#National Library of Scotland

[guy60660]

National Library of Scotland | Public Domain Review

[thedigitalmuseum]

The Three Bells Podcast S4E10: The responsible adoption of AI... Rob Cawston, Director of Digital and Service Transformation, National Library of Scotland

Our host, Hilary Knight speaks to Rob Cawston, Director of Digital and Service Transformation, National Library of Scotland on how the NLS is taking an ethical stance on the use of AI and how this work is tied to its mission and values.

[downthetubes]

DC Thomson comics advertising treasure trove uncovered, now available online

Many classic comic advertisements for titles such as The Beano, The Dandy, Hornet and more are now available to view online for the first time thanks to DC Thomson and the National Library of Scotland

The discovery of 80 cans of film in a Dundee print-works basement has led to a collaborative project between the Archives team at DC Thomson and the National Library of Scotland’s Moving Image Archive, and many classic comic advertisements for titles such as The Beano, The Dandy, Hornet and more are now available to view online. A still from an advertisement to promote a 1960 issue of The Dandy…

[theblackwomb]

Ooh, I also used to work at the National Library of Scotland for a time and I have further spooky information to add to this if anyone’s interested!

So Edinburgh’s Old Town is a ridiculous higgledy-piggledy mess, as many of you will know. It’s literally built on an extinct volcano/cliff-face with buildings old and new stacked on top of one another (there’s a small street called Mary King’s Close, for example, that’s famous now and famously haunted because it was bricked up, partially destroyed, and covered over in the 18th Century so that the Royal Exchange could be built literally over the top of it). 

But I digress!

The NLS building sits on a street called George IV Bridge, named so because - you guessed it - it used to function as an actual bridge. Once you enter the building at street level, it’s actually possible to go DOWN about 11 or so storeys - like, that shit just keeps going! 

Like Mary King’s Close, those lower structures were very much occupied back in the day - people lived and had shops and businesses under George IV Bridge - and like Mary King’s Close, it’s still possible to access. 

Down in the stacks pictured here, there’s a little maintenance hatch hidden away down the end of one of the bays and on the other side is the stuff of dreams or nightmares depending on your viewpoint. 

It’s a gargantuan, cavernous space. It’s absolutely pitch-black before a few safety/maintenance lights eventually flicker on. There’s a big steel staircase and as you descend, you can see the very arches of the original George IV Bridge, often complete with the remnants of furnishings from the homes and shops that once existed there. 

NLS employees like to call it, simply, THE VOID. 

honestly kinda unfortunate that the only spooky library aesthetic is the victorian fancy bookshelves dark academia one bcos like. ok here's some library stories.

while i was at the university the library was undergoing a major refurbishment so for a little while the print journals were being stored temporarily down in the basement.

basically nobody ever consulted the print journals bcos 99% of stuff undergrads would be looking up is online these days so every time i went down there it was dead fucking silent & empty. you had to walk through what felt like several miles of empty basement to reach the collection, which was in a room w a photocopier shoved in the corner and a bunch of these:

u turn the handles to move these around (saves space) and every time you had to go and check the aisles first on the offchance that someone was in there so they wouldn't get u know. Compacted.

many years ago i did a week's work experience with the National Library of Scotland. here it is:

but that's just the tip of the iceberg. it keeps going down the side of the bridge, like so:

i got a tour of the stacks while i was there. it's floor after floor of this:

the bookshelves are made of metal & i was treated to the 'fun fact' that the shelves are, bizarrely, load bearing. for this reason they have to be constantly vigilant about fire hazards because even a relatively small fire could cause a bookcase to buckle from the heat, which in turn could cause the whole building to collapse in on itself like a house of cards.

this has haunted me ever since!! thank you.

