Scottish History

People have lived in Scotland for around 15,000 years, arriving in the Paleolithic era. These early residents were hunter-gatherers, moving north as the glaciers receded. Dating to 8500 BCE, Cramond Island, near Edinburgh, is one of the earliest signs of human settlement by these hunters. Over the following 10,000 years, Scotland has been host to a rich and varied tapestry of some of Europe’s most significant events and some of the biggest names in history. From the arrival of the Romans to the age of castles, the Jacobite uprisings to Queen Victoria, read on to learn more about the key events and players in Scottish history.

3,000 BCE – Neolithic Scotland

Long before castles and kings, ancient Neolithic (c4100 – c2500) peoples inhabited Scotland, leaving behind impressive stone monuments that have withstood the test of time. From the iconic Callanish Stones on the Isle of Lewis to the 5,000-year-old Maeshowe Burial Chamber on Orkney, Scotland’s islands today hold a particularly rich insight into the lives of these communities after they shifted from hunter-gatherers to more settled, farming lifestyles.

Discover all you need to know about Neolithic Orkney on our blog.

Learn More About Neolithic Orkney

1500 BCE – Bronze Age Scotland

The Bronze Age (2500 – 800) significantly changed early Scotland, particularly in metalworking. This innovation introduced copper tools, replacing earlier stone implements. Gradually, soft copper was mixed with tin to create bronze, and iron emerged later to herald in the Iron Age (800 BCE to 400 CE). A period of significant social and economic change, the Bronze Age saw the emergence of a new social hierarchy, more developed religious practices and more trade and movement between regions and countries.

79 CE – Roman Britain

In the 1st century, the Romans arrived in the UK. Although there had been Roman invasions before this date, 79 marks their first successful settlement and, consequently, the first written records about Scotland. Although Hadrian’s Wall in England marked the northern boundary of the Roman Empire, the Romans campaigned into Scotland, marching as far north as the Moray Firth and sailing further still. Roman artefacts have been found across the country, demonstrating the influence of this mighty empire in Scotland.

800 CE – The Vikings in Scotland

The arrival of the Vikings from Scandinavia around 800 brought turmoil and transformation. Mixing terrifying raids with settlement and intermarriage, the Viking history of Scotland is a changing story. Orkney and Shetland, in particular, hold a rich Norse history, with Scandinavian rule influencing language, place names and more. Norse mythology, maritime skills and craftsmanship carried into Early Medieval Scottish life.

Find out more about the Vikings of Shetland, and the influence they continue to have to this day.

The Vikings of Shetland

843 CE – The Kingdom of Alba

A key turning point in Scottish history came when Kenneth MacAlpin, King Kenneth I (c.810-58), united the Pictish and Gaelic kingdoms under one crown in 843, forming the Kingdom of Alba that would ultimately become Scotland. While the truth may be more complex, this symbolic unification marks the foundation of the Kingdom of Scotland.

1100 CE – Castle Era Begins

Influenced by the Normans (who invaded England in 1066), Scottish kings such as David I (1085-1153) introduced feudalism, built castles and founded monasteries. This era saw the creation of many burghs (towns), the rise of the Scottish Church’s power and the consolidation of royal authority. The 12th century also heralds the beginning of Scotland’s ‘castle era’.

1297 CE – William Wallace

The Wars of Independence dominated the late 13th and early 14th centuries. In 1297, William Wallace (1270-1305) famously defeated the English at the Battle of Stirling Bridge, and his defiance against English rule earned him a place as a national hero. His fight for freedom is commemorated in the towering Wallace Monument near Stirling, and his legacy stands today, partly thanks to the film Braveheart.

1320 CE – Robert the Bruce

Scottish nobles signed the Declaration of Arbroath in 1320 under King Robert I, better known as Robert the Bruce (1274-1329). The Bruce is famed for his role in the Scottish Wars of Independence, his defeat of the English at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314 and his reign as King Robert I of Scotland from 1306.

The Declaration, addressed to the Pope, asserted Scotland’s independence and right to self-rule. A potent expression of Scottish national identity, the document is sometimes considered a precursor to modern declarations of independence.

1500s – The Protestant Reformation

16th century Scotland was a time of intense political turbulence and dramatic shifts in religious practice. The Protestant Reformation, led by reformers such as John Knox (c.1514-72), saw Scotland break from Rome in 1560, establishing a Presbyterian system of worship.

In 1542, at just 6 days old, Mary Stuart (1542-87) took the throne following her father’s death, King James V (1472-1513). Better known in history as Mary Queen of Scots, her reign is best remembered through her relationship with her cousin, Queen Elizabeth I (1533-1603).

