Scotland’s best World heritage sites
When we think of Scottish history, it’s easy to let our minds wander to images of Mel Gibson as the heroic William Wallace, fighting for Scotland’s freedom from the cruel English leader Edward the Longshanks. While this is an important stitch in the fabric of Scotland’s past, there are deeper layers to Scotland’s heritage.
Scotland’s history is evident as soon as touch down – you can see it in the music, the traditions of the people and the landmarks that dot the landscape. But for real history buffs and cultural pilgrims, it will be Scotland’s world heritage listed sites that are the main attraction.
Scotland has 5 sites that are recognised and supported by UNESCO. So if you want to get to the roots of Scotland’s past, check out of Glasgow airport hotels and add these destinations to your itinerary.
The heart of Neolithic Orkney is a concentration of monuments in the area surrounding the Ness of Brodgar – the area of the West Mainland. The area was used in the ceremonies of the Neolithic people of Orkney. This area of the Orkney Mainland was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. The archaeological remains include the major sites Maeshowe, The Ring o’Brodgar and the Stones of Stennes. The area is rich in archaeology and under the World Heritage protection are a multitude of unexcavated sites.
St. Kilda
The archipelago of St Kilda is the remotest part of the British Isles and lies 41 miles (66 kilometres) west of Benbecula in Scotland’s Outer Hebrides. The islands are protected under UNESCO for their unrivalled natural heritage. With soaring cliffs and teetering sea stacks, the islands are the most important breeding nation in north-west Europe. This unique archipelago became listed in 1986 for its natural qualities.
Edinburgh Old and New Towns
In 1996, both Edinburgh’s old and new towns were listed as world heritage sites. Old Town includes the medieval Royal Mile which stretches from the beautiful Edinburgh Castle down to the Palace of Holroodhouse. The ‘New Town’ refers to the area to the north which is home to neo-classical 18th century areas including Princes Street.
New Lanark
Relatively new to Scotland’s UNESCO World Heritage listings, New Lanark is located in South Lanarkshire, and the product of an experiment in utopian socialism by Robert Owen. The industrial cotton mill was restored by the New Lanark Conservation Trust in 1974.
The Antonine Wall
The Antoine Wall is one of the UK’s most important Roman remains. The Antonine Wall stretches for nearly 60 km (40 Roman miles) from Bo’ness on the River Forth to Old Kilpatrick on the River Clyde. In 2008 the Wall was the fifth site to be inscribed by UNESCO. The Antonine Wall is now recognised as an extension of the trans-national Frontiers of the Roman Empire World Heritage Site (which already includes Hadrien’s Wall and the Upper Raetian German Lines).
Whether you’re interested in historical or cultural tourism, Scotland’s UNESCO listed sites cater to a range of tourist tastes. So if you’re visiting Scotland, pick up a hire car from Edinburgh, Glasgow or Inverness airport parking and head off to discover Scotland’s varied and rich past.
Comment by Josh Aggars on 27 September 2011:
I like the Antonine Wall although I admit to thinking it was just a poorly maintained farmers fence when I was rambling up there a few years ago. It’s so low to the ground that it’s easy to dismiss it. Luckily I had a Glaswegian friend with me who was able to point out its historical significance, to a number of dumb struck fellow Glaswegians I might add.
Heritage you see, it only goes so far!
Edinburgh is the don. I’m hoping to be up there for Hogamany this year. Have you ever been Alex? It’s a great night, well worth the trip alone.
Cheers
Josh
Comment by Andreas H on 21 May 2013:
I live in Edinburgh, in Castle street (close to Princess Street). I have to say that the New Town cannooot be compared with the Old Town part :p The first thing I visited in Edinburgh as a student was the Royal Mile and I have to say it is UNIQUE : )
Nice article by BTW
Regards from Scotland
Andreas