[nosasblog]

The Ord Estate Map of 1829 – A Missing Map Returns to the Highlands

by Roland Spencer-Jones This article describes the chance finding of an early 19th century map of Muir of Ord, the family who took it to Somerset, the repair of that map when it was returned to the Highlands, and the historical and cultural context in which the map was made. The Ord Estate map before conservation © Fraser-Mackenzie Family A Chance Finding As part of the NOSAS project in 2018…

[azvolrien]

The National Library also has a little temporary exhibition on at the moment showcasing historic depictions of Italy. I didn't take a lot of photos there, but I liked this little woodcut of Venice, which clearly shows the Doge's Palace, the domes of St Mark's Basilica, the twin columns of the Piazzetta, and a little gondolier.

Notice anything amiss about it? Go look up a photo of the same place. I'll wait.

...

OK, you're back. I think what's happened there is whoever was carving the printing block did so with the view of Venice the right way around, but neglected to consider that the image would be mirrored when it was actually used for printing.

[timetravelinator]

Actually yeah I haven’t really posted this! I have a spreadsheet of all of David Tennant’s roles and where to watch them! (Or, well, this is the public version, so it may not be up to date as to whether I’ve watched them!) It’s not comprehensive by any means and I’m still tweaking it a bit but it took me like six hours so. I’ll put it here!

I should say the first tab is a list I put together between Wikipedia and IMDb. This list currently excludes audiobooks, documentaries, video games, and stage performances that aren’t readily available. Though, I will say, the second tab has some of those because they were listed on IMDb. I hope to add those someday soon! It is also US-centric, so if some of the things I say are available aren’t to you, it may be a regional thing, sorry!

Hope someone can get some use out of it!

[forlibcrty]

this is not remotely related to this blog. but. ever since i saw the trailer for mary & george, i have been on pins and needles to know whether they'd address the pup play thing. and i finally found a place to watch it and i'm SO happy to report that they do.

[unravelingwires]

Presidial

The Chel Manor started out a castle complete with a wall, a moat, and dozens of soldiers. Over time, the soldiers got fired, the wall got broken down, the moat got filled, but the manor still had watchtowers and archers’ windows, just in case.

[ahqkas]

♯ PRACTICE MAKES IT BETTER ; theodore nott

PAIRING! theodore nott x fem!reader

SYNOPSIS! struggling with the local slang, you feel out of place until you meet theodore nott, the silent slytherin (based off this req.!!)

WORD COUNT! 2.3k

WARNINGS AND TAGS! fluff, kissing + lmk !

NOTES! reblogs and comments are greatly appreciated :)

HARRY POTTER MASTERLIST!

AMERICA WAS VIBRANT AND DIVERSE. The music scene was thriving with genres like grunge, hip-hop, and pop dominating the airwaves. To you, it was a place of contrasts and boundless possibilities. It was a land where towering skyscrapers stood next to historic buildings, and where you could find everything from bustling cities to quiet, open countryside. The diversity was striking; every state feels like its own little world, with different cultures, foods, and ways of life. It was a country where you could experience all four seasons, with hot summers, cold winters, and vibrant springs and autumns. The sheer size and variety made it feel like there was always something new to explore, whether it was a national park, a music festival, or just a quirky little town.

Then you moved to England.

Leaving behind the familiar sights and sounds of America, you stepped into a new world of magic and centuries-old traditions.

The first thing you noticed was the climate change. England's weather was full of frequent rain and cloudy skies. You had to get used to bringing an umbrella everywhere with you.

Hogwarts in Scotland was completely different from Ilvermorny, which resided on Mount Greylock. The towering buildings of the castle intimidated you a bit as you were used to the more modern school, but you were excited for the change of scenery.

The stone corridors, moving staircases, and enchanted portraits had captivated your imagination. The castle itself was full of new discoveries. Sure, you missed your old friends dearly, every one of them, but the owls worked hard and you managed to make new friends here.

As an exchange student from America, walking the hallowed halls of Hogwarts was a totally new experience. The ancient castle with its sprawling grounds, enchanted staircases, and hidden passageways was like stepping into a dream. But it wasn't just the magical environment that threw you off balance; it was the British slang that seemed to pop up in every conversation.

