Examples of scheduled monuments

Below are examples of scheduled monuments, ranging from early prehistoric to modern monuments.

Early prehistoric monuments

Despite recycling of stone for later uses, early prehistoric burial sites such as this chambered cairn still contain important and unique information about burial practices around 5000 years ago.

Later prehistoric monuments

Around 2000 years ago people in northern and western Scotland lived in substantial stone houses, often with defensive qualities. Here a submerged causeway leads from the shore to an island dun.

Roman monuments

For a time in the 2nd century AD, the Antonine Wall was the north-west frontier of the Roman empire.

Early medieval monuments

The Picts of the 4th to 7th centuries AD built forts in many parts of Scotland, here reusing masonry from a nearby Roman fort.

Later medieval monuments

Later medieval churches were at the heart of their communities. Along with their graveyards they can tell us about changing religious beliefs and how this was reflected in the church architecture and burial practices.

Post-Reformation monuments

It can be difficult to identify the remains of medieval settlements, but deserted settlements are characteristic of much of post-medieval Scotland. This fermtoun appears to contain at least eight separate units or farmsteads, pre-dating the transition to the dispersed farmsteads of the post-Improvement era.

Modern monuments

We now recognise the cultural significance of the military remains of the 20th century.

Marine

In Scotland, seven wrecks dating from the First World War are scheduled in Scapa Flow, Orkney. Scottish Ministers can also designate wrecks under the Protection of Wrecks Act 1973.