Here are 10 battlefields you can visit where iconic Scots like Robert the Bruce led their country's fight.Here are 10 battlefields you can visit where iconic Scots like Robert the Bruce led their country's fight.
Here are 10 battlefields you can visit where iconic Scots like Robert the Bruce led their country's fight.

These are 10 sites of famous Scottish battles you can visit this summer

On the anniversary of the Battle of Bannockburn we look at the sites of fascinating historic skirmishes you can visit.
By David Hepburn
Published 23rd Jun 2021, 12:52 BST

This week in 1314 Robert the Bruce defeated the forces of Edward II at Bannockburn – a key moment in the Scottish wars of independence.

Today the site is the location of a visitor’s centre that includes the Battle of Bannockburn Experience, where you can immerse yourself in the conflict and follow in the footsteps of Robert the Bruce.

It’s not the only battlefield you can visit to find out more about Scotland’s turbulent past.

Here are 10 you can venture to for a fun and educational day trip, sure to be enjoyed by the whole family this summer.

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It’s not the only battlefield you can visit to find out more about Scotland’s turbulent past.

The Battle of Glen Shiel, in 1719, was a major battle of the Jacobite Uprising. The Jacobites, supported by 300 Spanish troops, fought and lost to a government army loyal to King George I. Today you can visit Eilean Donan Castle, where the Spanish troops were based, and the site of the battle at Shiel Bridge.

5. Battle of Glen Shiel

The Battle of Glen Shiel, in 1719, was a major battle of the Jacobite Uprising. The Jacobites, supported by 300 Spanish troops, fought and lost to a government army loyal to King George I. Today you can visit Eilean Donan Castle, where the Spanish troops were based, and the site of the battle at Shiel Bridge. Photo: Canva/Getty Images

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The Battle of Pinkie Cleugh took place on September 10, 1547, on the banks of the River Esk in East Lothian. The fight between English and Scottish forces remains one of the largest battles ever fought on Scottish soil. Today, visitors to the site of the heavy Scottish defeat can learn more by following the two mile walking trail, complete with information panels, around Musselburgh. There's also a small memorial stone (pictured) next to the A6094 just outside Wallyford.

6. The Battle of Pinkie Cleugh

The Battle of Pinkie Cleugh took place on September 10, 1547, on the banks of the River Esk in East Lothian. The fight between English and Scottish forces remains one of the largest battles ever fought on Scottish soil. Today, visitors to the site of the heavy Scottish defeat can learn more by following the two mile walking trail, complete with information panels, around Musselburgh. There's also a small memorial stone (pictured) next to the A6094 just outside Wallyford. Photo: Google Maps

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In 1263 the Scots fought the Vikings of Norway in the Battle of Largs. The clash, between forces led by King Håkon Håkonsson and King Alexander III, had an inconclusive result but is seen by historians to have ultimately led to the end of the Viking domination of Scotland. The battle is marked in the seaside town of Largs by the Pencil Monument (pictured) and a Viking Festival at the end of August when a replica Viking longship is burned.

7. The Battle of Largs

In 1263 the Scots fought the Vikings of Norway in the Battle of Largs. The clash, between forces led by King Håkon Håkonsson and King Alexander III, had an inconclusive result but is seen by historians to have ultimately led to the end of the Viking domination of Scotland. The battle is marked in the seaside town of Largs by the Pencil Monument (pictured) and a Viking Festival at the end of August when a replica Viking longship is burned. Photo: Canva/Getty Images

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The beautiful Pass of Killiecrankie, just outside Pitlochry, was the scene of one of the bloodiest Scottish battles of all time in 1689. The Battle of Killiecrankie was the first of the Jacobite Rising, fought between the Jacobites and the Williamite government, and resulted in up to 3,000 deaths. It was won by the Jacobites but they paid a heavy price in casualties, including their commander Viscount Dundee. Today you can visit the Pass, which has a small visitor's centre, and see Soldier's Leap, where an English soldier allegedly jumped 18 feet across the River Garry to escape the Scots.

8. The Battle of Killiecrankie

The beautiful Pass of Killiecrankie, just outside Pitlochry, was the scene of one of the bloodiest Scottish battles of all time in 1689. The Battle of Killiecrankie was the first of the Jacobite Rising, fought between the Jacobites and the Williamite government, and resulted in up to 3,000 deaths. It was won by the Jacobites but they paid a heavy price in casualties, including their commander Viscount Dundee. Today you can visit the Pass, which has a small visitor's centre, and see Soldier's Leap, where an English soldier allegedly jumped 18 feet across the River Garry to escape the Scots. Photo: Canva/Getty Images

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