Visiting Scotland: Standing stones, neolithic history and whisky

Scotland draws travellers. Learn about Scotland its Islands, Skara Brae, Edinburgh, Glasgow and places in between such as Perth, Oban and Thurso and join a small group tour of Scotland for mature solo travellers and couples.

28 Jul 21 · 8 mins read

Visiting Scotland: Standing stones, neolithic history and whisky

While Scotland has no shortage of modern sites and activities – such as golf courses, whisky distilleries and hiking – no visit to Scotland is complete without a thorough exploration of Scotland’s neolithic pasts. Scotland is a goldmine for ancient history enthusiasts, with a landscape dotted with unique neolithic monuments and ruins.

Explore Scotland’s ancient history on a tour

Scotland’s ancient history is both cultural and geological. See grand monuments constructed for religious or military purposes, or remnants of daily life such as stone cottages that are thousands of years old. Scotland is also home some of the world’s oldest rocks!

If you have an interest in history and natural beauty, there are few better places to take a tour. Need convincing? This recent photo essay in The Guardian provides a stunning and comprehensive look at standing stones and neolithic history in the Outer Hebrides, travelling to west to the Isle of Lewis, via Calanais and Uig.

Visiting Scotland

For mature travellers Odyssey has a wide range of tour packages available for exploring Scotland. These small group tours include a ancient history tour dedicated to prehistoric Britain and standing stones! Odyssey tours for exploring Scotland include:

  • The small group tour of prehistoric Britain is a 21 day tour during which you’ll visit the famous stone rings in Okrney as well as the standing stones in the Outer Hebrides.
  • Odyssey offers a 19-day Scottish history tour that focuses on the Jacobites that takes place in August. Across eight locations, from Edinburgh to Glasgow, you will witness where various significant battles and events took place. This includes a number of visits to castles and museums (including Edinburgh Castle, the castle featured in Monty Python and the Holy Grail!).
  • If you’re keen to discover more about the island’s recent history and industry, try Britain’s History through Canals and Railways tour. This tour examines Britain through the lens of the industrial revolution, and includes scenic rail journeys and visits to bridges, viaducts and aqueducts.
  • To discover the most fascinating corners of The Scottish Islands, try our 20-day Scottish Isles small group tour. This tour package journeys around Scotland. We begin in Glasgow, before moving on to the islands of the Atlantic Ocean – the Isle of Arran and the Inner and Outer Hebrides (including the Isle of Mull, Isle of Skye, and Lewis and Harris). We then move to the islands of the North Sea: the Orkney Islands and the Shetland Islands, before ending our trip in Edinburgh.
  • If you prefer living plants to dead stones, our Small Group Tour of British Gardens might be for you. While this tour mostly focuses on England, the first three days of the tour are spent in Edinburgh, where we see the Royal Botanic gardens, Dirleton Castle and gardens, Holyrood Park and Arthur’s Seat.

Scotland’s Standing Stones

It is believed that Standing Stones were used for religious purposes, and began to be erected when settlers first came to Scotland approximately 10,000 years ago.

The largest stone circle in mainland Scotland is The 12 Apostles near Dumfries. Despite its name, if you visit you’ll find only 11 stones, one having been removed sometime between 1791 and 1837. It is not known how the 12th stone disappeared. The tallest of the stones is nearly 2 metres in height. Nearby, you can find two cursuses. Cursuses dot the British Isles, and many were built between 3400 and 3000 BC.

These monuments are particularly astonishing because some of the stones way more than 10 tonnes, meaning that transporting them, many thousands of years ago, was a significant project.

Often standing stones are constructed to correspond to light at a particular time of the year. For instance, a stone tomb on Orkney named Maes Howe has an entrance passageway that is designed to be receive the sun on the winter solstice, lighting up the main chamber.

Researchers have found that the stones are often located at the point in a landscape from which you can view the most extreme rising and setting points of the moon and sun. There is also evidence that these were often sites of burials and cremations. Some even suggest that the standing stones became symbolic of a tribe’s dead.

