WELCOME TO HISTORIC SCOTLAND
AND OVER 5,000 YEARS OF SCOTTISH HISTORY.

BORDERS	DUMFRIES AND GALLOWAY
EDINBURGH AND LOTHIANS	THE KINGDOM OF FIFE
ANGUS / CITY OF DUNDEE	GLASGOW / CLYDE VALLEY
AYRSHIRE AND ARRAN	SHETLAND
ABERDEEN AND GRAMPIAN	ARGYLL, THE ISLANDS ETC
ORKNEY	WESTERN ISLES
HIGHLANDS

Where else can you see a pig playing the bagpipes or enter a tomb built before the pyramids and burgled by the Vikings?  Or investigate the scene where a king stabbed an earl to death?

There is a lot to see and do at Historic Scotland property so why not make a day of it?  Discover the glittering crown jewels exhibition and the Stone of Destiny at Edinburgh Castle.  And then get your breath back in the restaurant with its panoramic views across Scotland’s capital.

See the hustle and bustle of a medieval kitchen brought to life at Stirling Castle and visit the exhibitions on the castle’s history and life in the royal palace.  (Don’t miss the specially commissioned wall hangings in the castle restaurant either). Or head for the highlands and Fort George where the soldiers once slept two to a bed.  If you are lucky you’ll see dolphins too.

Let the kids loose on the siege-theme adventure park at Caerlaverock castle by Dumfries where the nature trail offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy the natural as well as the built heritage.

Historic Scotland properties make a great day out for the family.  Most of our properties have quizzes written specially for children.  Ask the steward when you arrive for a copy.

During the summer, a programme of battle re-enactments, drama, music and other events brings history to life at many properties.  Ask for an events programme for more details.

ENJOY YOUR DAY OUT!

OPENING TIMES

Summer (April to September) our properties are open seven days a week, Monday to Sunday from 9.30am to 6.30pm.  Some properties have special opening times shown against their entry.

Winter  (October to March) some of our properties close.  The rest are open Monday to Saturday from 9.30am to 4.30pm and from 2.00pm to 4.30pm on Sunday – except where special opening times are shown in this brochure.  Extended opening times may also apply during the “Autumn Gold” months of October and November – please telephone for details.  All our properties close on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.  Please telephone to check for New Year opening.

With so much to see please leave plenty of time to visit before the property closes for the evening.  We sell the last ticket 30 minutes before the property closes and 45 minutes before closing at the larger properties of Edinburgh, Stirling and Urquhart castles and Fort George. Some of the smaller monuments may close for a short period over lunch.  Please call to check. To check the property you wish to visit is open, telephone the number shown against the entry or call our visitor information service on 0131 668 8800.

Admission prices are from January 1 to December 31 1999. Year 2000 prices were not available when this guide was uploaded. Properties that are run by organisations in partnership with Historic Scotland may not offer Friends of Historic Scotland retail discounts.

BORDERS

DRYBURGH ABBEY

8m SE of Melrose on the B6404. 
Tel: 01835 822381

Perhaps the most beautiful of all the Border Abbeys, the ruins of Dryburgh Abbey are remarkably complete.  The burial place of Sir Walter Scott and Field Marshall Earl Haig.

A B C G H J (STB commended).  Open all year.

Admission: Adult £2.50            Child £1.00            Reduced £1.90

A vast, eerie fortress at the heart of many of the bloodiest events in the history of the borders.  Mary Queen of Scots made her famous ride here to visit her future husband, the Earl of Bothwell.

A B (STB commended)  Open summer only.

Admission: Adult £1.80            Child £1.00            Reduced £2.30

A majestic building founded by David 1 in 1138.  The visitor centre contains the priceless Jedburgh comb and other artefacts found during excavations.

A B C D E G H I J (STB highly commended)
Open all year.

Admission: Adult £3.00            Child £1.00            Reduced £2.30

At one time probably the richest Abbey in Scotland.  The 14^th to 16^th century remains retain a unique elegance.  Burial place of the casket believed to contain the heart of Robert the Bruce.