During your first week, you found yourself constantly bewildered by the new expressions. At breakfast, when a cheerful Hufflepuff asked if you wanted a "banger" with your eggs, you hesitated, unsure if it was an insult or a menu item. When a Ravenclaw mentioned being "knackered" after a long night of studying, you had to suppress a laugh, thinking it sounded more like a sound effect from a comic book than an expression of exhaustion.

The confusion was endless: "snogging" instead of kissing, "knickers" instead of underwear, "blimey" instead of a simple exclamation of surprise. You did your best to keep up, but the nuances of the language often left you feeling like you were missing the punchline of a joke. To put it simply, you were lost.

One afternoon, you were sitting in the library, poring over a stack of books for a Transfiguration assignment, when you heard a familiar voice behind you.

"Ciao, piccola," Theodore Nott drawled, sliding into the seat across from yours. His presence was effortlessly welcomed, with his cool demeanor and piercing blue eyes that seemed to see right through you. He was a strange boy at first, never letting anyone, but when you warmed up to him, he was a totally new person.

"Hi, Theo," you greeted him with a smile playing on your lips. Theodore had been one of the first students to approach you, his Italian heritage a surprising connection. He often teased you in his native language, enjoying the way you fumbled with the unfamiliar phrases. A nuisance, that he was.

"Come va la tua giornata?" he asked, his eyes twinkling with mischief. ("How's your day doing?")

Already hearing this phrase a few times, you learned to understand its translation. With a sigh, you ran a hand through your hair. "It's been . . . interesting. I'm still trying to understand half of what everyone says here."

Theo chuckled, the sound rich and warm to your ears. "British slang getting to you?"

"You could say that," you admitted, leaning back in your chair as you watched his amusement at your misery. "I feel like I need a translator just for conversations."

"Well, if you think British slang is confusing, wait until I teach you some Italian slang," Theo smirked at the idea that appeared on his mind. "It's a whole different level."

Now this got your attention. "Teach me, then. It can't be that difficult from the British slang."

Over the next few weeks, Theodore Nott became your informal language tutor. He started with simple phrases, weaving them into everyday conversations until you began to pick them up naturally. He taught you how to greet someone with "Ciao, amico!" instead of a formal "Buongiorno," and how to say "Andiamo!" when you were ready to go.

One rainy afternoon, as you sat together in the Great Hall, Theo decided to test your knowledge. The rain tapped persistently against the high, arched windows, casting a muted gray light across the large hall. The enchanted ceiling mirrored the sky outside, swirling with dark clouds and flashes of lightning that illuminated the space completely. Despite the dreary weather, the Great Hall buzzed with the soft hum of student conversations, punctuated by the clinking of silverware and the rustling of pages.

Theo, seated across from you at the Slytherin table, leaned back casually, a mischievous glint in his eye. His dark hair fell slightly over his forehead, framing his sharp features. You had grown accustomed to his teasing, the way he delighted in challenging you with phrases in Italian, watching with amusement as you thought through the unfamiliar language. Today was no different, his eyes scanning the hall as if seeking inspiration for his next test.

You had been in the midst of revising for an upcoming Charms exam, your notes spread out around you in a chaotic array of parchment and textbooks. The soft light from the floating candles above cast a warm glow on the pages, making the ink shimmer slightly. As Theo's gaze returned to you, you knew another one of his lessons was coming.

"What would you say if you were really tired?" he asked, his eyes sparkling with amusement.

Theo's questions were always a blend of practical and playful, designed to push you just a little further each time. He spoke with the ease of someone completely comfortable in his skin, his words flowing like the rain outside, steady and sure. His Italian phrases, though foreign at first, began to weave themselves into the mind of your understanding.