The History of Scotland and its Tribes

Records were not kept before the Romans arrived, so the period preceding this is lacking in historical detail. This is one of the reasons the standing stones are so fascinating and mysterious, they are signs of a people who are now largely unknowable.

When ancient Greek writer set out to map the world, he mapped nine Scottish tribes: The Caledones, the Epidii, the Damnonii, the Vacomagi, the Venicones, the Taexali, the Votadini, the Novantae, and the Selgovae. (For more information about Scotland’s tribes take a look at this Scotsman article: Who were the nine tribes of ancient Scotland?)

While invading Scotland, the Romans built two enduring fortifications, Hadrian’s Wall and the Antonine Wall, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Scotland includes a number of other World Heritage sites, including the Stones of Stenness, and the Skara Brae settlement. According to UNESCO, Skara Brae’s preservation is ‘unparalleled amongst Neolithic settlement sites in northern Europe.’ The site is older than Stonehenge, and was discovered in 1850 when a storm eroded the earth that had buried the site. Some believe that it was settled as long ago as 3180BC.

Scotland’s Heritage

Neolithic history: Who were the Picts?

Much of Scotland’s historic legacy is due to the Picts. The Picts occupied eastern and Northern Scotland through the Late Iron Age and up the the Early Medieval period. The early picts were known pirates, who raided the coasts of Roman Britain. In fact, it’s unknown how the Picts referred to themselves; the term comes from a Latin word meaning painted or tattooed people. The Picts mostly lived in small farming communities, but have a marvelous artistic legacy, much of it in silver and stone.

Scotland Small Group Tours for Seniors

Odyssey Tours of The Scottish Isles

Odyssey has a wide range of tour packages available, travelling to Scotland, Britain and Ireland, including a tour dedicated to prehistoric Britain and standing stones! The small group tour of prehistoric Britain is a 21 day tour during which you’ll visit the famous stone rings in Okrney, the standing stones in the Outer Hebrides along with exploring excavated villages in the Shetland and Orkney Islands. And of course, you will see the vast circular earthen henges around Avebury and Stonehenge. Touring with Odyssey ensures that local guides and experts will be on hand to enlighten you as to the origins and histories of these cultural and historical phenomena.

And there are many other ways to see Scotland with Odyssey!

Odyssey offers a 19-day Scottish history tour that focuses on the Jacobites that takes place in August. Across eight locations, from Edinburgh to Glasgow, you will witness where various significant battles and events took place. This includes a number of visits to castles and museums (including Edinburgh Castle, the castle feature in Monty Python and the Holy Grail!).

If you’re keen to discover more about the island’s recent history and industry, try Britain’s History through Canals and Railways tour. This tour examines Britain through the lens of the industrial revolution, and includes scenic rail journeys and visits to bridges, viaducts and aqueducts.

To discover the most fascinating corners of The Scottish Isles, try our 20-day Scottish Isles small group tour. This tour package journeys around Scotland, from Glasgow, to the Isles of Mull and Skye, to the Orkney and Shetland Islands, and finally to Edinburgh, with plenty of other stops along the way.

If you prefer living plants to dead stones, our Small Group Tour of British Gardens might be for you. While this tour mostly focuses on England, the first three days of the tour are spent in Edinburgh, where we see the Royal Botanic gardens, Dirleton Castle and gardens, Holyrood park and Arthurs seat.

Scotland’s Heritage

Transport in Scotland

Because it is, of course, The Scottish Isles, ferry travel is a central way of getting around. Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac for short) is the country’s biggest ferry operator, providing services on the west coast. It’s possible to get packaged Hopscotch Tickets to multiple locations for a discounted price. There are a number of other service operators, including NorthLink Ferries, Orkney Ferries, and Pentland Ferries which run services within specific areas.

The most affordable way to get around Scotland is usually by bus. However, be aware that bus journeys in major cities can be slow and unreliable, due to congestion on the motorway network. The cheapest service is Megabus, with Citylink being the other major option.

If you’d like to travel with more comfort and speed, the train service is generally a decent option. The main rail terminals are Aberdeen Station, Edinburgh Waverley Station, Glasgow Queen Street Station, Glasgow Central Station, and Inverness Station. As with the UK generally, train fares in Scotland tend to be more expensive than the rest of Europe. However, buying advance tickets is usually cheaper. While cities tend to be well-serviced, be aware that some rural services only run a few times a day.

While the speed limit on country roads is usually 60mph, you will often have to drive more slowly in order to account for narrow roads, hairpin bends, and difficult terrain.

Scotland’s Heritage

What to Pack and How to Dress for Scottish Weather

Scotland’s weather is variable and unpredictable sometimes but it is unusual for it to be extreme. Always expect rain. That doesn’t mean it will rain every day, but there’s frequently a chance that it will. It’s advisable to pack warm and rainproof clothing, and to dress to layer, regardless of the time of year. Also, don’t forget the umbrella and water-resistant shoes, especially if you’re planning a hike. And, if you can get a waterproof cover for your backpack, that will be especially useful. Even though Scotland is a small country, weather can vary significantly from place to place. The best advice is to have layers of clothing with you. And always make sure you check the local weather forecast.

If you’re in the Highlands, prepare for rain and strong winds. Another thing to watch out for, especially in the summer, you may have to deal with biting midges or gnats. They are at their worst at dawn and dusk and near damp areas or bodies of water. While they aren’t dangerous, they can be extremely irritating. So you may need repellent and a hat and long sleeves to keep from getting bitten. Some people even go so far as to wear a face net!

Aside from bringing layered clothing, remember to bring an adapter for power outlets. It’s also worthwhile taking binoculars if you’re interested in birds and wildlife, as there will be plenty to spot.

Scotland’s Heritage

Whisky: Central to Scotland’s Culture & Economy

Whisky is a key element of Scotland‘s recent history and is currently the country’s biggest export, supporting around 35,000 jobs. In order to be called Scotch, the whisky must have been aged in Scotland for three years. Anything else is an imitator. Whisky-making is a delicate business, with a series of stages that must be done just right. There are three different types of Scotch whisky: malt, grain, and blended. Each is the result of a distinct manufacturing process. And, depending on which region of Scotland the whisky originates from, it will be notably different. There are plenty of whisky tours and distillery tours to choose from if you’re looking to learn more about this venerated industry.

If you want to find out more about Scotland’s history and culture of Whisky distilling, check out this marvelous ebook, The Land of Whisky, from the Visit Scotland website.

The following articles published for Odyssey Travellers may also assist you with the planning of your next holiday.

Related Tours

City of Edinburgh at dusk

5 days

Jun, Jul

Edinburgh City Tour

Visiting Scotland

A guided tour of the capital of Scotland, Edinburgh is a day tour collection with a tour leader and local guides. The old town of Edinburgh including the Royal mile and New town of Edinburgh are a UNSECO world heritage site and are included in our itineraries as well the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

From A$2,450 AUD

View Tour
Guaranteed
Edinburgh Fringe Festival small group for Mature travellers

9 days

Aug

Edinburgh Festival Fringe Small Group Tour

Visiting Scotland

One of the few European tour companies to have in Scotland an escorted small group tour of Edinburgh during the fringe festival. As well attending performances, this trip includes time to experience, the old town, new town and the royal mile, a UNESCO world heritage site plus Edinburgh Castle and Palace of Holyroodhouse.

From A$5,950 AUD

View Tour
Jacobites, Scottish History small group mature travellers tour

17 days

Aug, Jul

Jacobites, Scottish History small group mature travellers tour

Visiting Scotland

Small group tour on the Jacobites commences in Edinburgh. During the 19 days you visit 19 locations including the Culloden battlefield as you travel from Edinburgh as far north as Inverness to finish in Glasgow. Learn from 10 specialist guides about the Jacobites.