A B C D G H J (STB commended).  Open all year.

Admission: Adult £3.00            Child £1.00            Reduced £2.30

Set on a high rocky knoll this well-preserved 16^th century tower house houses an exhibition of tapestries and costume dolls depicting characters from Sir Walter Scott’s “Minstrelsy of the Scottish Borders”.

A B D G (STB commended).  Open summer only.

Admission: Adult £1.80            Child 75p            Reduced £1.30

CAERLAVEROCK CASTLE

8m SE of Dumfries on the B725. 
Tel: 01387 770244

Caerlaverock, one of Scotland’s finest castles, is everyone’s idea of a medieval fortress.  The scene of two famous sieges this moated castle has a children’s adventure park, model siege engine and nature trail in its grounds.

A B C D E F G H I J (STB highly commended).  Open all year.

Admission: Adult £2.50            Child £1.00            Reduced £1.90

The ancient home of the McCullochs, this 15^th century four-storey tower house stands on a rocky platform above the Water of Fleet.  The fireplaces in the great and upper halls are particularly fine.

A B G (STB commended)

Open all summer and weekends in winter.

Admission: Adult £1.80            Child 75p            Reduced £1.30

Mary Queen of Scots spent her last night on Scottish soil in this Cistercian abbey founded by David 1.  The Abbey, built in the second half of the 12^th century, stands in a small and secluded valley.  The remoteness is in keeping with the strict rules and observance of the Cistercian order.

A B C H (STB commended)

Open all summer and weekends in winter.

Admission: Adult £1.50             Child 75p            Reduced £1.10

Founded by Roland, Earl of Galloway in the 1192, the ruins of this Cistercian house occupy a site of great natural beauty.  It was visited by Robert the Bruce and James IV.  Mary Queen of Scots stayed here during a royal progress.

A B C D H (STB commended)

Open all summer and at weekends in winter.

Admission: Adult £1.80            Child 75p            Reduced £1.30

Built in 1577 using stone from an adjoining ruined monastery by the then Provost, Sir Thomas MacLellan, this castellated town house has fine architectural details.

C D G (STB commended)

Open summer only.

Admission: Adult £1.50            Child 75p            Reduced £1.10

This carefully renovated 18^th –century water-powered oatmeal mill is in full working order and regular demonstrations are given for visitors in the summer.

D E G K (STB commended)

Open all year.

Admission: Adult £2.30            Child £1.00            Reduced £1.75

Joint ticket with Sweetheart Abbey available: Adult £2.80   Child £1.20            Reduced £2.10

The splendid remains of a late 13^th and early 14^th century Cistercian abbey founded by Devorgilla, Lady of Galloway, in memory of her husband John Baliol.  Devorgilla is buried in the presbytery with a casket containing her husband’s embalmed heart.

A B C H (STB commended)

Open all year.

Admission: Adult £1.20            Child 50p            Reduced 90p
Joint ticket with new Abbey Corn Mill available:
Adult £2.80            Child £1.20            Reduced £2.10

This massive tower, situated on an island in the River Dee, was built by Archibald the Grim in the late 14^th century and was later the stronghold of the Black Douglases.  Ring the bell and the custodian will come to ferry you over.

A B C I J (STB commended)

Open summer only

Admission: Adult £1.80            Child £75p            Reduced £1.30

The site of the first Christian church in Scotland founded by St Ninian in the 5^th century it later became the cathedral of Galloway.  In the museum is a fine collection of early Christian stones.  The archaeological excavation is open to visitors.  Managed by the Whithorn Trust.

A D H

Open easter to October 10.30-5.00pm

Admission: please telephone for details.

EDINBURGH AND LOTHIANS

CAIRNPAPPLE HILL

3m N of Bathgate nr. Torphichen off the A89. 
Tel: 01506 634622

One of the most important prehistoric monuments in Scotland, Cairnpapple was used as a burial and ceremonial site from about 3,000 to 1,400 BC.

D.

Open summer only.

