Get inspired

Browse our exhibition to hear how others enjoy the wellbeing benefits of our historic sites.

Memories can last a lifetime and every visitor to a Historic Scotland site will have experienced something unique to them.

You might remember the fascinating stories that energised your mind at a re-enactment event at Linlithgow Palace. Or you might remember a moment of calm and sense of belonging when you quietly wandered the ancient site of Skara Brae. 

Browse our exhibition below to explore stories we’ve crowdsourced from our staff and visitors. Get inspired by others’ wellbeing ideas and consider which ones you can add to your own wellbeing toolkit.  

The ancient standing stones at the Ring of Brodgar are silhouetted by a sunset
A single standing stone is highlighted by the setting stone
The ancient standing stones at the Ring of Brodgar are silhouetted by the setting sun
A young child looks at some flowers around the Brough of Birsay.

Orkney Isles

With archaeological evidence dating back some 5,000 years ago, the Orkney Islands is home to ancient domestic and ritual monuments which make up the Heart of Neolithic Orkney and is listed as a World Heritage Site.

Visitors to these iconic sites get a glimpse into the lives of a once flourishing culture. This includes Skara Brae, a domestic settlement that survives to the present day, Maeshowe, a chambered tomb, The Stones of Stenness circle and henge, and The Ring of Brodgar stone circle 130m across.

Click on expand icon (top right corner) on the adjacent photographs to discover what our staff and visitors have to say about these ancient sites and how visiting them has boosted their wellbeing.

Plan your visit to the Orkney Islands

North and Grampian

Huntly castle framed in a large wall opening. Huntly Castle - Kyle Stewart A father holds his child and passes through an ancient doorway Elgin Cathedral grounds A family of two adults and two small children explore the interior of Elgin Cathedral Elgin Cathedral Tunnel of entrance way to Fort George, a military barracks, looks out over to the bridge pathway Fort George entrance In the foreground part of the barrack walls jut out over water of the Moray Firth Fort George looking to the Moray Firth
A little robin sits on the Doune Castle welcome sign, with the castle in the background all in a icy haze.
A path leads up to Doune Castle which sits in the background
A baby in a rain jacket is looking at surroundings in Doune Castle
Callum stands beside St Martin's Cross with part of Iona Abbey on the left hand side.
Exterior view of Iona Abbey with a blue sky above
Iona Abbey exterior taken from the sea
The exterior of this tower is in the background, and two teddies are sitting in the foreground
A couple stand on a hill overlooking Castle Campbell and the surrounding landscape
An aerial photograph of Castle Campbel
A jogger runs along the Antonine Wall surrounded by trees and greenery
A small child runs through a tunnel at Castle Campbell

Central and West

The Central belt and the West Coast of Scotland is chock-full of historic sites that can awe and inspire.

You may feel your spirits lift when quietly sitting in Iona Abbey and Nunnery or perhaps your imagination is fired up when viewing the stunning landscape surrounding Dunadd Fort in Kilmartin Glen. 

Expand the photograph adjacent (click the icon top right hand corner) to learn how the historic sites in this region have boosted wellbeing of staff and visitors alike. 

Explore historic sites in this region

Edinburgh and Lothian

Watch this video to explore the atmospheric site of Inchcolm Abbey.

Take time out to relax, kickstart your imagination, and listen to the chants that would likely have been sung by the island's monks.

Discover historic sites in this area

Edinburgh and Lothian

Exterior of Linlithgow Palace from the Peel. In the foreground is grass and the background, the ruined structure of a stone built palace. Linlithgow Palace - Cat Mackenzie A little baby is held in the foreground and Linlithgow Palace is in the background. Linlithgow Palace - Ali George A view of Linlithgow Palace from above Linlithgow Palace - Laura Brown The courtyard of Craigmillar Castle with an ancient tree growing in it Craigmillar Castle's inner courtyard - King Dalby Exterior of Craigmillar Castle in the backround with green grass in the foreground Craigmillar Castle - King Dalby Wild flowers blooming outside Craigmillar Castle visitor centre Craigmillar Castle visitor centre flowers - King Dalby A small child sits on grass outside of Seton Collegiate Church Seton Collegiate Church - Ali George Interior of Chapter House at Inchcolm Abbey Chapter House, Inchcolm Abbey - Eira Ihalainen A drone photograph of a hilltop cairn Cairnpapple Hill from above Cairnpapple Hill

Perthshire, Kinross and Angus

In this video, take a few minutes out your day to decompress and soar over Lochleven Castle to a notorious island fortress, and discover its past as a royal prison and the location of a dramatic escape...

Explore historic sites in this region
A small child looks around a corner of a castle Huntingtower Castle - Ali George Stone carved cross with Pictish symbols and artistry Aberlemno Cross - Eira Ihalainen A view through an arched gateway into the grounds of Lochleven Castle. A large tree is framed by the arch. Lochleven Castle The exterior of Dunkeld Cathedral with a dust of snow Dunkeld Cathedral in winter In the foreground are snowdrops and in the background Edzell Castle Edzell Castle in spring
A reflection of St Andrew's Cathedral in a puddle of water
A small dog stands in the foreground with Aberdour Castle in the background
A beautiful array of wild flowers within a walled garden
Long wild daisies are in the foreground and Aberdour Castle in the background

Kingdom of Fife

The Kingdom of Fife is home to a number of significant sites in Scotland.

Why not explore the stunning Dunfermline Abbey where some of Scotland's greatest medieval monarchs were laid to rest, and St Andrew's Cathedral where you can visit the remains of Scotland's largest and most magnificent medieval church. 

Expand the photograph adjacent (click the icon top right hand corner) to find out how the historic sites we care for have benefitted visitors and staff alike.  

Browse historic sites in the Kingdom of Fife

Scottish Borders

Join Paul (and Luna!) for an exhilarating walk to an extraordinary site.

Brochs are a kind of roundhouse only found in Scotland. Over 500 of them are dotted around the Highlands and Islands, but it's very rare to find one in the Lowlands.

Edin's Hall Broch in the Scottish Borders is reached by a hike along the Whiteadder Water, before a wee bit of a climb. It's well worth the effort though!

Discover other sites in the Borders

Where's your space?

Our crowdsourced exhibition showcases the photos, videos, and personal experiences of visitors who have found joy, reflection, and connection at the sites looked after by Historic Scotland.

You too can share your own experience of how historic places in Scotland have positively impacted your wellbeing and to be in the running for your photograph or video to be featured in this online exhibition. 

Share your experience

Disclaimer

All recommendations within Historic Places, Breathing Spaces is designed to supplement your own wellbeing programme and toolkit and does not constitute medical advice on the part of Historic Environment Scotland.