From A$13,250 AUD

View Tour
Liverpool, Newscastle, Glasgow

22 days

Sep, Jun, Aug

Liverpool, Newcastle, Glasgow

Visiting England, Scotland

Spend 22 days in 3 cities in England and Scotland. Your tour leader and Knowledgeable local guides examine the history of these great cities. Liverpool & Glasgow faced onto the Irish sea, and Newcastle onto the North sea, and all where connected to the city of London.

From A$12,650 AUD

View Tour
Prehistoric Britain small group history tour

21 days

Aug

Prehistoric Britain small group history tour including standing stones

Visiting England, Scotland

This guided tour invites you to explore UNESCO World heritage sites at Skara Brae in the Orkneys, Isle of Skye, and Stonehenge in a prehistoric tour. This escorted tour has trips to key sites in Scotland, and the Irish sea in Wales such as Gower Peninsula and National Museum in Cardiff and England. Each day tour is supported by local guides.

From A$14,750 AUD

View Tour
Queen Victoria's Great Britain, Leadenhall arcade

21 days

Jun, Sep

Queen Victoria's Great Britain: a small group tour

Visiting England, Scotland

A small group tour of England that explores the history of Victorian Britain. This escorted tour spends time knowledgeable local guides with travellers in key destinations in England and Scotland that shaped the British isles in this period including a collection of UNESCO world heritage locations.

From A$13,750 AUD

View Tour
tours of scotland

22 days

Jul, Sep

Scotland small group tour | Tracing 5,000 years of history

Visiting Scotland

This guided tour of Scotland with a tour leader and local guides includes the isle of Skye, Orkney islands, the Scottish highlands with breathtaking scenery. Edinburgh including the royal mile, Palace of Holyroodhouse, Fort William, Urquhart castle, Stirling castle, loch lomond, Hadrians wall and New Lanark also a UNESCO World heritage site.

From A$13,995 AUD

View Tour
Scotland

13 days

Jun, Aug

Scotland's Great Trails Walking Tour

Visiting Scotland

An escorted walking tour of Scotland. This trip is mainly in the Scottish Highlands. Your tour leader guides you to Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond and Craignorms National park with experienced local guides. The tour for mature couples and solo travellers finishes in Edinburgh with time to visit Edinburgh Castle and the Royal mile a UNESCO World heritage site.

From A$9,250 AUD

View Tour
Guaranteed
Portree, Isle of Skye, Scotland

20 days

May, Jul, Sep

Scottish Islands and Shetland small group tours for seniors

Visiting Scotland

An escorted small group tour for couples and solo travellers of the Scottish isles including the isle of Skye draws on local guides to share their knowledge of the destinations in this unique part of Scotland. UNESCO world heritage site are visited as breathtaking scenery and authentic experiences are shared in a group of like minded people on this guided tour of remote Scotland.

From A$14,450 AUD

View Tour

Articles about Scotland

Scotland cattle

10 great books to read on the Scottish Isles

Why read books about the Scottish Isles before travelling there? This is recommended list of books for mature & senior travellers planning to travel to the Scottish Isles either as part of an Odyssey Tour…

3 Oct 17 · 2 mins read
Read Article
Jacobites, Scottish History small group mature travellers tour

11 places to consider visiting in Edinburgh off the beaten track

Edinburgh or Glasgow, which is better the Scots will ask the traveller. Take a small group tour for mature solo travellers and couples to think about the answer. Or visit Manchester, Bristol, Liverpool or the Scottish isles to give an answer.

28 Jul 21 · 3 mins read
Read Article
Dunnottar Castle, Aberdeen - Scotland

Aberdeen, Scotland

Aberdeen, article to assist senior couples and mature solo travellers learning about Scotland, its history and the islands of Skye and Orkney or the Whisky on a small group tour.

