Learn about Scotland's historic places

Find out about some of Scotland's most exciting historic places with help from these videos made by learners, for learners. The films were made in partnership with the BBC L.A.B and primary and secondary school pupils across Scotland.

Films by Scottish primary schools in English

Did you know that there's a bottle dungeon more than 7 metres deep at St Andrews Castle? Learn more fascinating facts from the pupils of Leuchars Primary School.

Did you know that Caerlaverock Castle is the only castle in the UK to be built in the shape of a triangle? Learn more fascinating facts from the pupils of Brownhall and Caerlaverock Primary Schools.

Did you know that Dumbarton Castle is built on an extinct volcano? Learn more fascinating facts from the pupils of Braehead Primary School.

Did you know that the Honours of Scotland (the crown jewels of Scotland) were kept in a toilet for protection during World War Two? Learn more fascinating facts from the pupils of Whinhill Primary School.

Did you know that Kildrummy Castle is shaped like a large capital D? Learn more fascinating facts about this ruined stronghold from the pupils of Lumsden School.

Did you know that Kisimul Castle was leased to Historic Environment Scotland for 1000 years by the MacNeil clan chief for in return for £1 and a bottle of whiskey per year? Learn more fascinating facts from the pupils of Castlebay and Eoligarry Primary Schools.

Did you know that Mary Queen of Scots was crowned at Stirling Castle when she was a tiny baby? Someone had to hold her crown! Learn more fascinating facts from the pupils of Springholm Primary School.

Did you know that Skara Brae is even older than the pyramids of Egypt? Learn more fascinating facts about this ancient village from the pupils of Stenness Community School. 

Films by Scottish primary schools in Gaelic

An robh fios agad gun d’ fhuair am buidheann Àraineachd Eachdraidheil Alba Caisteal Chiosamuil bho an ceann-cinnidh air màl glè ìosal airson 1000 bliadhna – not agus botal uisge-beatha gach bliadhna. Ionnsaich tuilleadh fiosrachadh inntinneach bho sgoilearan Sgoil Bhàgh a’ Chaisteil.

An robh fios agad gu bheil gunna-mòr Mons Meg cho mòr ’s gun urrainn dhut pàiste a chur ann. Ionnsaich tuilleadh fiosrachadh inntinneach bho sgoilearan Bun-sgoil Chnoc a’ Chonaisg.

Films by Scottish secondary schools

Craigmillar Castle, like many historic sites, may face an uncertain future because of climate change. These pupils from Castlebrae High investigate the potential consequences.

Video transcript: Castlebrae High School on Craigmillar Castle [PDF 99KB]

Pupils from Kirkcaldy High School look at the history of Ravenscraig Castle and the impact climate change is having on the site.

Video transcript: Defending Ravenscraig Castle [PDF 89KB]