Guided Walk through Old Kilpatrick/Bowling/Milton
A guided walk of around two hours covering a selection of Clydebank's historic sites including a visit to the former shipyard to see the 100 year old Titan Crane. For further information contact Gillian Neil, Rnager Service, Council Offices, Garshake. Telephone 01389 752977.
A guided walk to Jaw Resevior and over to Cairnhowit. See the remains of a Neolithic tomb before returning via Greenside Resevoir. For further information contact Gillian Neil, Rnager Service, Council Offices, Garshake. Telephone 01389 752977.
Guided Walk along the Dumbarton Heritage Trail
The walk will be guided by Dave Harvie, taking in sites of historical interest such as the Old Academy, Glencairn House and Dumbarton Bridge. The walk will finish at the Deny Tank Museum about 15.00 where a guided tour of the building will be available. Denny Tank Museum has a cafe.
This A-listed church is currently undergoing a major programme of restoration. It is designed in an early-Gothic style and contains many interesting and attractive features including some well-studied stained glass. Visitors are most welcome to come and explore this fascinating building and talk to our guides who will show you around.
Strathleven House is a category A listed Palladian mansion located on the outskirts of Dumbarton. Surrounded by scenic woodland, it is part of the Vale of Leven Industrial Estate. The building dates from 1700 and it is considered to be the first country house in Scotland built in the Palladian style. The building will be open in part - The Oak Room 1700 wood carved panelled Room; Original Library Room; Panelled bedroom; original kitchen; Nursery. All corridors and hallways will be accessible.
Carrochan - Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority HQ
Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority head quarters, Balloch. Also home to the Community Partnership. How to get there : Carrochan Road, off Stirling or Balloch Road; near the Co-Op. Design team led by Page & Park : 2005. This an earthy sweeping building of stone and timber most befitting the National Park. Access is limited to the entrance area, but there is an EXIBITION of the work of the national park and the Community Partnership. Monday 5th to Friday 9th only.
Severe Gothic style, tracery on gable. Stained glass windows by Sadie McLellan (1972), embroidered Panels by Hannah Frew Paterson (1981), woven silk hangings by Sarah Sumsion (1990) and engraved glass by John Lawrie (1992). Peal of six bells, five from the Gorbals Foundry, Glasgow and a sixth from Cripplegate Foundry, London - now augmented to eight for the Millennium.
This castellated Gothic mansion house is currently a private nursing home. It features a five bay facade of coupled windows, corbelled battlemented parapets with a central tower rising behind. Tax rolls indicate there was a building on the site in 1421. The present building was requisitioned during WW2 when it was used as a 'Decoy Centre'. It has the largest stained glass windows in a domestic house in Scotland. (Renton slip road off A82 northbound, follow signs for Dumbarton.)
1960s modern with clerestory glazing into a chimneyed tower on the east side. Hall of Remembrance, Memorial Chapel, Cremation Room.
Formerly Clyde Street school, it was built in Scots Revival style. Inside, the classrooms run off the Glasgow-style galleried hall, with its fine hammerbeam roof.
OPENING TIMES : The library opens Monday to Saturday. Times available : https://www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk/libraries/library-branches/dumbarton-library/ While the library naturally has a great book collection and has some interesting architectural features, it is for what else is available that it is included in this Doors Open Day event. These include: Local history materials, family history resources and archives covering the Dumbarton and Vale of Leven areas Local history resources including some publications for sale An exhibition on "From Living Memory to Memorial: Dumbarton’s WWI Stories". The exhibition : FROM LIVING MEMORY TO MEMORIAL : DUMBARTON'S WWI STORIES" runs until November 2018. It brings together photographs and family stories outlining the hardships, emotions and resilience of local people during the four years of war. It also explains what life was like on the front line as many men from the area made the ultimate sacrifice in the "war to end all wars".
Dumbarton Central Station & The Armed Forces Veterans Association
How to get there : Dumbarton Central Station, if not reached by rail, is from Station Road or Church Street / Townend Road. The Armed Forces Veterans Association can be found on Platform Two. This is a small but fascinating centre for the veterans of our armed services. You are invited to pop in to see what they do and perhaps exchange stories. Those manning it are keen to chat about the association and children may find the models of interest. The group assists anyone, of any age, who has served in the Armed Forces at any point in their life and also helps families to overcome difficulties. Volunteers – many of whom are veterans themselves – provide support across a wide range of areas. Projects include helping people find employment, offering practical and emotional support after marriage breakups, assisting in finding accommodation, relieving the negative impact of social isolation, and directing individuals to where to find help and advice on benefits. But the centre also welcomes visitors and is keen to show what it does and to share information on the armed forces. There is a small display. There is a small cafe on Platform One. The station is a category A listed building, a great example of Scottish industrial heritage. The railway originally opened 1854, but was altered and widened to the south in about 1896. The present structures are mostly from 1896 although electrification had an impact on the canopies. There are several gothick features such as castelated parapets and stone windows at the lower level. In its heyday, the lower level had various rooms for tickets, baggage, waiting areas etc and these were served by a pair of ornately tiled stairs (they are still there, but concealed). The station is currently the focus of a study to improve it and the surrounds.
Railway originally opened 1854, but altered and widened to south circa 1896; present structures mostly 1896.
