History & Heritage

Abbot House Heritage Centre, Maygate Dunfermline, Fife www.abbothouse.co.uk

Abbot House, hidden away within its beautiful gardens, is the perfect place for someone looking to explore Scotland’s history. The building’s own expansive history, dating back as far as the mid-15th Century, plus its proximity to Dunfermline’s royal palace and the abbey where King Robert the Bruce’s heart was buried, are set to keep you busy. The Abbot House also has a garden cafe, dedicated to offering casual Scottish food from the best local produce, as well as a brewery where you can experience the brewing process first hand.

Aberdour Castle and Garden Aberdour, Fife www.historic-scotland.gov.uk

Aberdour House, home to the Douglases, Mortimers and Randolphs over the course of 500 years, is one of the oldest standing stone castles in Scotland. It boasts a delightful walled garden and terraces with a beehive shaped dovecot.

Arbroath Abbey Abbey Street Arbroath, Angus www.historicscotland.co.uk

This iconic monastery was one of the grandest monasteries in Scotland for 400 years. It was founded in 1178 by William the Lion in memory of the martyr Thomas Becket and is famous for its association with the Declaration of Arbroath, when Scottish nobles swore their independence from England.

Balmerino Abbey Balmerino Village Newport-on-Tay, Fife www.nts.org.uk

Though visitors cannot enter the Abbey as it is undergoing stabilisation work, they can still view the 13th Century Cistercian Monastery from the grounds, which also contain an ancient Spanish chestnut tree that happens to be one of the oldest in Scotland.

Barry Mill Barry, by Carnoustie, Angus www.nts.org.uk

Until 1982 Barry Mill was the oldest working mill of its kind in Angus. There is an exhibition on the historical role of the mill, as well as a tranquil walkway alongside the mill lade. Milling demonstrations take place on Sunday afternoons during August and September. The mill is open Mar 25–Sep 30. The grounds and lade-side walk are open all year, daily until dusk.

Black Watch Monument Aberfeldy, Perthshire www.highlandperthshire.org

Located close by Wade’s Bridge in Aberfeldy this monument is in the shape of a massive cairn and topped with a statue of Private Farquhar Shaw dressed in the original uniform of the Black Watch Regiment. This monument was built to commemorate the first muster of the Black Watch in 1739 after the Jacobite Rebellion.

Blair Castle Blair Atholl Pitlochry, Perthshire www.blair-castle.co.uk

Blair Castle, whose cold medieval beginnings date back to 1269 as a strategic position during political struggle, has now become a Victorian castle in the baronial style. This is one of the very first private homes to open to the public in Scotland, and visitors can enjoy an extensive tour of the 30 rooms within the castle, as well the gardens. There is also a gift shop and a restaurant serving traditional Scottish dishes.

Caledonian Railway The Station, Park Road Brechin, Angus www.caledonianrailway.com

This steam train, which runs for four miles between Brechin and Bridge of Dun, is sure to entertain all who decide to spend the day there. There are catering facilities at Brechin and Bridge of Dun and a gift shop at Brechin.

Claypotts Castle Off A92 east of Dundee at Claypotts Junction Dundee, Angus www.historic-scotland.gov.uk

Claypotts Castle is one of the best examples of the Z-plan tower in Scotland. The quirky castle boasts a complex geometry of round towers, stair turrets and attic rooms. Built between 1569 and 1588 by John Strachan, it still stands both intact and hardly altered.

Culross Palace West Green Culross, Fife www.nts.org.uk

Explore the beautiful refurbished palace which dates from 1597 and contains painted woodwork and 17th and 18th Century furniture. Furthermore, walk around the reconstructed early 17th Century palace gardens and experience the town of Culross itself. The Palace is open from Mar 25–Oct 31.

Dunfermline Palace and Abbey St Margaret Street Dunfermline, Fife www.dunfermlineabbey.co.uk

Dunfermline Palace and Abbey were built in 1072 by King David I of Scotland. He did so to honour the memory of his mother, Queen Margaret. The abbey, which has exerted a profound Christian influence since the year of its construction, is also the resting place of many Scottish kings and queens, such as King Robert the Bruce and King David I himself. For those who are interested, there is also an abbey shop which features a good selection of Scottish collectibles.

Dunkeld Cathedral The Manse, Cathedral Street, Dunkeld, Perthshire

Falkland Palace and Gardens