Place of interest Archive

New Lanark – Scotland’s utopian workers’ village

Set idyllically on the River Clyde, New Lanark offered the mill workers a home that set new standards in humanity. Today it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. What made it so special? The late 18th century. Industrialisation is gathering pace, and the Highland Clearances are driving the rural population into the cities, or even to […]

Bruce’s Stone – the battle in Glen Trool

In Glen Trool, Robert the Bruce fought his first victorious battle. Bruce’s Stone commemorates that success. But there’s more to see here besides. Things weren’t looking good for Robert the Bruce. His brother and his men had just been discovered and killed. Bruce himself had only a small band of fighters left. No new volunteers […]

Kirkcudbright – southern Scotland’s most beautiful town

Kirkcudbright lies in the southwest on the Solway Firth. With its romantic facades, it’s one of Scotland’s most beautiful towns. Even the stars reveal themselves here. Kirkcudbright at a glance: » Sights» Food & Drink» History Kirkcudbright was once the place to be for young artists from Glasgow. The reason is still clear to see […]

Duncansby Head – cliffs, sea stacks and birds

At the northeastern tip, Britain bids farewell with a uniquely beautiful rocky landscape. A walk at Duncansby Head reveals just how beautiful. Most visitors head straight for the impressive Duncansby Stacks. These two sea stacks rise in front of steep cliffs, where countless seabirds nest along the ledges and rock faces. The sea roars below, […]

Speyside Cooperage – where the whisky casks come from

Speyside Cooperage makes barrels for Scotland’s whisky distilleries. A tour offers insight into the craft of coopering. Around 22 million casks of whisky are said to be maturing in Scottish warehouses at any given time – a staggering number. Most whisky lovers naturally think of the contents. But those casks have to come from somewhere. […]

Boat of Garten Railway Station – pure railway romance

In Boat of Garten stands one of Scotland’s most beautiful historic railway stations, lovingly maintained by volunteers. Here’s what awaits you. This isn’t just a delight for die-hard railway fans. Boat of Garten station wins everyone over with its romantic, historic setting. And visitors can feel the love the volunteers pour into the buildings and […]

Ruthven Barracks – bulwark against the Jacobites

Ruthven Barracks was a military base in the Highlands, intended to keep the clans in check. But the fort only managed that for a short time. Here’s its story. On the way to Inverness, right beside the A9, Ruthven Barracks stands watch over the main route into the Highlands. Today it looks down almost helplessly, […]

Fyrish Monument – a grand view with an Indian touch

High above the Cromarty Firth in the east of Scotland stands the Fyrish Monument. A path leads up to it, offering magnificent views. It looks strange and out of place, up here on the hill. The architecture simply doesn’t seem to fit the Scottish Highlands. If that feeling creeps up on you, it isn’t misleading […]

Lindores Abbey Distillery – an old abbey with a new distillery

Lindores Abbey Distillery calls itself the spiritual home of Scotch whisky. What’s behind that claim, and what awaits visitors there, is covered here. “To Brother John Cor, by order of the king, to make aqua vitae, eight bolls of malt.” – the first documented mention of whisky in Scotland simply recorded the amount of malt […]

Rumbling Bridge – in the gorge beneath the double bridge

Not just one, but two bridges span the deep gorge of the River Devon, one above the other. A walk here reveals wonderful nature. It makes a very particular sound, and that’s what gave it its name: Rumbling Bridge. But that’s not the only thing that makes this structure, about 50 kilometres north-west of Edinburgh, […]