Bowling Basin and the Bowling Harbour Project
Saturday 1st September. How to get there : Once in Bowling look for the point at which the cycle track crosses Dumbarton Road and follow it down over the railway. Depending on numbers, parking may be restricted to near the turnoff from Dumbarton Road. Otherwise go down to the left beyond the canal house. Walk back along the canal to the basin where most boats are moored. This is the western most end of the Forth and Clyde Canal. Besides the boats and lockgates, there is the old rail bridge above and the arches below. This all comes under Scottish Canals, but your host today is the Bowling Harbour Project which you can find based in Arch 7 looking onto the Basin. The arches now house a variety of commercial units. Those on the canal section have such things as cycle hire. Those overlooking the Basin have arts and crafts. The Bowling Harbour Project is a creative arts and heritage project and will be arranging stalls and activities. That includes a guided look at the basin and canal, its history and features that many visitors usually miss. The canal locks are still operated, but at most times can be walked across. You can find the Bowling Harbour Project area either by walking down to the right immediately on arrival or by going right around the basin clockwise over the small bascule bridge. Above you will be the old railway bridge, the subject of plans for incorporation into the cycle route. The basin is home to some some of the larger boats while the smaller ones and some canal barges moor in the higher water of the canal. From this point you may see shipping passing on the Clyde. Nearby is the rather silted Bowling Harbour and beyond that the 16th Dunglas Castle with an obelisk raised as a memorial to Henry Bell. All children need to be accompanied and care must be taken along the canal and basin edges. But with care this can be a most amazing place to visit and a fun day out for all the family. The old tow path is now a cycle track that stretches eastwards all the way along the Forth and Clyde Canal. A link westwards up to the old railway route can eventually take you all the way to Loch Lomond. Consider cycling it, even for a short distance. The canal contributes to a great cycling environment, complete with mallard and swans for company.
Levengrove Park, in Dumbarton, is located on a dramatic stretch of land where the River Leven meets the estuary of the River Clyde. It has impressive views across the Clyde to Renfrewshire and to the adjacent town and Dumbarton Rock on the other side of the Leven. This Victorian park has recently undergone a £3.8 million transformation, thanks to investment from West Dunbartonshire Council and funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund. Come along and learn about the rich history of the park’s newly restored heritage features including St Serf’s Church – with links to Robert the Bruce - Shiers Well, Kilmahew Fountain and the Cenotaph. The brand new pavilion is the home of the popular Pavillion Café, complete with outside seating, and an adjacent upgraded play area for children. The park also boasts a training suite with multiple opportunities for learning, a formal garden with extensive spring and summer bedding displays, an Arboretum, open grassland, and recreation facilities which include a basketball court. Levengrove is home to a number of events throughout the year including a popular summer Gala Day, the annual Scottish Pipe Band Championships in July and a fireworks display each November. A great day out with something for everyone.
How to get there : Church Street, in central Dumbarton, next to sheriff court. Designed by William Leiper, architect, 1865. Damaged by fire 11.12.1882, and restored. Further deterioration over the years leading to it lying empty. Eventually gutted internally and its eternal walls and tower stablised. After many more years the remaining structure was just recently restored and became the frontage to new modern offices for the council. French Gothic in style, this former academy was also known as the Burgh Halls. It is now known as the West Dunbartonshire Council Offices - or simply 16 Church Street to differentiate it from other council property. The new extension, now covering a greater area than the older frontage, is in a simple, yet complimentary style. The historical and modern are intermingled. Note opening hours Monday to Friday are during normal working hours. This gives you access to the foyer only, but there are views into the atrium and to an exhibition by the current architects.
How to get there : Castle Green Street, Dumbarton. Parking in the street only. This is an active station on call at any moment so you need to look out for vehicle and other movement. Part of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Services. Learn about the service, careers, fire safety at home and other aspects. You may pick up some very valuable safety information for your home. See fire engines up close and meet the firemen who man them. All of the family will find this fascinating. Get to see around the fire appliances and all the equipment used by the modern fire service. See the Firefighters in action and carrying out their daily drills. Guided tours are available on request. (A prior call to the station would be appreciated). Note, there may be appliance movement for turnouts! Here are some tips to start with : It is essential that your home has a working smoke alarm on each level of the property. If a fire starts, this will give you and your family time to get to safety. Doors slow down the spread of potentially deadly smoke and flames, so it is important to remember to close them at night. Fire often starts in the kitchen and no-one should ever leave a cooker unattended while it is in use. It is important to keep lit candles away from children and pets, and from curtains or other flammable materials.
FROM LIVING MEMORY TO MEMORIAL- Dumbarton's WW1 Stories Dumbarton Library and Heritage Centre. (Until the end of November). Also see Dumbarton Library under VENUES. The exhibition, which also includes a programme of workshops and talks, brings together photographs and family stories outlining the hardships, emotions and resilience of local people during the four years of war. It also explains what life was like on the front line as many men from the area made the ultimate sacrifice in the "war to end all wars". THE FRONTIERS OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE Onboard the Maid of the Loch. Also see both The Maid of the Loch under VENUES and even more under NEWS. 27th August until Sunday 2nd. An unusual venue, but that just goes to show the versatility of this old paddle steamer. Did the Romans ever reach here and take in the magnificent view? Very likely, but the furthest that they were really able to stamp control over the local population was at Old Kilpatrick and that was the westernmost point of the Antonine Wall. The Antonine Wall is very significant in Scottish history, but in turn forms part of a much wider history across Europe and North Africa. The Frontiers of the Roman Empire is an historical zone that spans Europe and 1,900 years of history. Designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, it recognises the significance of how an era of profound civilisation shaped the Europe we know today. As a frontier aligning all in its path – places, people – it brought order and established a symbolic definition of the reach of civilisation, but as a contemporary zone crossing the continent and beyond, it now connects communities in a way unlike any other. http://european-heritage.co.uk/event/the-frontiers-of-the-roman-empire/ THE NEW WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE COUNCIL OFFICES At the council offices, 16 Church Street, Dumbarton. Also see West Dunbartonshire Council Offices under VENUES for further information. The architects Keppie Design will putting on a digital exhibition of the works. This ranges from the stabilisation and restoration of what was the Burgh Halls / Academy Building in Church Street, Dumbarton, to its transformation into the frontage of new offices space. Whether you are simply popping in as far as the foyer or will be on the guided tours on the day, this will give insight to the challenges and solutions. The old portion of the building is “A” listed and was designed by William Leiper, one of our most significant architects. It became derelict in the later 20th century, having been damaged, for a second time, by a fire in 1976. West Dunbartonshire Council proposed to demolish the building in 1994, but this was rejected. After many years standing forlorn it was opened recently proudly in its new role.