1603 CE – The Union of the Crowns

Following Elizabeth I’s death, James VI of Scotland became King James I of England (1566-1625), uniting the crowns of Scotland and England in the Union of the Crowns. While politically significant, this union did not create a single kingdom—each country remained legally distinct for another 100 years. In 1707, the Acts of Union formally united the Scottish and English Parliaments, creating the Kingdom of Great Britain.

1692 CE – The Glencoe Massacre

Government troops, having accepted the hospitality of the MacDonald clan in Glencoe, rose before dawn to slaughter their hosts. The massacre stemmed from a political order requiring Highland clans to pledge allegiance to King William III (1689-1702). The MacDonalds were late in swearing their oath. Today, Glencoe remains etched in the national memory as a place of both staggering natural beauty and sorrowful remembrance.

Learn More About the Glencoe Massacre

1746 CE – The Jacobite Uprising

In 1688-89, a Dutch prince, William of Orange (1650-1702), led The Glorious Revolution to take the throne from the unpopular King James VII and II (1633-1701). William was married to James’ daughter, Mary. James was forced to flee to France, but support for the deposed Stuart king remained. Over the next 50 years, several attempts were made to reclaim the throne for the Stuarts, most notably in 1715.

In 1745, James’ grandson, Charles Edward Stuart (1720-88), better known as Bonnie Prince Charlie, landed in Scotland in a final attempt to restore the Stuart monarchy. The Jacobite Rebellion lasted several months, eventually ending in devastating defeat at the Battle of Culloden on 16th April 1746, the last battle fought on British soil. Afterwards, new laws dismantled Scottish clan culture and suppressed Highland traditions.

You might be one of the millions of people who have watched Outlander, where a 20th century woman is transported back to 1740s Scotland. Why not visit some of the Outlander filming locations on your visit?

Visit Outlander Locations in the Highlands

1800 CE – The Industrial Revolution

The turn of the century brought the full force of the Industrial Revolution, and radical innovation took hold, transforming cities like Glasgow and Dundee into industrial powerhouses. Shipbuilding, coal mining and textile production flourished. Innovations from Scots, such as James Watt (1736-1819) with his steam engines and Alexander Graham Bell (1847-1922) with the telephone, changed the world.

Discover More About Scottish Textiles

1852 CE – The Victorians

In 1852, Prince Albert bought the Balmoral Estate for Queen Victoria (1819-1901). The couple spent the remainder of the decade rebuilding Balmoral Castle, which soon became a popular holiday home for the Royal family. The monarch’s deep affection for Scotland romanticised the Highlands for many. It contributed to a broader cultural revival emerging since the 1770s, with the region becoming a popular holiday destination that has endured to this day.

Discover More About Balmoral Castle

Are you curious about the origins of your Scottish surname? Whether it’s a proud ‘Mac’ or ‘Mc,’ like MacGregor or McLeod, or tied to clans like Grant or Gordon, these names carry centuries of history. But what stories do they really tell? Could you be related to one of the famous faces of Scottish history?

Discover the rich heritage behind Scottish surnames, from Gaelic roots to Norse influences, clan traditions and the impact of the Diaspora. Dive into our blog to uncover the fascinating tales woven into Scottish names or discover more about the languages of Scotland.

Trace Your Scottish Ancestry

A Look at Scots Language

No page on Scottish history would be complete without a mention of Scotland’s national drink, whisky. Known originally as uisge beatha (Gaelic for “water of life”), the spirit’s name gradually evolved. When English speakers encountered the Gaelic term, they shortened it until the word eventually became ‘whisky’ as we know it today.

How Old is Whisky in Scotland?

The origins of this fiery amber spirit can be traced back to medieval monks who distilled the drink for medicinal purposes. The earliest written record of whisky is believed to date to the late 1400s.

Whisky and Smugglers

Over the centuries, the process of distilling whisky evolved, drawing influence from local geography and climate to create distinct regional flavours.

By the 17th century, whisky production in Scotland had become widespread but often illegal! Heavy taxes and tariffs imposed by the government drove many distillers underground, leading to a thriving smuggling culture and secret stills hidden in remote glens.

The Excise Act of 1823 legalised whisky production under license, putting illicit distilling into decline and paving the way for the modern whisky industry.

What Are the Five Types of Scottish Whisky?

Scotland’s whisky production can be divided into five regions, each offering a unique expression of this historic craft. Read on to find out more, or dive deeper into the story of this fiery spirit in our blog on Scottish whisky regions. The five whisky regions in Scotland are: