Scotland’s History
Thousands of years of history lie beneath modern day Scotland, as different civilisations and ages have been built on top of each other, eventually developing Scotland into the modern day, but leaving so much history and archaeology behind – some of the best in the world. Throughout our Scottish adventures, we strive to take you to some of these places, and allow you to experience the mystery, the stories and the ruins that have been left behind from these civilisations. From the Neolithic Age to the Vikings, to the Roman Empire and the Picts, Scotland is incredibly special.
Our dedicated historian has spent her entire life working in Scotland as an archaeologist, and will uncover and show you a side of Scotland that you have never seen before.
Neolithic Age (4000 – 2000 BC)
This age developed radically, an era of change across the entire world. Scotland was no different stone tools made by grinding began to be used, agriculture started to rely on domesticated or farmed plants/animals, and people began to settle in definite villages, bringing an end to the nomadism. In this era, humans learned to raise crops, keep livestock for food and farming, and were no longer dependent on hunting and gathering. All over the Scottish isles, there are untouched beautifully preserved, buildings and ruins of the Neolithic Age.
Highlights
Skara Brae: this world heritage site, is located in the Orkney Islands, and is a late Neolithic village that was inhabited between 3200 and 2200BC. It is one of the best preserved Neolithic villages that have been excavated, anywhere in the world. Located next to a wide beach, a storm uncovered it in the 19th Century, but archaeological evidence suggests that the village was miles away from the sea when it was built!
There are 8 prehistoric houses that have been recovered, and are connected by low, covered passageways. Mostly houses, there is one workshop, where antler and bone have been found. Evidence suggests that those who lived in Skara Brae were farmers, and managed to build strong walls, and fireplaces to survive the winters.
Bronze Age (2000 – 500 BC)
The Bronze Age is characterised by the development of metal. As part of this, the way that people lived changed, and people began to experiment with new ideas. Many people, with new technology, began to live in round houses, and people are buried in passage graves.
Highlights
Callanish Standing Stones: they began to have an importance spiritually during this era. These stone circles are among the best preserved in the UK, and serve as a fascinating site of the Neolithic Age. 3 different, amazingly preserved stone circles allow us to walk right up next to these huge stones, and marvel at how they were able to come here, and hear of the stales of the ‘lady on the hill’ and the astronomical relevance of these stones.
Iron Age (500 BC – 800 AD)
The Iron Age was the final technological and cultural change in the three main prehistoric periods. Scotland developed and changed dramatically as a result of this change. The use of iron for weapons and tools changed the course of Europe and Asia forever.
Highlights
Bostadh House: this settlement, uncovered in the 20th century, displays much of the makeup of the Iron Age buildings.
Mousa Broch: this broch uses advanced techniques to form a significant house for the inhabitants – usually a chieftain. Used by the Vikings later, and mentioned in some Norse sagas, it is a remarkable piece of Iron Age building, and is a prime example of the Iron Age technology.