Raemoir House is a private Mansion House surrounded by 14 acres of parkland. The buildings date back to 1715 and contains a multitude of rooms like the Oval dining room and the Big Fish bar, named after the 96 lbs fish hanging over the whiskey cabinet. The video tour above has an audio guide to go with some 360º photography of the building. Linked below that is an interactive tour, found through the link and at the bottom of their homepage, which consists of an set of 360º images. Acessibility note: Accessible parking is available.
One of Britain’s largest indoor gardens, the David Welch Winter Gardens boasts the most extensive collection of succulents and cacti in Europe. It includes a Temperate House, a Corridor of Perfumes, a Fern Houses, a Victorian Corridor, a Japanese Garden, A Tropical House, and an Arid House. Originally opened in 1899, the greenhouses were rebuilt after suffering storm damage in 1969. Located next to Duthie Park, the tour starts in the park and moves through the indoor gardens with a set of interactive 360º photos that allow easy travel through the spaces. Accessibility note: The ground in the gardens varies but the majority is level paving with wide doorways.
Set just 45 minutes away from Aberdeen, in the village of Alford, the Grampian Transport Museum has an extensive collection of vehicles from across history. Since its foundation in the 1980s, the museum has hosted many events and transport related activities for the public to go to in the summer months. It is updated every year to ensure the newest and most exciting items are on display each season. The tour is a Google powered interactive set of 360º photos that show the entrance and first areas of the museum Accessibility note: The museum is 100% wheelchair accessible as well as being dog friendly
Designed by Robert Adam in the 18th century, this opulent castle sits atop the Ayrshire cliffs as one of 40 buildings in the 260 ha estate of the 10th Earl of Cassillis. The estate features a Swan Pond, an ice house, formal gardens, and an indoor fruit garden, as well as the famous Oval Staircase at the centre of the castle, also an Adam design. There is a self-guided trail through the grounds which visitors can take as well as guided tours, picnic areas, and wheelchair access There is a 360º image of the staircase, linked blow, as well as a set of external 360º images in and around the castle grounds, above. Accessibility note: There is accessible parking and dogs are allowed https://roundme.com/tour/52578/view/133164/
Constructed in 1885, the church was built as an estate chapel for the owner of Drumtochty Castle, the Rev. J. S. Gammell. The building was commissioned from the architectural firm Pirie and Clyne, the Neo-Gothic design features an aisle-less nave with a semi-circular chancel featuring narrow stained glass windows. The south transept holds an exterior statue of St Palladius. Attached to the transept is a pencil stair tower with a gallery at the top. The church serves as an Episcopal church and is still in use and is open for worship. 360º photograph of the church’s South facing exterior and cemetery. Accessibility note: A gravel road leads through the gates and up to the entry to the church. No path leads around the building. There are three stone steps at the main entrance.
Built in 1844 from the remains of St Cyrus House, Ecclesgreig Castle stood at the centre of an agricultural estate. Now no longer a functioning house, the castle still commands impressive views of the sea nearby and hosts an Italian renaissance style garden with a 140 ft long herbaceous border, Neoclassical sculptures, and masterful topiary. The striking castle famously inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula after the writer spent some time there. It hosts a ‘snowdrop walk’ through its grounds where over 150 variations of the small flower grow bountifully. The image is an ariel 360º photo of the garden and castle. Accessibility note: The garden and snowdrop walk do not accommodate wheelchair usage
A church of St. Kieran, Fetteresso Church was dedicated Roman Catholic in 1246 before changing to Protestant under Mary Queen of Scots in the 1560s. It is currently a functioning part of the Church of Scotland and the frontage of the building was modelled from Fetteresso Castle. The image is a 360º photo outside the front of the church showing the promenade leading up to it. Accessibility note: The ground is flat and there are no stairs up to the building, but there is not currently information on the interior available
This 16th century tower house was built by Alexander Burnett and is a maze of turrets and corridors featuring elaborately painted ceilings and wood panelled floors. It sits in a glorious set of gardens amongst the low hills of the area. The inside houses family portraits, antique furniture, and beautiful architecture, while the garden outside is split into 8 sections encompassing an enormous host of plants. The tour here consists of two 360º images, one exterior of the house and then one in the center of one of the garden’s areas to give a taste of the rest to come. Accessibility note: There is accessible parking and the site is wheelchair accessible, there is also a bike route and a self-guided, dog friendly, trail.
The Parish church of Kinneff was first consecrated in 1242, and has since undergone various alterations and renovations before entering its current state after 1876. It is a typical example of a Scottish ‘T’ shaped kirk which is used to direct the whole congregation to the pulpit. It is open daily for visitors and is a very short drive away from Inverbervie. This tour is a 360 photo of the interior of the kirk, displaying the ‘T’ design and the pared back interior. Accessibility note: There is an accessible parking drop off point as well as both level and ramp access to the building itself.
