St. Kilda. Photo by VisitBritain.com
While Wales is celebrating a Year of Legends in 2017, Scotland has announced the Year of History, Heritage, and Archaeology. With the large number of historical options within Scotland, you’ll find yourself spoilt for choice when it comes to picking which destinations you should visit first!
Scotland plans to spend the whole of 2017 celebrating World Heritage Sites, ancient monuments, myths and legends, historical battles, and more. More detailed posts will be coming throughout the year, but for now, here’s a quick round-up to get you started as you think about the traditions and history of this beautiful part of the country.
St Kilda
St Kilda, shown above, is one of Scotland’s most remote islands, located some 41 miles from the Outer Hebrides. Excavations indicate that there have been settlements here since the Bronze Age. Digs have also found evidence of Iron Age, early Christian, and Norse settlers. By the 17th century, a small group of about 180 made their home on the island, renting the land and farming it. In addition to raising sheep and cattle, islanders grew barleys and oats, and caught fish and seabirds. These were used for subsistence and as rental payments in exchange for goods from the mainland. This way of life continued until the late 19th or early 20th century. By then, increased contact with and reliance on the mainland for supplies, coupled with illness, war, and isolation led to a decline in population. The final few were evacuated in the 1930s and the island was sold, eventually passing into the hands of The National Trust for Scotland in 1957. Today it is managed by The National Trust for Scotland, Scottish Heritage, and the MoD. It’s not the easiest place to get to, but it’s a fascinating glimpse of a bygone lifestyle, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Edinburgh
Holyrood House. Photo by VisitBritain.com
Another World Heritage Site is Edinburgh’s Old and New Towns. The area includes the medieval Royal Mile from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyrood House and the 18th century New Town. Cobbled streets wind their way between some magnificent architecture that now houses art galleries, shops, and museums.
Skara Brae. Photo by Petr Broz.
Skara Brae
Our third World Heritage Site is the Neolithic settlement at Skara Brae on the Orkney Islands. One of the world’s best preserved groups of prehistoric houses, Skara Brae lay hidden for centuries until a storm uncovered some of its secrets in 1850. A series of stone one room houses have since been excavated. Each was furnished with beds, storage, and seating – all of stone. A highly advanced drainage system and water tanks were also discovered. The site is open to visitors, but be aware that the unpredictable weather may mean that tours are cancelled at the short notice.
More information about the Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology in Scotland can be found at Visit Scotland.