Year of Natural Scotland 2013

Scotland is full of natural beauty. From stunning natural and historic landscapes, art inspired by nature and surprising wildlife, you can find nature right on your doorstep.

Don't miss the chance to experience the great Scottish outdoors for yourself.  Start your Big Adventure this April and discover the natural beauty and the very best in Scotland’s heritage with Historic Scotland.  

Follow our Year of Natural Blog with Bob Tevendale, as he explorer the wildlife, plants and landscapes of Scotland's historic sites throughout the ever changing seasons.

Here’s just a few of our fascinating and beautiful sites, just waiting for you to visit and explore:

Caerlaverock Castle
Caerlaverock’s great triangular defences guard the Solway Shore. Today, visitors can enjoy a children’s play area and a trail through the woodland to the remains of an older castle. See bluebells in spring, dragonflies and wildflowers in summer and barnacle geese in winter.

Doune Castle
This near-complete castle set amid lovely Stirlingshire countryside was built as the home of Regent Albany. Today is provides a children’s nature trail, riverside walk and the perfect place to view wildflower meadows.

Dryburgh Abbey
The graceful ruins of Dryburgh Abbey nestle in wooded seclusion beside the River Tweed. Wander among the graceful ruins of this beautiful Borders abbey and look for the Dryburgh Yew, reputedly one of Scotland’s most ancient trees.

Holyrood Park
Enjoy wild and dramatic countryside in the heart of the city. Within Holyrood Park is a wealth of history, the park is a site of special scientific interest due to its archaeology, geology and wildlife. It offers walks, wildlife, volcanic geology and unparalleled views of the city from its many vantage points.

Linlithgow Palace & Loch
The name Linlithgow means ‘the loch in the damp hollow. These magnificent ruins look down over the palace’s grounds – the Peel – and Linlithgow Loch. You can explore both on well-surfaced paths. The loch has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest thanks to its wildfowl population including nesting water birds particularly great crested grebe.

Lochleven Castle
A boat will ferry you to one of Scotland’s oldest castles whilst you look out for the waterfowl. Enjoy the fragrance from the large beds of pink purslane in the south and east wooded walks from April to July.

Morton Castle
Morton Castle stands in a scenic location on a promontory above Morton Loch. The surrounding area is a haven for butterflies and moths with a walkway through the woodland.

Ring of Brodgar
A magnificent circle of upright stones with an enclosing ditch spanned by causeways, dating to the late Neolithic period. Located between the lochs of Harray and Stenness which are important for wildfowl, particularly goldeneye, scaup, pochard and tufted duck.

Threave Castle
Cross the River Dee by boat to visit this enchanting castle on its own island. It is now an ideal spot for exploring, picnicking and, perhaps, painting. The island is rich with wildflowers in summer; you might also see ospreys and otters hunting in the river.


Get involved in the Year of Natural Scotland through our events programme, including a series of walks, talks and activities with the HS Ranger Service. You can search our events and refine by Event Type "Year of Natural".

We've also launched our Year of Natural Scotland Children's Quiz at Edinburgh Caste. Visit the Official Edinburgh Castle website for more information and to donwload the quiz.

For more information on the Year of Natural Scotland 2013 please visit the Official VisitScotland Website