Built around 1320 for the MacDougalls, the castle today belongs to the Stewarts. Gaelic name is Stalcaire, meaning Hunter or Falconer. The castle was acquired in 1965 by Lt. Col. D. R. Stewart Allward who restored the castle over a period of ten years. The castle is privately owned and is open for visitor during selected times over the summer, to be arranged in advance. Featured in 1975 Monty Python and the Holy Grail as one of the sites for the Castle of Aaaaarrrrrrggghhh. The virtual tour is a set of images you click between, with a blueprint of the castle serving as a point of reference on the right side of the screen. For each movement, a text appears beneath the image with information on the view. For each location, you can look right and left and some will have a pop-up window containing more information. Accessibility note: The castle does not accomodate wheelchair users. Access to the castle requires the ability to enter/exist a boat and there are steps in and around the castle.
This category A listed building is a dramatic, Neo-Gothic tower was built to commemorate William Wallace between 1855-57 after designs by Robert Snodgrass Its square-plan footprint castellated top give it a powerful sense of rootedness in the landscape it sits in, emulating the strength of the man it was built for The name Barnweil was said to have originated from a comment Wallace made that the Barns of Ayr burned well when full of English soldiers. However, it is actually derived from its location near the ruins of the medieval church of Barnweil, whos parish was suppressed in the 17th century There is a 360º, black and white, image of the monument from the field in which it stands Accessibility note: Access to the monument is only possible by a climbing the hill which it caps
The University of Dundee was founded in 1881 as a constituent college of the University of St Andrews before gaining independent university status in 1967. The university has 17,000 students and the main teaching facilities are located in the West End of Dundee. The tour consists of a aerial map with the buildings belonging to Dundee University marked out by pop-up menus. Hovering over the menu provides information on what building it is and reveals an ‘Explore’ button. Clicking this takes you inside the building with an option to click between 360º photographs of rooms inside the buildings, listed in a menu in the lower left corner. Accessibility note: accessibility levels vary across the campus.
The Mortuary Chapel was built in 1884 by Patrick Allan-Fraser as a mausoleum for the Fraser family. The building was later gifted to the people of Arbroath as a non-denominational chapel, with maintenance of the chapel falling to the Patrick Allan-Fraser of Hospitalfield Trust. The chapel is built in red sandstone with intricate carvings embellish the interior and exterior. The tour is a 360º photograph of the outside of the building, showing the structure and the surrounding cemetery. The view is just to the side of the main entrance. Accessibility note: There is a small step to enter the chapel. No disabled access to the upper floor. Parking is very limited around the monument.
Glamis Castle was the childhood home to HM Queen Elizabeth and the Queen Mother, having been the ancestral seat of the Earls of Strathmore and Kinghorne since 1372. The site’s history dates back to 1034 when King Malcolm II was murdered there at a Royal Hunting Lodge. The tour a 360º photograph of the Castle’s courtyard which looks out into the grounds and down a section of the long driveway. Accessibility note: The ground floor, including the restaurant, is wheelchair accessible, but the castle tour includes uneven floor and stairs throughout. Motorised scooters are available for free to access the gardens.
The castle has been the property of the Carnegie family since its construction in the early 1400s but early records of the castle’s history were lost when the castle burned down in 1452. The estate covers around 7,000 acres of land. The castle was rebuilt in 1791 by the architect James Playfair in the mansion house style and again in 1855 by David Bryce. After a fire 1921, the castle has been continuously rebuilt and adapted to modern conveniences. The castle today rents out apartments for holiday stays. The estate contains multiples spots of scientific interest, especially in its function of wildlife habitat. The castle further has paths laid out for scenic walks across the estate. The tour is a 360º photograph of the front of the castle and the gardens. Accessibility note: Enquire with Castle before stay.
This tour is a 360º photograph of a section of the Boddin coast, it contains information icons about various points of interest, such as Scurdie Ness Lighthouse and Lunan Bay. Accessibility note: N/A
At Hope Paton Park in Montrose is this granite memorial topped with a bronze statue of Peace. The central element is dedicated to WWI, with bronze plaques commemorating those who fought from Montrose. This is flanked by two blocks on each side which remember soldiers from WWII. Originally unveiled in 1922, the WWII blocks were added later. This tour is a 360º photograph taken in front of the monument allowing for full frontal views of all five elements. Accessibility note: The memorials are accessible from the pavement on the level.
Opened in 1904, this bowling green, and gardens, following the generosity of Miss Hope Paton, the daughter of a wealthy merchant who wanted to leave a mark on her hometown. The club has enjoyed a busy history and much local support. This tour is a 360º photograph from the front entrance including the green itself. Accessibility note: The green is viewable from the level but the entrance to the club house is up three steps.
Founded in 1781 by Susan Carnegie, it was originally called the Montrose Lunatic Asylum, Infirmary, and Dispensary. It was brought under NHS control in 1948, and in 1962 it became the Sunnyside Royal Hospital. The hospital closed in 2011 but the building still stands. The tour is a 360º photograph from the outside of the abandoned hospital Accessibility note: The hospital itself is not open to the public, but the grounds around it are fairly uneven and grassy.
The castle was built in 1520 with walled gardens from the 17th century. The castle is today a ruin but the garden is still maintained. The castle was built by the 8th Earl of Crawford and the garden expanded in 1604 by his son. Today the castle belongs to Historic Scotland and is open all year. The castle once housed Mary Queen of Scots on a visit in 1562. was occupied by English troops during Oliver Cromwell's invasion of Scotland in 1651. The grounds further contain a family burial vault and a summer house which can be explored. Tour is a 360º view from the 17th century formal garden with a close view of the castle ruins and the wall. Accessibility note: The castle has partial wheelchair access. There are ramps leading to the visitor centre and all part of the garden are accessible. The castle itself has step and cobble surfaces and is not suitable for users with physical disabilities.