Admission:             Adult £1.20   Child 50p            Reduced 90p

Mary Queen of Scots fled to Craigmillar after the murder of Rizzio and it was here that the plot was hatched for the murder of her husband Lord Danley.  This handsome structure with courtyard and gardens covers an area of one and a quarter acres.  The castle is featured in the BBC production of Ivanhoe.

A B C D E G I K (STB commended)

Open all year.

Admission: Adult £1.80            Child 75p            Reduced £1.30

A large and sophisticated castle with a spectacular façade of faceted stonework in an Italian style added, following a visit to Italy, by the Earl of Bothwell between 1581 and 1591.  Mary Queen of Scots attended a wedding here.

A B (STB commended).  Open summer only.

Admission: Adult £1.80            Child 75p            Reduced £1.30

A romantic castle often in the forefront of Scottish history since it was built in the 12^th century.  The renowned gardens, added in the 16^th century, include an arts and crafts herbaceous border and Victorian garden.

Open all year

Admission: Adult £2.50            Child £1.00            Reduced £ 1.90

This most famous castle dominates the World Heritage Listed Old and New towns of Edinburgh and gives stunning views of the city and countryside. 

St Margaret’s Chapel; Mons Meg siege cannon; the Great Hall; the magnificently restored Laich Hall and the Scottish National War Memorial are here together with the highly acclaimed “Honours of the Kingdom” exhibition which traces the history of Scotland’s Crown Jewels and culminates a visit to the Crown room housing the Scottish Regalia and the Stone of Destiny. 

A shop offering an highly exclusive line of specially designed jewellery is located in the adjacent Royal Apartments. 

The Vaults were where foreign prisoners-of-war were held, particularly those captured in the wars with France in the 18^th and 19^th centuries. 

A free audio tour is available just inside the castle. 
Courtesy vehicle for disabled visitors. 
Restaurant offering self and table service.

A B C D F G H I (STB commended)

Open all seven days a week, April to September 9.30-6.00. 
October to March 9.30-5.00. 
Last ticket sold 45 minutes before closing. 
Closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

Admission: Adult £6.50            Child £2.00            Reduced £5.00

Birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots.  All the Stewart Kings lived here and later it housed Cromwell, Bonnie Prince Charlie and, after Culloden, the Duke of Cumberland.  Mary of Guise declared of Linlithgow she had “never seen such a princely palace”.

A C G J (STB commended).  Open all year.

Admission: Adult £2.50            Child £1.00            Reduced £1.90

The Chancel and Apse of this lovely building are 15^th-century.  The transepts and steeple were added by the widow of Lord Seton who was killed at Flodden in 1513.

A B D (STB commended)

Open summer only.

Admission: Adult £1.20            Child 50p            Reduced 90p

Set on the edge of the cliffs, looking out to the Bass Rock, this formidable castle was a stronghold of the Douglas family.  It features earthwork defences and a massive 50ft high 14^th century curtain with wall towers.  Display includes replica gun.

A B C D G J (STB commended)

Open all year

Admission: Adult £2.50            Child £1.00             Reduced £1.90

A C F G H I J (STB commended)  Open all year

Admission: Adult £1.80            Child 75p            Reduced £1.30

The remains of the great Benedictine Abbey founded by Queen Margaret.  The foundations of her church are under the superb 12^th-century Romanesque style nave.  The Palace is the birthplace of Charles 1, the last monarch born in Scotland.

D G (STB commended) Open all year

Admission: Adult £1.80            Child 75p            Reduced £1.30

Known as the “Iona of the east”.  The abbey was founded in 1192 by Alexander 1.  The island also famed for its seals, wildlife and coastal defences from two world wars.

C G H J (STB commended)  Open summer only

Admission: Adult £2.50            Child £1.00            Reduced £1.90

The castle of the Archbishop of St Andrews.  See the fascinating mine and counter-mine rare examples of medieval siege techniques – and the bottle dungeon hollowed out of solid rock – from which death was the only release.  A fascinating exhibition in the visitor centre brings the history of the castle to life.

