spocksackmary's User Profile - Atlas Obscura
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Stenness, Scotland

Ness of Brodgar

The discovery of this Neolithic settlement, which contained a Stone Age "cathedral," threw archaeologists for a loop.
Edinburgh, Scotland

Mons Meg

A six-ton wedding present for the King of the Scots.
Outer Hebrides, Scotland

Clach an Truseil

The 5,000-year-old megalith is believed to be Scotland's tallest standing stone.
Stirling, Scotland

Beheading Stone

Legend says this rock was once a chopping block for public executions.
Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh's Swedish Runestone

This extraordinary Viking artifact has traveled throughout the city.
Orkney, Scotland

Maeshowe

Thanks to both terrific preservation and historic vandalism this ancient site is known as the "Heart of Neolithic Orkney."
Outer Hebrides, Scotland

Whale Bone Arch

A whale's jawbone and a malfunctioning harpoon welcome you to the village of Bragar and its lore.
Scottish Borders, Scotland

The Bear Gates of Traquair

The main gates have been locked since 1745 and will remain so until the Stuart Dynasty returns to the throne.
Melrose, Scotland

Robert the Bruce's Heart

The heart of a Scottish legend had a centuries-long journey before reaching its final resting place.
Dumbarton, Scotland

Dumbarton Rock

This volcanic plug boasts the longest recorded history of any Scottish stronghold.
Glasgow, Scotland

Govan Stones

Early Medieval stones sit on display at the beautiful Govan Old Church in Glasgow.
Glasgow, Scotland

Duke of Wellington Statue

This stately monument has been wearing a traffic cone hat for decades much to the delight of the locals.
Edinburgh, Scotland

Bakehouse Close

This alley off Edinburgh's Royal Mile contains remnants of the city's seedier history.
Orkney, Scotland

Cuween Hill Cairn

Enter the world under the hill at this ancient UK burial chamber.
Glasgow, Scotland

Loup of Fintry

This waterfall is one of the most spectacular natural features in the Scottish Lowlands.
Glasgow, Scotland

St. Valentine’s Bones

Glasgow’s piece of the patron saint of love.
Edinburgh, Scotland

Sir Nils Olav

This king penguin is a knighted brigadier of the Norwegian Army.
Highland, Scotland

Ruthven Barracks

These ruins witnessed the final gathering of the failed Jacobite Rebellion.
Isle of Skye, Scotland

Calum's Road

One man spent 10 years building a spectacular section of road because no one else would.
Orkney, Scotland

Brough of Birsay

This tiny island featuring 9th-century Viking ruins is only accessible at low tide.
Aberfoyle, Scotland

Doon Hill and Fairy Knowe

This enchanting hill is home to fairy lore and a sinister local mystery.
Shetland Islands, Scotland

Broch of Mousa

A remarkably well preserved tower dating all the way back to the Iron Age.
Edinburgh, Scotland

Wojtek the Soldier Bear Memorial

A statue in the heart of Edinburgh honors a bear that served in the Polish military during World War II.
Orkney, Scotland

The Stones of Stenness

Possibly the oldest of Britain's ancient henges is also one of its most stark.