Scottish Travel Resources

Last updated 15 Aug 2006

Going to Scotland? Then you may find these links and resources helpful. Some will be useful for anyone traveling to Scotland, others are more specifically aimed at those with medieval interests.

General Touring Advice

Sharon's Patented Scottish Touring Advice
My patented advice for foreigners touring Scotland, based on my experiences living in Scotland in 1985-6 and 1989-1998 (and visiting in 1999 and 2006) with some additional info from Scottish native (and Edinburgh resident) Dominic Hunter and others. Most of it is useful to anyone visiting Scotland, but some is particularly aimed at those with medieval or renaissance interests.

Useful Organizations

Scottish Tourist Board and VisitScotland.com Web Site
The official National Tourist Board for Scotland. Through its web site, books and pamphlets, and local Tourist Information Centres throughout Scotland, provides information and assistance for all aspects of visiting Scotland, from where to stay to what to see and do. There are also regional Tourist Boards: Ayrshire & Arran - Dumfries & Galloway - Scottish Borders - Edinburgh and Lothians - Greater Glasgow & Clyde Valley - Argyll, the Isles, Loch Lomond Stirling & the Trossachs - Perthshire - Angus & Dundee - Fife - Aberdeen & Grampian - Highlands of Scotland - Shetland - Orkney - Western Isles

Historic Scotland
Historic Scotland is responsible for the ancient monuments and historic buildings owned by the government. "These include prehistoric standing stones, medieval abbeys, great gardens, palaces, lighthouses, mills, cathedrals, brochs and magnificent castles — over 300 properties spanning 5000 years of history." Historic Scotland's properties that are not in current use tend to be ruins, but they do have some that are not only all in one piece but are still being used by the government, such as Fort George and Edinburgh Castle. Among other benefits, members get free entrance to Historic Scotland properties, and also half-price (first year of membership) or free (second and subsequent years of membership) entrance to English Heritage, Cadw (Wales), and Manx National Heritage properties. Memberships can be purchased at the door, and depending on your plans, may be a better deal than their Explorer Pass. (Also, even if you don't visit Scotland, membership is virtuous — you're helping preserve and maintain Scotland's heritage.)

The National Trust for Scotland
The National Trust for Scotland is a private conservation charity, unconnected to the government, that is responsible for the historic monuments, buildings, and nature preserves that have been donated to or purchased by it. These include "grand castles & country parks, beautiful gardens, spectacular countryside, battlefields and sites from Scotland`s Social and Industrial heritage". A higher percentage of the National Trust for Scotland's buildings are all in one piece and furnished — occasionally with the former owners ensconced in a wing or two. Among other benefits, members get free entrance to National Trust for Scotland properties, and also the properties of the National Trusts for England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Memberships can be purchased at the door, and depending on your plans, may be a better deal than their Discovery Ticket. (Also, even if you don't visit Scotland, membership is virtuous — you're helping preserve and maintain Scotland's heritage.)

Libraries and Museums

Medieval Scotland is published by Sharon L. Krossa (contact). Shopping online? How you can support this site. (Jan 2006)
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http://MedievalScotland.org/travel/index.shtml

Scottish Travel Resources

General Touring Advice

Useful Organizations

Maps

Libraries and Museums