The Memorial Hall and clocktower are built within a public rose garden in the village of Edzell. The Hall and garden are open for various activities such as, drama productions, dance, meetings, and exhibitions. The Library room has been restored from its Victorian state and is now a visitor centre offering a historical insight into the library and community. The tour is a 360º photograph of the front of the building, showing the entryway and clocktower. Accessibility note: There is level parking but the entrance is stepped.
The present house was completed in 1809 to replace an earlier house which had been demolished due to damp damage. In 1829, the house was bought by Sir John Gladstone, the father of later Prime Minister William Ewart Gladstone. The house is surrounded by beech avenues originally planted in the 1750s. Fasque House was possibly the first house in Scotland to have electric lighting and had an electric buzzer system installed in 1890. The House can today be rented out for weddings and events. The tour is a 360º view of the front and gardens of the House. Accessibility note: The House has a few areas that are not suitable for disabled access, but the House has a lift to the main function and bedroom floor and some bedrooms allow disabled access and walk-in shower.
Since the 12th century and the reign of David I, there has been a royal castle on the rock overlooking the area that is now Edinburgh, but the site has been occupied since the Bronze Age. It has been the location of many conflicts throughout its history, playing key roles in the Wars of Scottish Independence and the Jacobite rebellion. Today, the castle is one of Scotland’s most visited tourist attractions, with over two million visitors in 2017. It plays host to many events, notably including the Military Tattoo during the annual Edinburgh Festival in the summertime. Above is a 360º drone video, but the link provides a more in depth look at the fortress. This tour is a Google-powered set of 360º photographs that allow the viewer to navigate the fortress and and ‘walk’ through it. Accessibility note: All areas of the castle are accessed from a 350m long, sloped route. This route is cobbled and so can be a steep, uneven surface. There are stairs to some areas of the castle, but many have ramp access - such as the Great Hall, the National War Museum, and St Margaret’s Chapel.
The castle’s construction began in 1240 but was damaged in the Wars of Scottish Independence. The castle guarded the approach along the coast to Edinburgh from the south. It changed hands multiple times throughout its history, and was damaged again in a siege by Oliver Cromwell, in 1923 the grounds and ruins were given to state care and they are now maintained by Historic Scotland. The current site is made up of 13th, 14th, 15th, and 16th century ruins as well as a 20th century garden layout. The tour consists of a number of navigable 360º photographs that take the viewer around the ruins of the castle. Accessibility note: The ground around the castle is uneven and there is stepped access into the ruins themselves.
Virtual tour created by Eye Revolution. The Palace of Holyroodhouse is the Queen’s official residence in Scotland and contains many artefacts of Scottish royal history. The Queen's Gallery at the Palace of Holyroodhouse hosts a programme of changing exhibitions from the Royal Collection. The Palace was used by Mary, Queen of Scots for official and state entertaining but the Palace as it stands today was built between 1671-78. To access the tour, click the box entitled ‘Launch Project’ after following the link. The tour is an interactive set of 360º images from three different rooms inside the house. Each room has clickable info boxes that tell facts of the interior decoration. Accessibility note: Pushchair may not be taken into the palace. The lift leading to the State Harbour is under maintenance until April 2019.
This is a primarily residential area of Edinburgh, seen here is a large development on the waterfront The tour shows a section of Leith Harbour, and the Western Harbour development, included within the 360º image is a drone flyby of the area too. Accessibility note: N/A
The Firth of Forth is a centre of commerce in Edinburgh and shown here are five different points along the coast line. This tour consists of a set of 360º images including information points and embedded videos. Accessibility note: N/A
Gladstone’s Land is the restored 17th century home of wealthy merchant and landlord Thomas Gledstanes. Gledstanes let out rooms in this six-storey building and the restored rooms reflect how these people from different social spheres went about their day in Edinburgh’s Lawnmarket area. The museum is on the first and second floors of the house split across six rooms. The museum only offers guided tours. The tour consists of six views of four different rooms on one of the floors of the museum. The images are 360º degrees and you can click between the rooms via points that guide you through the house. Accessibility note: Unknown, but the museum levels of the house are connected via a staircase.
Founded in 1582, the University of Edinburgh is ranked in the top 20 universities in the world (2019). The University hosts over 35,000 students across multiple campuses in the city. This tour provides an insight into the old and new of the university with a set of 360º images showing the Old Campus Courtyard, the Informatics Forum, and the McEwan Hall Accessibility note: Accessibility levels vary across the campus.
The gallery opened in 1901 as the Palace of Fine Arts. Built around its large Centre Hall, the museum houses a wide ranging collection of art, arms, and natural history items across 22 galleries. The museum also holds the Salvador Dali painting ‘Christ of St John of the Cross’ from 1951 which shows the crucified Jesus hovering over a dark body of water. The tour consists of a set of 360º images of the interior and exterior of that gallery, showing the suspended Spitfire aircraft. Accessibility note: There is level access and accessible parking and a hearing loop.
The Port of Grangemouth is Scotland’s largest container port and is linked via motorway, rail, and sea. The port handles approximately 150,000 containers per year and up to 30% of Scotland’s gross domestic product (GDP) goes through the port. It is only feeder port in the UK that exports more than it imports. The tour consists of five 360º images of the areas with information boxes inserted over noteworthy elements. Accessibility notes: N/A.
Kennetpans was formed by the monks of Kennetpans Monastery and was a salt panning community. The local farmers learned how to distil from the monastery and in the 1730s it was the largest distillery in Scotland. In the 1770s a second distillery was opened by the brother of the original founder, John Stein. The site is now in ruins, having ceased function in 1825. The tour gives an aerial view of the ruins and the area around them with information points across the landscape. Accessibility note: N/A
The Kelpies are two 30-metres tall sculptures depicting the heads of two kelpies, mythological water spirits. The sculptures were made by Andy Scott and completed in 2013. The Kelpies are the largest equine sculptures in the world and represent the history of horse powered heritage across Scotland. The Kelpies are located inside the Helix Community Park, next to an extension of the Forth and Clyde Canal. The tour is a 360º photo that shows the area. Accessibility note: The area is accessible throughout for wheelchair users.
