History of Scotland
Scotland’s written history begins with the Romans. The Romans invaded Scotland in 80 AD led by Agricola. They advanced into southern Scotland and then marched into the northeast. In 84 the Romans severely defeated the Picts at a place called Mons Graupius (its exact location is unknown). However, in the years after the battle, the Romans slowly withdrew and in 123 Emperor Hadrian began building a wall to keep out the Picts.
Later in the second century, the Romans advanced again and in 140 they built the Antonine Wall from the Clyde to the Forth. However, the Romans finally abandoned the Antonine Wall in 196 AD. Afterward, Hadrians Wall became the frontier. The Romans advanced into Scotland again in 209 AD but only temporarily. In 367-68, the Picts took part in a great raid upon Roman Britain.
In the 6th century a people from Ireland called the Scots invaded what is now Scotland. They settled in what is now Argyll and founded the kingdom of Dalriada.
Meanwhile, Christian missionaries had begun the work of converting the Picts. Some Picts in southeast Scotland accepted Christianity in the 5th century. Columba who went there in 563 converted southwest Scotland to Christianity. He founded a monastery at Iona, which became very important in the history of Christianity in Britain. During the 6th and 7th centuries, Christianity spread across Scotland, and by the end of the 7th century, all of Scotland was Christian.
Further south in the 6th century Angles invaded Northeast England and they created the kingdom of Northumbria. In the early 7th century the Northumbrians expanded into southeast Scotland and as far as Dunbar and Edinburgh. Then, in 843 Kenneth MacAlpin who was king of the Scottish kingdom of Dalriada also became king of the Picts of northern and central Scotland. So the Scots and Picts merged to form a single kingdom.
Rosslyn Chapel, Dunfermline Abbey and Stirling Castle Day Tour from Edinburgh
Delve into Scotland’s rich history and heritage on this 1-day Rosslyn Chapel, Dunfermline Abbey and Stirling Castle tour from Edinburgh. Head from the Royal Mile over the UNESCO–listed Forth Bridge to Dunfermline with a guide, and explore the Abbey Kirk — burial place of Robert the Bruce. See where the Battle of Bannockburn raged and learn of Scotland’s struggle for independence. Take in top local attractions including Stirling Castle. Then, visit Rosslyn Chapel before returning to Edinburgh.
- 1-day tour to Rosslyn Chapel, Dunfermline Abbey and Stirling Castle from Edinburgh
- Cross the UNESCO–listed Forth Bridge for fine views
- Visit the Abbey Kirk — where Robert the Bruce lies buried — with a guide
- Learn of the Battle of Bannockburn and see where the fighting took place
- Discover famous landmarks such as Stirling Castle, the Wallace Monument and Rosslyn Chapel
- Tour includes round-trip travel from Edinburgh
Read more about Rosslyn Chapel, Dunfermline Abbey and Stirling Castle Day Tour from Edinburgh
Culture in Scotland
What are the best Culture in Scotland?
The best Culture in Scotland according to Viator travelers are:
What Culture in Scotland are 1 hour or less?
Culture in Scotland that are 1 hour or less are:
What Culture in Scotland are taking additional safety precautions?
These Scotland experiences are providing additional COVID-19 safety measures:
What Culture in Scotland are good for avoiding crowds?
These hidden gems in Scotland may have limited interaction with crowds:
- Edinburgh Castle Tour: Fast-Track Guided Tour in English
- Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands Small-Group Day Tour from Edinburgh
- Private Day Trip to St Andrews Dunfermline and the Fife Coast from Edinburgh
- Oban, Glencoe, Highlands Lochs & Castles Small Group Day Tour from Glasgow
- Speyside Whisky Tour – Three Distilleries Included – Private – 5 Star Reviews
Peterhead Prison Museum
- Exclusive access to Scotland’s Peterhead high-security prison
- Fast-track admission and an award-winning audio guide included
- Choose the entrance time to fit your schedule and visit at your own pace
- Follow the footsteps of former officers and inmates and hear their stories
Museums in Scotland
What are the best Museums in Scotland?
The best Museums in Scotland according to Viator travelers are:
What Museums in Scotland are taking additional safety precautions?
These Scotland experiences are providing additional COVID-19 safety measures:
What Museums in Scotland are good for avoiding crowds?
