Historic Buildings & Sites

Discover a collection of guides and reviews about Scotland’s best historic buildings and sites.

MidlothianRegions of ScotlandThe Lothians

Dryden Tower

Welcome to the hidden gem of Midlothian – Dryden Tower. Nestled amidst the lush farmland of the Dryden Estate near Bilston, this intriguing structure is a prominent landmark and is the highlight of the popular Roslin-Loanhead-Bilston circular walking trail.

Despite its secluded location, Dryden Tower is a popular landmark to visit, especially for anyone looking for an enjoyable walking route in Midlothian.

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East LothianRegions of ScotlandThe Lothians

Gosford House

Gosford House is a grand stately home located 16 miles east of the centre of Edinburgh.

Built in 1800 by celebrated Scottish architect Robert Adam for the 7th Earl of Wemyss, it is now a popular tourist destination due to the expansive gardens that feature ponds, woodlands, and sweeping lawns.

While the house is closed on most days there are frequent open days held throughout the year when visitors can join a guided tour around the interior to admire Gosford House’s unique architecture and decadent furnishings.

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Harris & LewisOuter HebridesRegions of ScotlandThe Hebrides

Callanish Standing Stones

The Callanish Standing Stones are located on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland.

These huge granite stones (the largest is 16 feet tall) were erected 5,000 years ago in the late Neolithic era, possibly for ritual use.

The site comprises a cross shape of monoliths around a central circle of 13 stones, with an avenue of a further 19 stones facing northeast.

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Harris & LewisOuter HebridesRegions of ScotlandThe Hebrides

Lews Castle

Lews Castle is a Victorian-era castle situated in the heart of historic Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis.
The castle is a popular tourist destination thanks to the extensive landscaped gardens as well as the on-site cafe and gift shop.
The main point of interest though, is the museum which explores the history of Lewis, the people that live there, and the wildlife that call this remarkable island home.

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Harris & LewisOuter HebridesRegions of ScotlandThe Hebrides

Gearrannan Blackhouse Village

Gearrannan Blackhouse Village lies on the southwest edge of the Isle of Lewis, set within a deep cove that offers protection against the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean.

The village comprises a number of restored blackhouses – traditional thatched stone-walled dwellings that served as home to both animals and people for hundreds of years.

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Harris & LewisOuter HebridesRegions of ScotlandThe Hebrides

Arnol Blackhouse

The Arnol Blackhouse on the Isle of Lewis is a fine example of one of the traditional thatched stone-walled houses that served as home to both people and animals on Scotland’s west coast islands for hundreds of years.

The restored building at Arnol – number 42 – sits in an idyllic setting on Lewis, surrounded by open fields and complete with authentic piles of cut peat and harvested crops.

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Edinburgh Old TownEdinburghRegions of Scotland

Scottish Parliament Building

The Scottish Parliament Building is situated opposite Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh. It is the seat of the Scottish Government and is open daily for guided tours.

The building is a triumph of design but it has drawn a great deal of criticism over its cost which was more than ten times over the original budget.

Learn this story of this fascinating building and find out how you can visit it in this complete guide.

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EdinburghRegions of Scotland

Lauriston Castle

Lauriston Castle is a 16th and 19th century mansion house in Edinburgh that’s open for guided tours and walks around landscaped gardens.

This historic attraction is managed by Museums & Galleries Edinburgh who maintain the sumptuous Edwardian decor that’s unchanged from the time the last owners moved out in the 1920s.

Discover this hidden gem of a city attraction in this complete visitor guide.

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