Your responses grew more confident, the hesitation in your voice diminishing with each passing day. You found yourself thinking in Italian at times, the language slipping into your thoughts as naturally as your own. Theo's delight was evident, his eyes lighting up whenever you got something right, his praise sincere and heartfelt.

The rain outside showed no signs of letting up, but within the Great Hall, a warmth lingered.

You thought for a moment, then confidently replied, "Sono stanca morta." The phrase rolled off your tongue more smoothly than before, each syllable a small victory in your journey to master his native language. The meaning — "I'm dead tired" — was all too familiar after long days filled with classes and studying.

Theo laughed, the sound rich and genuine, echoing softly in the near-empty Great Hall. His laughter was like a reward, a confirmation that you were getting it right. Silver eyes sparkled with approval, the corners of his lips curling into a smile that made your heart flutter. The warmth of his reaction was comforting against the dreary, rain-soaked afternoon outside.

"Well done!" His voice was filled with genuine pride and delight, making you feel accomplished. His praise was never out of place; it was always heartfelt.

Your heart swelled with a mix of pride and joy. Learning Italian was not just about understanding a new language, but also about bridging the gap between your worlds. Each phrase, each word, was a step closer to understanding Theo better, and a way to connect on a deeper level.

He leaned forward slightly, his eyes searching yours, waiting for your next move. "And if you wanted to compliment someone on a job well done?" His question was another gentle challenge, pushing you to dig deeper into your newfound vocabulary.

"Bravo!" you answered without hesitation. The word felt natural, a perfect fit for the context. As you spoke, you couldn't help but smile, the simple word carrying a world of meaning and mutual respect. Seeing the approval in Theo's eyes, you felt a surge of confidence.

Theo's smile broadened, and his expression softened with pride and admiration. The approval in his eyes was more than just about your grasp of the language; it was about your willingness to immerse yourself in something new, to share a part of his heritage, to make an effort to connect.

The atmosphere around you felt lighter, the earlier tension of the day's studies dissolving into a shared moment of triumph and connection. The Great Hall, with its towering windows and ancient stone walls, seemed to fade into the background, leaving just the two of you in your own little world of language and laughter.

The candles above flickered gently, casting a warm glow that danced across Theo's features, highlighting the pride in his eyes.

One day, as you walked together by the Black Lake, the cold water reflecting the moody sky, Theo turned to you, his expression thoughtful. The gentle breeze rustled the leaves of the ancient trees that lined the shore, their branches swaying rhythmically as if in silent conversation. The scene was picturesque, the expanse of the lake stretching out before you, a serene contrast to the bustling life within the castle walls. It was quiet out here, and you liked this spot.

"You know, you've picked up Italian slang faster than I expected," Theo remarked, his voice carrying a hint of admiration and surprise. His thoughtful tone blended seamlessly with the natural sounds around you, creating a moment of perfect harmony.

You laughed, the sound bright and carefree, echoing across the still waters. Nudging him playfully, you replied, "Maybe I had a good teacher." The playful banter was a reflection of the easy camaraderie that had developed between you, a testament to the countless hours spent learning and laughing together.

Theo's smile softened at your words, a tender expression that seemed to light up his face. His gaze lingered on you, the depth of his affection and pride evident in his eyes. The way he looked at you made your heart flutter, each shared glance made your knees tremble. Like you were the only girl at Hogwarts.

"Maybe," he said quietly, his voice barely above a whisper, yet filled with a warmth that enveloped you. "Or maybe you just have a knack for languages." His words were a gentle compliment, a recognition of your efforts and abilities.

The path around the Black Lake was peaceful, the occasional ripple disturbing the otherwise mirror-like surface of the water. The air was crisp and fresh, carrying with it the faint scent of pine and damp earth. As you walked side by side, the world seemed to shrink to just the two of you, the rest of the universe fading into the background.

