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5. Skara Brae
Imagine a storm so wild that it strips the surface of a sand dune and uncovers a neolithic village. This is exactly what happened on Orkney in 1850 and, with the outline of these structures intriguingly uncovered, a local set about excavating the site fully. Today, the village exists as a series of eight dwellings, each with the same basic design, linked by low passageways – and the site has now been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Predating the invention of the wheel, it of course raises questions about the engineering methods used by its creators – recent speculation has suggested that seaweed, which was also used in the roofing, may have played a role with its ‘slipperiness’ helping to move heavy stones.
6.Take a train
Scotland boasts some of the most scenic rail journeys in the world – pretty much regardless of the time you have available to you, you’ll be able to jump on board a ride that inspires you with its beauty. One of the most popular is the West Highland Line, which heads west from Glasgow and traverses areas completely inaccessible by car, featuring steep mountains, thick heather and impenetrable lochs, as well as some of the most remote stations and buildings imaginable. Harry Potter fans might want to ride The Jacobite, an 84-mile round trip which crosses the 21-arched viaduct recognizable as part of the Hogwarts Express route and offers fantastic views of Ben Nevis.