These hidden gems in Scotland may have limited interaction with crowds:
- The Scotch Whisky Experience Guided Whisky Tour – An Introduction to Whisky
- Rosslyn Chapel and Hadrian’s Wall Very Small Group Tour from Edinburgh
- Stirling Castle and Whisky Very Small Group Tour from Edinburgh
- Loch Lomond, Kelpies & Stirling Castle Small-Group Day Tour from Edinburgh
- Viking Coast and Alnwick Castle Very Small Group Tour from Edinburgh
Guided Edinburgh Private Walking Tour
- Opt to visit iconic landmarks like Edinburgh Castle, Scott’s Monument and the Royal Mile
- Gain fascinating insight into the history and heritage of Edinburgh
- Tailor the itinerary of your tour according to your interests
- Receive undivided attention from your private guide
Archaeology Tours in Scotland
What are the best Archaeology Tours in Scotland?
The best Archaeology Tours in Scotland according to Viator travelers are:
- Guided Edinburgh Private Walking Tour
- Small Group Royal Mile Walking Tour with Optional Entry to Edinburgh Castle
- Whisky and Folklore in Edinburgh Including Four Single Malt Scotch Whiskies
- Rosslyn Chapel, Dunfermline Abbey and Stirling Castle Day Tour from Edinburgh
- Edinburgh Darkside Walking Tour: Mysteries, Murder and Legends
What Archaeology Tours in Scotland are taking additional safety precautions
These Scotland experiences are providing additional COVID-19 safety measures:
- Guided Edinburgh Private Walking Tour
- Whisky and Folklore in Edinburgh Including Four Single Malt Scotch Whiskies
- Edinburgh Darkside Walking Tour: Mysteries, Murder and Legends
- Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands Small-Group Day Tour from Edinburgh
- St Andrews & the Fishing Villages of Fife Small-Group Day Tour from Edinburgh
What Archaeology Tours in Scotland are good for avoiding crowds?
These hidden gems in Scotland may have limited interaction with crowds:
- Guided Edinburgh Private Walking Tour
- Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands Small-Group Day Tour from Edinburgh
- St Andrews & the Fishing Villages of Fife Small-Group Day Tour from Edinburgh
- Oban, Glencoe, Highlands Lochs & Castles Small Group Day Tour from Glasgow
- Highlander Loch Ness and Culloden Battlefield 8 Seater Tour from Inverness
Inverness to Dunrobin Castle
- See four north Scotland sights on a door-to-door private tour from Inverness
- Comfy and fuss-free way to visit several attractions, with a personal guide
- Enjoy the Falls of Shin and Dunrobin’s halls, grounds, and falconry show
- Sip a dram at the Glenmorangie Distillery and gaze over the Dornoch Firth
Castle Tours in Scotland
What are the best Castle Tours in Scotland?
The best Castle Tours in Scotland according to Viator travelers are:
What Castle Tours in Scotland are taking additional safety precautions?
These Scotland experiences are providing additional COVID-19 safety measures:
- Edinburgh City Centre private driving tour Edinburgh Castle Rosslyn Chapel
- Private Half Day Tour from Edinburgh of Three Outlander Castles
- Eilean Donan Castle & the Highlands Tour from Private Tours Edinburgh
- Inverness to Dunrobin Castle
- Whisky and Folklore in Edinburgh Including Four Single Malt Scotch Whiskies
What Castle Tours in Scotland are good for avoiding crowds?
These hidden gems in Scotland may have limited interaction with crowds:
- Edinburgh Castle Tour: Fast-Track Guided Tour in English
- Private Half Day Tour from Edinburgh of Three Outlander Castles
- Eilean Donan Castle & the Highlands Tour from Private Tours Edinburgh
- Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands Small-Group Day Tour from Edinburgh
- Rosslyn Chapel and Hadrian’s Wall Very Small Group Tour from Edinburgh
Historical Tours in Scotland
The best Historical Tours in Scotland according to Viator travelers are:
What Historical Tours in Scotland are 1 hour or less?
Historical Tours in Scotland that are 1 hour or less are:
What Historical Tours in Scotland are taking additional safety precautions?
These Scotland experiences are providing additional COVID-19 safety measures:
What Historical Tours in Scotland are good for avoiding crowds?
These hidden gems in Scotland may have limited interaction with crowds:
- Royal Mile Guided Walking Tour in Edinburgh
- St Andrews & the Fishing Villages of Fife Small-Group Day Tour from Edinburgh
- Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands Small-Group Day Tour from Edinburgh
- Highlander Loch Ness and Culloden Battlefield 8 Seater Tour from Inverness
- Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands Small-Group Day Tour from Glasgow
- Page update test December 15th