Ancient Scotland Tours

31/10/2024

May be of interest to some of our followers....

27/12/2023

I hope you are all having/had a joyous festive season. Currently the team is on top of a hill in Stromness, Orkney, the four walls being battered by one of the worst storms of this winter so far. Ironically, I am reading about the infamous Franklin Expedition, where both HMS Erebus and HMS Terror were forced themselves to take shelter in Stromness harbour, in May 1845, after a particularly bad storm. One Lieutenant Fairholme commented:

"I never saw anything more lovely than the scene last night, as we ran through the narrow passages among these little islands. In themselves there is nothing of the beautiful, as they are perfectly bare, but there was such a sky, and such a summit or such a glass-like sea that it was quite worthy of the Gulf of Smyrna."

Not today it isn't.......

13/10/2023

Did you know that Scotland has its own 'Big 5', including the golden eagle, red deer, harbour seal, red squirrel and otter?

Autumn is a great time to spot many of them, including otters. 🦦

Behind their cute faces, otters are ecological superheroes! They help maintain the balance of aquatic ecosystems by controlling fish populations and ensuring the health of our waterways. 🐟🌊

06/09/2023

Well worth a visit if you are in area.

It's an exciting day in Kilmartin Glen: the newly refurbished Kilmartin Museum is now open!

Situated in the heart of one of Scotland’s richest prehistoric landscapes, the museum allows you to experience some 12,000 years of archaeological history.

Amazing artefacts from the musuem's nationally significant Prehistoric collection will be on display for the first time. We can't wait to take a look!

Find out more and plan your visit at www.kilmartin.org

📷 Kilmartin Glen from Carnasserie Castle

15/08/2023

Yesterday the team visited St Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall, Orkney. In the adjacent Kirkyard you will find the official Pauper's burial ground, a narrow, empty patch of grass which houses the remains of those who had no family, or whose families were too poor to pay. Note, they have no stone memorials and we're buried without coffins.

10/08/2023

For all those interested in Scottish History, delighted to announce an exciting FREE online talk, coming this October, exploring the remarkable memorials in St Magnus Cathedral, Kirkwall, Orkney. Archaeologist/Death Historian Lorraine Evans will be in discussion with Fran Hollinrake, Custodain of St Magnus Cathedral, symbolism will be abound and the identity of 'Bob' may be revealed. Why not grab a ticket!

A FREE talk exploring the magnificent funerary memorials that line the walls of St Magnus Cathedral, Kirkwall, Orkney.

01/08/2023

With just over two months to go before the rather splendid Symbols of Mortality exhibition opens in Orkney, 'Exhibition Headquarters' is beginning to crank into overdrive. Lots to share over the upcoming weeks, including a full events schedule. Feel free to message here or contact [email protected] for further details and/or queries.

29/06/2023

Honoured and privileged to have visited Lyness Royal Naval Cemetery on the island of Hoy today. A very special place....

12/06/2023

02/06/2023

Dr David Caldwell delves into the symbolism of Kilmartin's medieval grave slabs, and asks - why were they produced, and by whom? 🪦

If you missed it, you can now view the talk on our Youtube channel! ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSawjkxSoWaXYgShHdYb_ZA

Our upcoming talks are now available to book on our website: https://www.kilmartin.org/evening-talks

🗓 Thur 15 June at 7pm - The Gateway to Gigha, with Casey-Jo Zammit from Isle of Gigha Ranger Service

🗓 Thur 20 July at 7pm - The significance of Argyll’s Temperate Rainforest, with Gordon Gray Stephens from Native Woods Cooperative (Scotland)

01/06/2023

From Lorraine Evans' Page: Delighted to be a participant in this year's where I will be focus on Scotland's rich landscape of funerary art and architecture. Daily posts, for the stated 100 days, will include a variety of mixed media, photography, blog posts, videography, creative art, and anything else I can think of to explore the boundaries etc. So buckle up for the ride, the challenge, and please do feel free to share/comment/get involved.

31/05/2023

The tribes of Caledonia documented by the Roman geographer Ptolemy of Alexandria in 150AD.

Most of these tribal names in the north are what is known as hapax legomena, a term used to describe a word or name written or used only in one single instance in history. So no other author ever mentioned the tribes with these names.

(Iain)

31/05/2023

A set of dowsing rods and the fantastic archaeology around the Ness of Brodgar were the inspiration behind a new art exhibition at the Orkney Museum. Local artist Samantha Gray is presenting her wo…

29/05/2023

This morning's Midge report from the Highlands of Scotland - RUN FOR YOUR LIVES! 😂

27/05/2023

If anyone is into bee spotting then why not have a wander around the fabulous Early Medieval graveyard at Govan Old. This little oasis of green in central Govan is a hotspot of biodiversity.
You can also check out the Govan Stones museum, which is open every afternoon 1pm-4pm.

16/05/2023

Visited this exhibition this opening weekend. Wonderful stuff to behold. Highly recommend.

The Orkney Museum is playing host to some of the Ness of Brodgar’s finest artefacts this summer.

11/05/2023

For here is a beautiful example from St Magnus Cathedral, Kirkwall, Orkney, shot earlier today.

03/05/2023

Some of the wonderful sculptures

01/05/2023

A stunning modern grave marker from Ashaig Burial Ground, Isle of Skye. How can you beat 'Here lies a King.....'🙂

17/04/2023

A wonderful new exhibition is coming to Orkney Museum soon, which followers may be interested in. Exploring Orkney's rich funerary heritage, more details forthcoming.

07/04/2023

Glorious day here in Plockton 😁👍🌞 Wishing you all a wonderful Easter hols ❤️

05/04/2023

As part of the upcoming Inverness Walking Festival (May), Lorraine Evans (Archaeologist/Historian) and Liam Shand (Highland Paranormal) will be offering a free guided tour of the wonderful Tomnaurich Cemetery, Inverness. Full details below :)

Saturday 27th May 2023

Heroes & Villains of Tomnahurich Cemetery with Archaeologist/Historian Lorraine Evans, and Liam Shand from Highland Paranormal

Organisation: Historical Shenanigans

Activity: A guided Walk exploring the many characters associated with this stunningly beautiful Victorian cemetery. From witches and fairies to villains & thieves, from paragons of virtue to shameless ne’er-do wells, Tomnahurich has it all.

Start time: 1pm Duration: 1.5 hours

Activity level: easy

Type of terrain: Flat & undulating paths with grass & steps to the cemetery terraces. The cemetery does have some uneven surfaces, including inclines & steps so wheelchair access may be limited in certain sections.

Cost: Free but please book

How do I book?: Email Lorraine at: [email protected]

Start/finish point: Main entrance to Tomnahurich Cemetery, 118 Glenurquhart Road, Inverness. IV3 5PB

Nearest car park: Bught Park, Inverness> IV3 5SS

Description: Please wear suitable clothing & footwear for all weathers. An activity suitable for all ages (children need to be accompanied).

30/03/2023

Tucked away on a tiny island in the Orkney archipelago is a one-of-a-kind chapel constructed by Italian prisoners of war during the Second World War, and it needs to be seen to be believed.

28/03/2023

27/03/2023

Radiocarbon testing has been carried out on the textile found in a Highland bog 40 years ago.