In 1786 the Northern Lighthouse Board was established and in 1787 the board built its first lighthouse, which is today the only lighthouse that was constructed on a fortified castle. Its location was Kinnaird Head and it is now a part of the Museum of Scottish Lighthouses. Kinnaird Head lighthouse was reconstructed inside the walls of the Kinnaird Castle in 1824 and played a significant role in the history of maritime and lighthouses in Scotland. So, when the lighthouse was eventually decommissioned in 1991, the decision was made to preserve it, and together, the Scotland’s Lighthouse Museum Trust and Historic Scotland, created the Museum of Scottish Lighthouses, which is one of the most visited attractions in Scotland.
It has been estimated that for every Scot living in their home country, there are at least five others living elsewhere in the world that can lay claim to having Scottish ancestry. If you are among these, Homecoming Scotland 2009, a year-long program of spectacular events taking place throughout Scotland, offers the perfect opportunity to explore your roots. If you don’t have Scottish ancestry, but would like to find out more about Scotland and its people, there could be no better time to do this than during Homecoming Scotland 2009.
Described by VisitScotland as world class, the Stanley Mills has recently opened its doors to become another leading attraction in Scotland. Located in an idyllic setting on the banks of the River Tay, the Stanley Mills is more than just a tourist attraction, it is an ambitious project that combines the history of Scotland with the latest technology, so as to protect and promote the heritage of the country. Focusing on the Industrial Revolution and the industrial history of Perth, Stanley Mills is a hands-on trip into the past.
The picturesque village of Kilconquhar is located near Fife and Elie & Earlsferry, on the Kilconquhar Loch, and is believed to have been established approximately fourteen centuries ago. It is a village that is bursting with charm, history and tranquility and has many attractions, activities and noteworthy sites for visitors to enjoy. Shrouded in mystery and debate, discovering the origins and history of Kilconquhar and its loch is as much an adventure as exploring the village itself.
While storytelling may be a bed-time ritual in households all over the world, many leave the delights of storytelling behind them as they mature, thinking that it is only meant for children. The Scottish Storytelling Center in Edinburgh shows that anyone of any age can enjoy this age-old past-time and invite all who want their imaginations stirred up by tales from far and wide to join them at the Scottish International Storytelling Festival 2008. The theme of this year’s event, which will take place from 24 October to 2 November, is “Northlands and Sagalands”.