C D E G H I K (STB commended) Open all year

Admission: Adult £2.50   Child £1.00  Reduced £1.90. 
Joint ticket with the cathedral available:
Adult £3.50   Child £1.25      Reduced £2.70

The remains still give a vivid impression of the scale of what was once the largest cathedral in Scotland.  Climb St Rule’s Tower for a magnificent view of the town and visit the cathedral’s collection of Celtic and medieval carved stones.

D E G (STB commended)  Open all year

Admission: Adult £1.80            Child 75p            Reduced £1.30

ARBROATH ABBEY

Arbroath Abbey holds a very special place in Scottish history, it was here in 1320 that Scotland’s nobles swore their independence from England in the famous “Decloration of Arbroath”.

A B D (STB commended) Open all year

Admission: Adult £1.80            Child 75p            Reduced £1.30

The beautiful walled garden at Edzell is one of Scotland’s unique sight, created by Sir David Lindsay in 1604.  the “Pleasance” is a delightful formal garden with walls decorated with sculptured stone panels, flower boxes and niches for nesting birds.  The chequered arrangement of blue and white lobelia in the wall recesses reflect the heraldic colours of the Lindsays and the dwarf box hedge borders are cut to give the family mottos.

A B C D G H I J (STB commended)  Open all year.

Admission: Adult £2.50            Child £1.00            Reduced £1.90

A remarkable collection of 27 sculptured monuments of the Pictish period.  This is one of the finest collections of Dark Age sculpture in western Europe.

D G H I  (STB commended)  Open summer only

Admission: Adult £1.80            Child 75p            Reduced £1.30

A handsome and complete 16^th century fortified mansion with three projection towers.  The original wrought iron grilles to protect the windows are still in place and there are remains of the entrance courtyard.

A C G J (STB commended)  Open summer only

Admission: Adult £1.80            Child 75p            Reduced £1.30

The splendid painted ceilings are especially noteworthy in this castle, once owned by the Ruthven family.  Scene of a famous leap between two towers by a daughter of the house who was nearly caught in her lover’s room.

A C G J (STB commended) Open all year

Admission: Adult £1.80            Child 75p            Reduced £1.30

On an island in Loch Leven reached by ferry from Kinross off the M90. 
Tel: 0388 040483

Mary Queen of Scots endured nearly a year of imprisonment in this 14^th-century tower before her dramatic escape in May 1568.  During the first war of Independence it was held by the English, stormed by Wallace and visited by Bruce.

A C G J (STB commended) 

Open summer only

Admission: Adult £3.00            Child £1.00            Reduced £2.30

BOTHWELL CASTLE, UDDINGSTON

At Uddingston off the B7071.
  Tel: 01698 816894

The largest and finest 13^th century stone castle in Scotland, much fought over during the Wars of Independence.  Part of the original circular keep survives.  In a beautiful setting overlooking the River Clyde.

A B C D G J (STB commended) 

Open all year.

Admission: Adult £1.80            Child 75p            Reduced £1.30

In a picturesque setting overlooking the River Nethan, the oldest part of the castle is a tower house built by Sir James Hamilton of Finnart in the 16^th century.  The castle’s extensive defences include a caponier – a stone vaulted artillery chamber – unique in Britain.

A C D G J K (STB commended) 

Open all summer seven days a week.

Admission: Adult £1.80            Child 75p            Reduced £1.30

One of the most magnificent buildings of medieval Scotland, it is a rare example of complete pre-Reformation Scottish cathedral.  David 1 established the medieval diocese in the early 12^th century but the main building of the cathedral was not completed until well into the 14^th century.  The lighting system reveals much of the medieval splendour for the first time.

G H

Open all year.  Sunday opening from 2pm

Built by George Maxwell in the 15^th century this elegant and still virtually intact castle was enlarged by his descendant Patrick Maxwell in the 16^th century.  Patrick was infamous for murdering two of his neighbours and beating his wife of 44 years who bore him 16 children.

A B C G (STB commended)  Open summer only.

