Archaeology and history weave together across the North Highlands showing us the rich tapestry of the past. Chambered cairns, Stone and Hut circles, Mounds and Brochs, Pictish monasteries and Viking and Norse sites. Learn more at some of the key locations below.
Cairn of GetCairn of Get or Garrywhin (ND313411) is signposted off the main road at Ulbster opposite Whaligoe. it is a small, short horned Neolithic chambered cairn. The roof has gone but the passage and chamber are otherwise intact. On excavation in 1866 the walls were still over 2.5m high. A 0.5m layer of ashes, burnt wood [...]
Caithness Broch CentreThe Caithness Broch Centre is a new museum in Auckengill, north-east Caithness. It is centred around two key themes: brochs and the communities associated with them. Brochs – tall imposing circular drystone towers built over 2000 years ago – are some of the most remarkable structures ever built in Britain. Caithness is the home of [...]
Carn LiathCarn Liath (G Grey cairn) is a well preserved broch about 2 miles north of Golspie on the A9 and has walls nearly 4m high. For access, park as indicated and take the signposted path. it was cleared out in the 1800s and a variety of items found, some of which are in Dunrobin Museum. [...]
Discover the North Highlands of ScotlandA useful map leaflet for the North Highlands of Scotland that describes all the area has to offer:- Dramatic coastlines Beautiful landscapes Amazing wildlife Fascinating history Magical experiences
Explore the Archaeological highlights of CaithnessCaithness is framed by the sea on two sides and the mountains of Sutherland on the third. It has a strong identity, which looks northward to Orkney and Shetland as much as south to the highlands. Beneath huge, empty skies its windswept landscape contains nearly 5,500 archaeological features of all periods. The sites listed in [...]
Explore the Archaeological highlights of Ross and CromartyRoss and Cromarty is an area of contrasts – from the fertile farmland of the east, to the mountains and crofting townships of the west. The sites listed in the link to the Highland Council’s Historic Environment Records site will introduce you to a selection of accessible, interesting sites to be found in Ross and [...]
Explore the Archaeological highlights of SutherlandSutherland occupies about one-eighth of the land area of Scotland. Its history and relative remoteness from major cities have helped to ensure that many archaeological features of all periods remain well-preserved. Over 8,000 have been recorded and many more await discovery. The sites listed in the link to the Highland Council’s Historic Environment Records site [...]
Grey Cairns of CamsterThe Grey Cairns of Camster (ND260440) are 5 miles north of Lybster. They are among the best preserved Neolithic chambered cairns in Britain. Both have intact chambers and passages with rooflights so that no torches are needed. They should not be missed and are accessed from the road by boardwalks. Camster Round is about 20m [...]
Hill o’Many StanesHill o’Many Stanes, Mid clyth (ND295384) about 3 miles north of Lybster is the best-preserved of a type of stone setting only seen in caithness and Sutherland. Over 200 stones are arranged in 22 or more rows on the south side of a hill. They run north to south in a fan shape with their [...]
Rich Human History itineraryMan has lived a long time on the east coast of Sutherland. This enduring and beautiful landscape is home to ancient brochs and medieval castles, hidden woodland sites where iron ore was made and wide flowing rivers and estuaries used for transportation for centuries. Peaceful crofting townships, farms and villages only hint at the sometimes [...]
Yarrows Archaeology TrailYarrows Archaeology Trail is signposted off the A99 near Thrumster. From the car park (ND306435) a circular walk takes in a variety of interesting sites spanning at least 3,000 years. There are three long and two round Neolithic chambered cairns. All are in a ruinous state, but the layout can still be discerned. To the [...]