In 1904 this building was made for the publisher Walter Blackie by Charles Rennie Mackintosh and Margaret Macdonald Mackintosh. The entire house, inside and out, was designed by Mackintosh including furniture and fittings. He even recommended what sort of decorations the residents should use, such as flowers. The building has some structural issues and a large rejuvenation project is being undertaken (2019) in order to increase its longevity. The tour consists of a set of 360º images of the interior of the house with information points on various items. Accessibility note: There is accessible parking, wheelchair access, a hearing loop, and braille notices.
Taigh Chearsabhagh Museum and Arts Centre
The Centre was founded in 1993 by Comann Eachdraidh Uibhist a Tuath and the Uist Art Association and the museum explores North Uist’s social, domestic, economic, cultural and religious life. The collection is built up from artefacts from the nineteenth and twentieth century, as well as a collection of Scottish, local, and international art and craft pieces. Taigh Chearsabhagh Museum & Arts Centre is located on the shoreline of a marine Special Area of Conservation. The tour consists of two 360º images taken inside two rooms of the Centre that can be moved between. Accessibility note: The centre is wheelchair accessible.
The present ruins of Urquhart Castle stem from the thirteenth to the sixteenth centuries but there are traces of a Medieval fortification on the site stemming from the seventh century. The castle is one of the largest in area in Scotland. It has belonged to many different clans but most notably belonged to the Grants and was under siege by Jacobites following the 1688 Revolution. The tour starts with a view over that castle and has arrows that are used to navigate through the landscape. The tour can be viewed in Virtual Reality. Accessibility note: The visitor centre is fully accessible and there is a photographic guide for those who have mobility issues. Disability buggies are available on request and accessible parking spots.
Virtual tour created by Eye Revolution. Balvenie is a Speyside single-malt distillery which was founded in 1886 by William Grant. The first distillation took place on 1 May 1893. Balvenie is one of the only distilleries in Scotland with its own malting floor. The distillery is located near the ruined Balvenie Castle, which was built in the twelfth century with extension made in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. The tour consists of seven 360º images taken from different spots around the distillery ground. The image are located in the bottom left corner. Accessibility note: There is no wheelchair access to the building. On tours walking is required and there are steps.
King James IV and his son, James V, commissioned this palace in the early 16th century. The Kings loved hunting and falconry, and this was created as a sort of holiday house for them to pursue these hobbies. There are many fairytale-esque buildings to explore, including the Chapel Royal and Britain's oldest real tennis court. The surrounding gardens are home to an orchard and wildflower meadow as well as a Renaissance style herbal garden. This tour consists of a set of multiple 360º photographs from both inside and out of the palace allowing the viewer to experience much of what is on offer. Accessibility note: This is unsuitable for wheelchairs as there are a lot of stairs. There is a hearing loop and large print guides.
St Andrews University - School of Classics
St Andrews University was founded between 1410 and 1413, and is the oldest of the four ancient universities of Scotland and the third oldest university in the English-speaking world. The university consists of a main campus and owns modern and historic buildings throughout the town. The university has over 10,000 students admitted. The tour consists of two 360º images of the front of the building. Accessibility note: Accessibility levels vary across campus.
This castle dates from the 13th century and was built on a northern headland of St Andrews. Now in ruins, the castle still partially watches over the seas and surrounding area of the town. The famous ‘bottle dungeon’ is found here, cut out of the stone beneath the fortress. Visitors can compare the underground siege mine and the decorative Hamilton Facade. This tour consists of multiple 360º images in and around the ruins. Accessibility note: There is a wheelchair accessible visitor centre which includes multi-sensory elements for those with visual impairments. The dungeon, mines, and upper floors of the castle are not accessible for those with mobility issues or wheelchairs.
The ruined Roman Catholic cathedral was built 1158 and was the main seat of the Catholic Church in Scotland in the Middle Ages. The cathedral fell into disuse after the Scottish Reformation in the sixteenth century, which outlawed Catholic mass. The building was stormed by Protestants, destroying the interior, and the ruins were used for building material for the town. The ruins of the cathedral suggest that the building was once 119 metres tall, making it the largest church to have been built in Scotland. The tour consists of ten 360º views of the cathedral which can be clicked between in thumbnails on the bottom of the page or in icons spread around the images. Accessibility note: All areas of the cathedral, visitor centre, shop, and museum are accessed over grass or gravel paths. A ramp is available for entry to the museum.
This chapel was founded in 1450 and built in a neo-Gothic style. It was originally founded with a missionary and educational function as it was part of Bishop Kennedy’s College of the Holy Saviour. St Salvator’s has been the site of much conflict between Protestants and Catholics, with both taking their toll on the building. There has been restoration and changes made in the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries and the current building is a mixture of old and new, showing signs of its difficult history. This tour consists of a 360º photograph of the inside of the chapel. Accessibility note: The northern entrance is wheelchair accessible.
This 19th century mansion is a category A listed building whose grounds make up Camperdown Park. The park hosts a wildlife centre with close to 200 species of tree across the 400 acre area. It is noteworthy as the origin of the Camperdown Elm, discovered around 1840 by Lord Camperdown’s chief forester. The tour consists of a 360º image of the exterior of one facade of the building and a portion of the grounds. Accessibility note: there is level access to the venue and a wide entry way as well as tarmac paths around the park
Dunscaith, Skye's oldest castle is situated north of Tarskavaig by the township of Tokavaig. It was a Norse stronghold, and then a MacLeod castle until taken by MacDonald's in 1266. It was the principle stronghold of the MacDonald's of Sleat until the early 1600's.