Admission: Adult £1.80            Child 75p            Reduced £1.30

CROSSRAGUEL ABBEY

2m S of Maybole on the A77. 
Tel: 01655 883113

Founded in the early 13^th century by the Earl of Carrick the remains include the church, cloister, chapter house and much of the domestic premises.  The early form of the Abbey’s name suggests it meant the cross of Riaghail and referred to a great standing cross.

A B C (STB commended)  Open summer only.

Admission: Adult £1.80            Child 75p            Reduced £1.30

The castle’s association with the Stewarts gives Dundonald its special importance.  Built by Robert Stewart in 1371 to mark his succession to the throne of Scotland.  Managed by the Friends of Dundonald Castle.

A B C D E F G J (Historic Scotland Friends retail discount not eligible)

Open seven days a week from April to September 10.00-5.00pm

Admission: Adult £1.50            Child 75p            Reduced 75p

SHETLAND

JARLSHOF PREHISTORIC AND NORSE SETTLEMENT

At Sumburgh Head 22m S of Lerwick on the A970.
  Tel: 01950 460112

Over three acres of remains spanning 3,000 years from the stone age.  Oval shaped bronze Age housees, Iron age broch and wheel-houses, Viking long-houses, medieval farmstead and 16^th century laird’s house.  Visitor centre and museum.

A B E G (STB commended)  Open summer only.

Admission: Adult £2.50            Child £1.00             Reduced £1.90

BALVENIE CASTLE

At Dufftown on the A941. 
Tel: 01340 820121

A fine 13^th century castle of enclosure with a curtain wall, first owned by the Comyns.  Balvenie was added to the 15^th and 16^th centuries.  Visited by Mary Queen of Scots in 1562.

A C I J (STB commended)  Open summer only

Admission: Adult £ 1.20            Child 50p            Reduced 90p

A 16^th century tower house converted for use as barracks for Hanoverian troops after Culloden.  Its last military use was as a base to control the smuggling of illicit whisky in the early 19^th century.  Still complete with star-shaped fortifications; reconstructed whisky still and barrack room.

A B D G (STB commended) Open all summer and at weekends in winter.

Admission: Adult £2.50            Child £1.00            Reduced £1.90

A completely preserved time capsule of the distillers craft.  Wander at will through this fine old Victorian Distillery then enjoy a dram.  Visitor centre, shop and audio-visual theatre.  On the malt whisky trail.

A B C E G H I J (STB commended)  Open all year

Admission: Adult £2.50            Child £1.00            Reduced £1.90

This magnificent Georgian mansion designed by William Adam for the Earl of Fife and considered to be his masterpiece is now open as Country House Gallery of the National Galleries of Scotland.

A B C D F G H I J
(historic friends of Scotland retail discount not eligible) 
April to October – open daily from 11-5pm. 
November to March; open Thursday to Sunday, from 11-4pm

Admission: Adult £3.00            Child £2.00            Reduced £2.00

The superb remains of a majestic and beautiful 13^th century cathedral.  Almost destroyed in 1390 by Alexander Stewart, the infamous “Wolf of Badenoch”. You can see the Bishop’s home at Spynie Palace, 2m north of the town.  Magnificent views of the North West tower.

D H G (STB commended) 

Open all year.

Admission: Adult £2.00            Child £1.00            Reduced £1.50

Set in a beautiful wooded riverside setting this fine hall house, built in the 16^th and 17^th centuries for the Gordon family, is famed for the fine heraldic sculpture and inscribed stone friezes.

A C D G I J (STB commended) 

Open all year

Admission: Adult £2.50            Child £1.00            Reduced £1.90

Called the “Queen of Highland Castles” this was the stronghold of the Earls of Mar, and headquarters for organising the 1715 Jacobite rising by the last Mar owner “Bobbing John”.  Scotland’s most complete 13^th century castle.