3 Feb 20 · 3 mins read
Read Article
Atlantic Ocean - Punta del Este, Maldonado, Uruguay

Atlantic Ocean and How it Shaped Ancient Communities In Europe

Article of interest for senior couples and mature solo travellers joining a small group European tour to Faroe Islands, Scottish Isles, Morocco or Portugal. Focus is on the early exploration of the Atlantic.

1 Sep 21 · 12 mins read
Read Article
Inverness castle, Scotland

Birth of Scotland

Escorted small group tours for senior couples and mature solo travelers seeking to learn. Article about Scotland and you can learn more about the Jacobites, Orkney or Shetland islands as well Edinburgh, Aberdeen and more.

13 Aug 21 · 10 mins read
Read Article
Scottish Islands - Isle of Skye

Country Spotlight: Scotland

Article sets the platform for small group tours learning about Scotland and the Scottish isles for senior couples and solo travellers.

27 Jul 21 · 7 mins read
Read Article
City of Edinburgh at dusk

Edinburgh, Scotland

Article about the capital of Scotland, Edinburgh. Senior couple and mature solo travellers explore this city and Glasgow plus the Scottish isles in writing and on a small group tour with like minded people.

12 Aug 21 · 2 mins read
Read Article
Falkirk Wheel

Falkirk Wheel

Article building on Queen Victoria's Britain and the Industrial revolution as well as Scotland. Part of small group tours for mature and senior travelers couples or solo visiting Britain.

1 Jul 21 · 6 mins read
Read Article
Formartine and Buchan Way, Scotland

Formartine and Buchan Way, Scotland

Article supporting escorted small group walking tour for fit senior couples and mature solo travellers, to Scotland or Britain. Read and learn about this walking track and more.

11 Mar 20 · 2 mins read
Read Article
Fort William, Scotland

Fort William, Scotland

For mature solo travelers and senior couples interested in joining escorted small group tours to historic Scotland and/or the Scottish isles.

5 Feb 20 · 4 mins read
Read Article
Nelson Mandela Pl. Glasgow

Glasgow; Nelson Mandela Place

How Glasgow stood with the South African Leader Against Apartheid as part of learning about Scotland before joining a small group tour for senior couples and mature solo travellers.

12 Jun 19 · 6 mins read
Read Article
Lewis

Islands of the Outer Hebrides: The Definitive Guide for Travellers

Scotland's Outer Hebrides are discussed in this article to assist the mature solo and couple in planning to visit Scotland and the British isles on a small group tour.

8 Aug 21 · 10 mins read
Read Article
Scottish Islands -Portree, Isle of Skye

Scotland & Scotch Whisky

Article for senior and mature solo and couples taking a small group tour of Scotland or the isles of Scotland including Iona, Orkney, inner and outer Hebrides to learn about the ancient history including standing stones to the industrial revolution.

5 Sep 18 · 6 mins read
Read Article
Skara Brae at Ring of Brodgar, Kirkwall, Scotland

Skara Brae, Scotland

Article introducing Neolithic Britain and the trading routes to Iceland, the Faroe Islands and the Irish sea. Skara brae is included on the Scottish isles tour and the Prehistoric Britain program. Small group tours for senior couples and mature solo travelers.

1 Jan 20 · 3 mins read
Read Article
Stonehenge

Standing Stones in Prehistoric Britain

Standing Stones in Prehistoric Britain Stonehenge, England, United Kingdom The standing stones of Great Britain continue to be the subject of research and archaeological hypothesis. Britain is not the only location where standing stones are…

22 Aug 16 · 4 mins read
Read Article
Scottish Islands
27 Jul 21 · 5 mins read
Read Article

more articles about Scotland

Join 22,383 like-minded travellers receiving our weekly newsletter.

Special offers and promotions
A$350 AUD first trip travel voucher
The latest tours and articles