This tour was funded by St Andrews Community Trust.
This phase of the project has been funded by St Andrews University Research Impact. impact.wp.st-andrews.ac.uk/ More information here: 2017.wp.st-andrews.ac.uk/2017/04/10/reconstructing-pre-reformation-st-andrews/
A village in Perth and Kinross, Abernethy is home to one of Scotland's two surviving Irish-style round towers.
Take in an enormous sweep of Scottish history as experienced by the Irvine family who lived in Drum Castle for over 650 years, from the 14th century onwards. Drum is one of Royal Deeside’s top historic attractions, just 10 miles from Aberdeen. It is one of Scotland’s oldest tower houses and is set beside an ancient oak woodland and a walled garden that contains a fine collection of historic roses which perfume the air. William de Irwyn was gifted the Royal Forest of Drum and the Tower of Drum by King Robert the Bruce in 1323. The tower has benefitted from various improvements over the centuries, including a Jacobean mansion house extension in 1619 and Victorian adaptations, such as the impressive library converted from the lower hall
The quintessential Victorian ‘Highland’ estate, Brodick Castle, Garden & Country Park on the Isle of Arran is the perfect place for a family day out. Dramatically set against the backdrop of Goatfell mountain, the grand red sandstone Scottish baronial-style castle has stunning views over Brodick Bay to the Firth of Clyde. The grounds and surrounds are worthy of a visit alone – from the W A Nesfield-influenced landscaped gardens to the woodland trails, wildlife ponds and waterfalls, there’s plenty to explore outdoors in Britain’s only island country park. Brodick Castle is packed full of treasures too – it’s renowned for its impressive collections of period furniture, silverware, porcelain, paintings and sporting trophies. Remember, Brodick Castle neighbours Goatfell - why not pay both a visit? Brodick Castle and Country Park is unique in being the only island country park in Britain. The castle offers 800 years of history, a fabulous collection of valuable artefacts, and stunning views over Brodick Bay to the Ayrshire coast. The gardens provide an unrivalled experience, from the formal walled garden to the woodland walks. Brodick holds three national collections of rhododendron that flower in almost every month of the year. The country park extends from seashore to mountain top with over ten miles of way-marked trails and abundant wildlife. With its backdrop of mountain peaks, its terraced lawns and luxuriant gardens, Brodick Castle, Garden & Country Park is the very image of a Victorian ‘Highland’ estate.
Near the banks of Loch Fyne, on the west coast, immerse yourself in Britain's finest example of an exotic Himalayan-style woodland garden. Crarae Garden is a tranquil site, with its dramatic gorge, rippling burn, waterfalls and cliffs. The informal hillside layout of mature woody plants radiating out from the burn creates a wonderful natural effect. It is a magical spot at any time of year, with the earlier flowers of countless rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias and magnolias being replaced later in the season by the rich tints of foliage and fruit.
The exhibition - a collaboration between Culture Perth and Kinross, the University of St Andrews Open Virtual Worlds Research team, Perth and Kinross Heritage Trust, and Tay Landscape Partnership with support from the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Kirkcaldy Old Kirk is the site of the first Christian worship in Kirkcaldy after the Celtic missionaries brought the faith here in the 5th century. The first written record of the Kirk is in 1244. http://www.kirkcaldyoldkirktrust.org.uk/
The small village of Cramond, on the edge of Edinburgh, is one of Scotland’s most important archaeological sites. People have lived in and around Cramond for at least ten thousand years. Today Cramond is a pleasant commuter village for Edinburgh but there remain numerous reminders of its extraordinary past. This website guides you round notable historic sites in Cramond providing brief descriptions, photographs, and in some cases reconstructions of historic locations in the village.
Stories, Stones & Bones This is a digital reconstruction of the 19th-century colonist's buildings, the remains of which are still visible today. Please visit the Bennachie Landscapes Project for more information: http://www.bailiesofbennachie.co.uk/ Heritage Lottery Funded project.
The Grassmarket area is first recorded in the fourteenth century, when it was referred to as ‘the street called Newbygging under the castle’. By the 1470s the area was known as ‘Westirmart’, and seems to have been associated with the sale of timber, hats, and shoes. At the far end of the Grassmarket stood the gateway known as the West Port, which was in existence by at least 1509, and formed the western boundary of the burgh.
St Giles’ was the most important church in the burgh of Edinburgh (although it was not a cathedral until the 1630s). In 1544 St Giles’ was still a Catholic Church. It was lavishly decorated with statues and stained glass, and housed the altars of the local craft guilds. The feast day of St Giles (on 1st September) was marked by a religious procession along the Royal Mile. In 1558 Protestant Reformers disrupted the religious festivities, throwing a statue of St Giles to the ground, and smashing it upon the paving stones. Two years later Scotland officially rejected Catholicism, and St Giles’ became a Protestant place of worship.