A B C G I (STB commended) 

Open summer only

Admission: Adult £1.80            Child 75p            Reduced £1.30

This fine 16^th-century castle was altered by the Northern Lighthouse company in 1787 to take their first lighthouse which is still in working order.  Managed  by the Kinnaird Head Trust.  Joint ticket with Scotland’s National Lighthouse museum.

A B C D E F G H I
(Historic Scotland Friends retail discount not eligible) 

Open all year seven days  a week. 
Telephone for further details and admission prices.

Spynie Palace was the residence of the Bishops of Moray from the 14^th century to 1686.  The site is dominated by the massive tower built by Bishop David Stewart and affords spectacular views across Loch Spynie.

A B C G I J (STB commended) 

Open all summer and weekends in winter

Admission: Adult £1.80            Child 75p            Reduced £1.30. 
Joint ticket with Elgin cathedral available:
Adult £2.80   Child 1.20            Reduced £2.10

Noted for its highly ornamented gatehouse and pleasance.  Tolquhon was built for the Forbes family.  The early 15^th century tower was enlarged between 1584 and 1589 with a large mansion around a courtyard.

A B C H I J (STB commended) 

Open all summer and weekends in winter.

Admission: Adult £1.80            Child 75p            Reduced £1.30

BLACKNESS CASTLE

4m NE of Lithgow on the Firth of Forth, off the A904. 
Tel: 01506 834807

One of Scotland’s most important strongholds.  Built in the 14^th century and massively strengthened in the 16^th century as an artillery fortress, it has been royal castle, prison, armaments depot and film location for hamlet and the BBC production of Ivanhoe.

A C G K (STB commended) 

Open all year

Admission: Adult £1.80            Child 75p            Reduced £1.30

Founded in 1753 by Cumbrian iron masters this is the most complete remaining charcoal fuelled iron works in Britain.  Displays show how iron was once made here.

A C D G H I (STB commended) 

Open all year

Admission: Adult £2.50            Child £1.00            Reduced £1.90

Known as “Castle Gloom” this spectacularly sited 15^th-century fortress was the lowland stronghold of the Campbell’s.  stunning views from the parapet walk.

A C F G J (STB commended) 

Open all year

Admission: Adult £2.50            Child: £1.00            Reduced £1.90

The formidable 14^th-century courtyard castle was built for the Regent Albany.  The striking keep-gatehouse also combines domestic quarters including the splendid Lord’s Hall with its carved oak screen, musicians’ gallery and double fireplace.  Used as a film location for the BBC production of Ivanhoe.

A B D G J (STB commended) 

Open all year.

Admission: Adult £2.30            Child £1.00            Reduced £1.75

Site of the ancient capital of Strathclyde, Mary Queen of Scots sailed to France from here as a child in 1548.  the castle is spectacularly sited on a volcanic rock overlooking the River Clyde.  Displays in Governor’s House.

A C D G J K (STB commended) 

Open all year

Admission: Adult £1.80            Child 75p            Reduced £1.30

A very fine 13^th century castle built on a rock with a great curtain wall.  Close by are the remains of a chapel with beautiful architectural detail.  The castle’s colourful history stretches across the Wars of Independence to the ’45 Rising.  Briefly the prison of Flora Macdonald.

A B C D G K (STB commended) 

Open all year

Admission: Adult £1.80            Child 75p            Reduced £1.30

A beautifully situated Augustinian priory founded in 1238 with much of the building surviving.  The four-year old Mary Queen of Scots was sent here for safety following the disasterous Battle of Pinkie in 1547.

A C G J (STB commended) 

Open summer only

Admission: Adult £3.00            Child £1.00            Reduced £2.30

C D G (STB commended) 

Open all year

Admission: Adult £1.80            Child 75p            Reduced £1.30

Admission: Adult £5.00            Child £1.50            Reduced £3.75

The finest and most complete surviving example in Scotland of a 17^th century town residence.  Built by Sir William Alexander, founder of Nova Scotia, it passed to the Argyll family on his death.  The principal rooms – including the Laigh Hall, dining room, drawing room and bedchamber – are magnificently restored and furnished as they would have appeared during the 9^th Earl of Argyll’s occupation around 1680.

