooms to reveal the secrets and guided tours.

The Tron Kirk is an old church, built between 1636 and 1647. Its imposing spire can be seen from all over the city, making it the meeting point for the Hogmanay festival. It was here that goods and goods were weighed, as were souls, in a way, since criminals were punished. After having survived the centuries as best it could, it came under the temporary control of the Edinburgh World Heritage. The organization offers an exhibition on Scotland's historical and landscape treasures: an excellent introduction to refine your stay!