Essential conservation works to the Great Hall at Kisimul Castle on Barra started on Monday 30 June, Historic Environment Scotland (HES) announced. The project aims to implement new interventions to tackle issues related to the concrete and its internal reinforcement bars. A secondary structure will be constructed beneath the existing concrete, utilising non-ferrous materials, timber, […] The post Conservation work to the Great Hall at Kisimul Castle on Barra begins appeared first on Scotti...| Scottish History
High-level masonry inspections, which are looking at the impact of climate change on historic sites, in combination with other factors, are set to begin at sites across Shetland this summer, beginning on 8 July. These tactile inspections, which entail manually examining masonry, are a component of a nationwide initiative by Historic Environment Scotland (HES) aimed […]| Scottish History
Historic Environment Scotland are inviting people to come along to Dumbarton Castle on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 June to meet the Vikings, find out more about their weapons and invasion techniques…| Scottish History
Historic Environment Scotland (HES) is collaborating with the Institute of Conservation (Icon) and various partners to establish a new risk register aimed at identifying traditional building and heritage skills that are in danger of vanishing. This initiative will result in the creation of the Heritage Skills At Risk Register, which will facilitate the identification, evaluation, […]| Scottish History
Historic Environment Scotland (HES) announced on 24 February that conservation works have begun at Caerlaverock Castle in Dumfries and Galloway. HES stated that the castle grounds, exhibition and visitor centre will remain open while the work is carried out. The ongoing works entail the installation of scaffolding to facilitate access for the inspection and repair […]| Scottish History
In the early hours of 13 February 1692, Scottish government soldiers under the command of Captain Robert Campbell of Glenlyon fell upon their hosts, the Macdonalds of Glencoe. In a cold-blooded breach of highland hospitality, 38 Macdonalds were killed in what became known as the Massacre of Glencoe. The Revolution of 1688 and the Highland […] The post Massacre of Glencoe: Last act of the Highland War appeared first on Scottish History.| Scottish History
The 15th-century Auchindoun Castle in Moray has once again opened its doors to the public after undergoing high-level masonry inspections and necessary repairs. The High-Level Masonry Programme has emerged from continuous risk evaluations and sample surveys, focusing on the effects of climate change on various sites, as well as the extent of deterioration attributed to […] The post Auchindoun Castle reopens to the public appeared first on Scottish History.| Scottish History
On 7 February 1603, Clan MacGregor and their allies fought against Clan Colquhoun and its supporters at the Battle of Glen Fruin. Although the MacGregors emerged victorious in the battle, it ultimately resulted in their persecution and declaration as outlaws by King James VI. The origins of the feud between the MacGregors and the Colquhouns […] The post Battle of Glen Fruin appeared first on Scottish History.| Scottish History
Community leaders in Orkney are seeking opinions regarding a proposed memorial complex dedicated to one of the most significant tragedies of the Royal Navy in the 20th Century. The sinking of the battleship HMS Royal Oak, which resulted in the loss of two-thirds of her crew, remains a poignant event more than 85 years after […] The post Views sought on new Royal Oak memorial appeared first on Scottish History.| Scottish History
From 25-29 January 1716, in the midst of a bitter winter, the Jacobites burned the Strathearn villages of Auchterarder, Blackford, Dalreoch, Crieff, Dunning, and Muthill after driving out the…| Scottish History
An exhibition titled ‘Celebrating Scotland’s Landscapes’ opened at Fort George, near Inverness, on 17 January and offers a unique perspective of Scotland by presenting aerial imagery from the National…| Scottish History
Latest news and updates on Scottish history, heritage and archaeology| Scottish History
Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has announced that high-level masonry inspections to review the historic fabric at Dunfermline Abbey and Palace have begun. Given the extensive size of the site…| Scottish History
Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has allocated £21,000 to Wessex Archaeology and Dendrochronicle for the purpose of conducting further investigations into the Sanday Wreck, a well-preserved section of shipwreck timbers that was uncovered on Sand o’Erraby earlier this year. HES stated that the funding will facilitate a comprehensive analysis of the wreck, encompassing dating, documentation, and […]| Scottish History
Feature articles on Scottish history, heritage and archaeology| Scottish History
The famous Lewis chess pieces are now on display from a new perspective at the National Museum of Scotland. As some of the most recognized objects in Scotland’s most popular visitor attraction…| Scottish History
A professional report commissioned by the National Trust for Scotland (NTS) reveals that a planning submission was made to Stirling Council for a horse-trotting track on the site of the historic Bannockburn Battlefield and that the Council’s assessment of this submission is considered ‘fundamentally flawed’. The report, prepared by Glasgow-based landscape planning specialist Douglas Harman […]| Scottish History
One of the most significant hoards ever found in Scotland has been acquired by National Museums Scotland. The Bronze Age Peebles Hoard was discovered in the Scottish Borders by a metal detectorist in 2020. Since then, it has been meticulously excavated, analyzed, and catalogued, revealing dozens of rare objects for the first time. Efforts are […]| Scottish History
An incredibly rare piece of Roman armour, which was recently reconstructed from dozens of fragments, is now being displayed in its entirety for the first time in Scotland. The brass arm guard, dating back to the mid-second century, represents the most well-preserved example of its type and is one of only three known to exist […]| Scottish History
Archaeologists from the National Trust for Scotland (NTS) and the University of Glasgow are carrying out a new investigation on the battlefield of Culloden and are being supported by archaeology students and volunteers from RAF Lossiemouth and Kinloss Barracks in Moray. The Battle of Culloden was the final confrontation of the Jacobite Rising of 1745-46 […]| Scottish History
Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has announced that essential conservation work has begun at Kisimul Castle, Barra, with the aim of addressing concerns related to the concrete and its reinforcement bars, which shifted during the pouring process when the castle underwent a major restoration in the 20th century. The coastal location of the site has caused […]| Scottish History
A “remarkable” Pictish ring with an intricate setting has been discovered at Burghead Fort by a volunteer during a dig led by the University of Aberdeen. The kite-shaped ring with a garnet or red glass centre had remained undiscovered for over a thousand years and was found in an area that was previously believed to […]| Scottish History
The National Trust for Scotland (NTS) has been working with the 3rd Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland (3 SCOTS) as part of the army’s Global Charge initiative to promote the well-being of its soldiers, while helping to protect Culloden Battlefield. As part of 3 SCOTS’ social responsibility commitment to the local community, they have […]| Scottish History
The Scottish History Blog features short articles, guest posts, news and views, and places to visit| Scottish History
On the evening of 27 July 1689, Donald McBane, a Scottish government soldier fleeing the battle of Killiecrankie, is said to have jumped 18 feet across the River Garry, to escape pursuing Jacobite…| Scottish History
Ruthven Barracks (pronounced ‘Riven’) is situated on the south side of the River Spey overlooking the small town of Kingussie in Badenoch and was constructed between 1720 and 1724 on the site of an…| Scottish History
At the battle of Dunkeld on 21 August 1689, the Jacobites under the command of Brigadier-General Alexander Cannon attacked a Scottish government force of Cameronians, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel…| Scottish History
At the battle of Killiecrankie on 27 July 1689, Scottish government forces under the command of Major-General Hugh Mackay of Scourie were defeated by a Jacobite army loyal to the deposed King James…| Scottish History
Following a standoff between Scottish and English forces at Irvine in July 1297, the leaders of the Scottish army who were in revolt against Edward I submitted to the English commanders in what became…| Scottish History