A B C D G H I (STB commended) 

Open all year seven days a week. 
April to September 9.30-6.00pm. 
October to March 9.30-5.00pm. 
A joint ticket is available with the adjacent Stirling Castle. 
Last ticket sold 45 minutes before closing. 

Admission: Adult £2.80            Child £1.20            Reduced £2.00

BISHOP’S AND EARL’S PALACES

In Kirkwall on the A960.
  Tel: 01856 871918

The Bishop’s Palace is a 12^th century hall-house, later much altered, with a round tower built by Bishop Reid in 1541-48.  the notorious Patrick Stewart, Earl of Orkney, built the adjacent Earl’s Palace between 1600 and 1607.

D G (STB commended) 

Open summer only.

Admission: Adult £1.80            Child 75p            Reduced £1.30

Joint ticket for all Orkney monuments also available.

Surrounded by a warren of  Iron Age buildings, this broch probably dates to the 1^st century AD.  Vikings may have built the long house on top of the ruined broch.  The grave of a Viking woman was found nearby.

A B D G (STB commended) 

Open summer only.

Admission: Adult £2.50            Child £1.00            Reduced £1.90

Joint ticket for all Orkney monuments also available.

This world famous tomb was built in Neolithic times, before 2700 BC.  The large mounds covers a stone built passage and a burial chamber with cells in the walls.  Ruinic inscriptions tell of how it was plundered of its treasures by Vikings.  Admission, shop and refreshments at nearby Tormiston Mill.

A B C F G (STB commended)

Open all year

Admission: Adult £2.50            Child £1.00            Reduced £1.90

Joint ticket with all Orkney monuments also available.

Uncovered by a storm in 1850 Skara Brae is one of the best preserved Groups of stone Age houses in western Europe.  The houses contain Stone Furniture, hearths and drains and present a remarkable picture of life in Neolithic times.  Joint ticket with adjacent 17^th century Skaill house from 1 April to 30 September.

A B C D E F G H I J (STB commended) 

Open all year

Admission: Adult £4.00            Child £1.20            Reduced £3.00

Winter: Adult £3.20   Child £1.00            Reduced £2.40

Joint ticket for all Orkney monuments also available.

WESTERN ISLES

BLACKHOUSE ARNOL

In Arnol Village, Isle of Lewis, 11m NW of Stornoway on the A858. 
Tel: 01851 710395

A traditional Lewis thatched house, fully furnished, complete with attached barn, byre and stack yard.  A peat fire burns in the open hearth with he smoke filtering out through the hearth.

A B E (STB commended) 

Open all year except Sundays and also closed Fridays in winter.

Admission: Adult £2.00            Child £1.00   Reduced £1.50

A cross-shaped setting of standing stones, dating to around 3,000 BC, unique in Scotland and outstanding in Great Britain.  The visitor centre is managed by the Urras nan Tursachan.

A B C D E F G H I
(Historic Scotland Friends retail discount not eligible) 

Open all year seven days a week.  Visitor centre closed Sundays. 
Summer from 10.00 to 7.00pm and from 10.00 to 4.00pm in winter. 
Admission: Adult £1.50            Child 50p            Reduced £1.00

FORT GEORGE

6m W of Nairn, 11m NE of Inverness off the A96. 
Tel: 01667 462777

Built following the Battle of Culloden Fort George is one of the outstanding artillery fortifications in Europe.  The 1780 room shows Private James Anderson, a soldier who served with the 42^nd Royal Highlanders.

A B C D E F G H I J (STB commended) 

Open all year. 
Last ticket sold 45 minutes before closing.

Admission: Adult £3.00            Child £1.00            Reduced £2.30

The remains of one of the largest castles in Scotland dominate a rocky promontory on Loch Ness.  Splendid views up and down the Loch.

A B C G (STB commended) 

Open all year.  Sunday morning open 9.30am. 
Last ticket sold 45 minutes before closing.

Admission: Adult £3.80            Child £1.20            Reduced £2.80