Abernethy is a village in Perth and Kinross, Scotland, situated 8 mi south-east of Perth. It has one of Scotland's two surviving Irish-style round towers. The round tower is approx. 22 metres high and has an internal diameter of 2.515 metres. The exterior diameter is 4.648 metres near the base, and 4.267 metres at the top. Today there is a Pictish carved stone at the base of the tower, but this is not the stone’s original location. (The stone was dug out of the foundations of a local house. The tower is thought to date from the eleventh century, but may incorporate the foundations of an earlier structure. The round tower is thought to relate to a Culdee monastery. We are not sure at what date the monastery was founded. [Source: https://canmore.org.uk/site/27914/abernethy-round-tower]
The Museum of Abernethy was opened in May 2000 by Magnus Magnusson. The Museum has held the Visit Scotland four stars award since 2001. The building, which stands within the lands of the old Culdees monastery, dates from the eighteenth century. Originally consisting of a byre, stable and cattle rede, it was renovated during the 1990s to house the Museum. In keeping with the aim of preserving the building's heritage, some of the original features, such as the internal stone walls and an area of cobbled floor, have been left visible. Abernethy itself is a historic settlement having been occupied since Pictish times, and the aim of the Museum is to preserve as much as possible of this varied and extensive history.
Rowallan Castle is steeped in history, with its original structure believed to date back to the 13th century.
Our new state-of-the-art museum has something for everyone. Experience life in a World War One Trench and explore the Factory to discover what life was like for the thousands of munitions girls who flocked to work here.
Portencross Castle is a wonderful example of what can be achieved when everyone involved in a project works together to overcome problems. http://www.portencrosscastle.org.uk/
More information - http://www.barrcastle.co.uk
The church at Kilmaurs was in the possession of Kelso Abbey as early as 1170. In 1413 the present foundation was endowed by Sir William Cunninghame as a collegiate church. Rebuilt by Robert S Ingram 1888 in a cruciform shape. Stained glass, 20th-century, including a window by Roland Mitton of Livingston, and three rose windows. The clock tower holds the original bell inscribed ‘Michael Burgerhuys Me Fecit 1618’. Glencairn Aisle adjacent to the church with sculptured mural 1600 commissioned by James 7th Earl of Glencairn, in memory of the Earl and Countess of Glencairn, and worked by David Scougal, mason and burgess.
Founded by the Duke of Gordon in 1776, Tomintoul is situated on the line of the old military road built following the 1745 Jacobite rebellion. The Duke hoped that the production of linen would provide an industry for local people
Paisley Abbey is a parish church of the Church of Scotland on the east bank of the White Cart Water in the centre of the town of Paisley, Renfrewshire, about 12 miles west of Glasgow, in Scotland. Its origins date from the 12th century, based on a former Cluniac monastery.
Cramond Kirk is a church situated in the area of Cramond in the north west of Edinburgh, Scotland. Built on the site of an old Roman fort, parts of the Cramond Kirk building date back to the fourteenth century and the church tower is considered to be the oldest part.
A classical 1832 building houses 18th century anatomy specimens and visiting medical exhibitions.
Virtual tours of MV Spartan and SY Carola
As a part of our project “Scanning The Horizon” we have created virtual tours to improve access to our collection. Thanks to 360° photography you can now enjoy tours of our vessels from the comfort of your own home! Move between panoramas to explore different sections of the two vessels and gain access to areas usually “off-limits”. If you own a VR headset you can view our tours in the VR mode. While wearing the headset, launch this website in Firefox Reality and click on the VR goggles symbol. Enjoy!
Kirkcaldy Museum and Art Gallery virtual tour
The McManus: Dundee's Art Gallery and Museum is a Gothic Revival-style building, located in the centre of Dundee, Scotland. The building houses a museum and art gallery with a collection of fine and decorative art as well as a natural history collection. It is protected as a Category A listed building.
Barry Mill is a working Category A listed watermill in Barry, Angus in eastern Scotland. It is owned and operated by the National Trust for Scotland as an educational tourist attraction.
This site has a long history of religious use. Little is known of the early churches; the first substantial building was erected in the 13th century. The current church is built on a promontory, bordered by a stream; a site typical of early churches. Benholm has had a parish church since at least 1242, but amalgamation of local parishes has resulted in this building now being in Mearns Coastal Parish.
The House of Dun is a National Trust for Scotland property in the parish of Dun, lying close to the edge of Montrose Basin and situated approximatley half way between the towns of Montrose and Brechin, in Angus, Scotland.
Timespan is a cultural organisation in Helmsdale, Sutherland in the Far North of Scotland. It offers a high quality venue with a museum, contemporary art gallery, archive, shop and cafe. Established in 1986, Timespan has developed from a community heritage enterprise to a multi-award-winning creative development hub. Timespan provides a rich cultural programme of events and activities to its visitors every year. The organisation will contribute to CINE with a case study and best practice guidelines based on research of the nearby Strath of Kildonan.
University museum with 4 galleries exploring St. Andrews through the ages, with a sea-view terrace.
The Netherbow Port was a great gateway controlling access to Edinburgh from the Canongate (then a separate burgh). In May 1544 it was attacked by the English, who blew the gates open with a culverin (a type of cannon with a relatively long-range). The Netherbow was remodelled in the 1570s, and a central tower seems to have been added around this date. The gateway was eventually demolished in the mid-eighteenth-century as it was a hindrance to traffic.
The Cowgate probably developed as a street in the early fourteenth century. By the sixteenth century it was considered one of the more prosperous parts of Edinburgh. The writer and theologian Alexander Alesius (who was born in Edinburgh in 1500) claimed that Cowgate was where ‘the nobility and chief men of the burgh reside’. In the early sixteenth century the archbishop of St Andrews had a residence there, which survived until Victorian times. In 1537 money was left for the establishment of a hospital and chapel dedicated to Mary Magdalen at the western end of the Cowgate. The Magdalen Chapel still exists today, although the building has been substantially altered
The Gordon Highlanders Museum 360 Virtual Tour - Aerial
The only Visit Scotland 5-Star Attraction in Aberdeen, the museum tells the extraordinary 200 year story of “the Finest Regiment in the World!”* Situated in the fashionable west end of Aberdeen, Scotland, in the former home of leading Scot