Your footsteps synchronized, a silent dance of familiarity and comfort. The conversations flowed effortlessly, alternating between Italian lessons and shared dreams, each word weaving a tapestry of understanding and companionship. Theo's presence was a constant, steady and reassuring, his thoughtful insights and quiet encouragements a source of strength.

The sun began to dip below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the landscape. The twilight hues painted the sky in shades of pink and orange, a breathtaking sight that added to the magic of the moment. Theo's silhouette against the backdrop of the setting sun was a picture of serenity and quiet strength, a reminder of the stability he brought into your life.

Before you could fully process what was happening, the Slytherin boy took a small step closer, closing the distance between you. The warmth of his presence enveloped you, his proximity sending a gentle thrill through your body. He reached out, his fingers lightly brushing against yours, the touch sending a spark of electricity up your arm.

In that moment, with the golden light of dusk casting a magical glow around you, Theo leaned in. His movements were deliberate, filled with a tender hesitation. As his lips met yours, the world seemed to dissolve, leaving only the two of you in a bubble of pure, unadulterated connection.

The kiss was gentle at first, a soft press of lips that spoke everything you needed to know. The taste of his lips, the warmth of his breath, the gentle caress of his hand against your cheek — it all combined to create a sensation that was both exhilarating and deeply comforting.

Theo's hand moved to cup your face, his thumb gently stroking your cheek. The kiss deepened, becoming more confident, more insistent. Your hands found their way to his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart beneath your fingertips. The connection between you intensified, the kiss becoming a language of its own, expressing everything words couldn't.

When you finally pulled away, both of you were breathless, your foreheads resting against each other. The world slowly came back into focus, the sounds of nature reasserting themselves around you. Theo's eyes, still holding that mix of affection and awe, met yours. A soft, contented smile played on his lips.

"Grazie, Theo," you said softly, your voice filled with gratitude.

"For what?" he asked confused, his brow furrowing slightly.

"For being patient with me. For this. For . . . everything."

Theo's eyes softened, and he reached out, intertwining your fingers in one. "No worries," he replied, his voice just as soft. "I'm glad I could help."

[lieut-john-irving]

John's (and Kingston's) Letters to Malcolm

Very excited to be sharing these when properly sorted!

Sources: Acc.6990/9, Acc.6684/15-16

(The second I believe is a ‚W‘ (?) but of course all I see is an upside-down <3)

Today I visited the National Library of Scotland in Edinburgh and found the abundance of letters from Irving and Kingston to Malcolm. Although the ones from John make up the majority of Bell's book and thus are already known, I have found that Bell actually omitted a lot of what John actually wrote (such as the way he kept referring to his brother David as ‚rather foolish‘ which I find is hilarious to censor, drawing little sketches comparing the shape of ships, and either seriously or jokingly mentioning burning Malcolm’s letters (pictured - if I am reading it correctly?)); and it was a treasure to see the nuances of his handwritten letters: The way he'd cross out and amend mistakes, press too hard or at an angle on the pen and spray ink everywhere, plan the structure of his writing so that the wax seal didn’t damage what he wrote, getting less legible in his handwriting as he got to the end of his letter or was presumably in a hurry etc. And Kingston, too, in the majority of his letters to Malcolm would endearingly enquire to see if he’d heard any news from John or his brother Lewis from his time in the navy to his life in Australia.

The "Belvidera" Boys from left to right as far as I can verify: Malcolm, Irving, and Kingston.

I'll sort, post, and transcribe these as soon as I can, as there is a lot of work to do, (and hopefully avoid any copyright issues that may arise)!

Context if needed under cut:

Source: https://arctonauts.com/2023/01/17/bell-full/

[thedigitalmuseum]

Making your collections AI ready

AI is set to become intrinsic to many areas of humanities, science and many forms of research. Peter Findlay will chair this webinar, to encourage the library community to be bold in digitisation choices to support research and researchers with collections and to feel more confident with the impending introduction of AI into the community.

Peter will be joined by Ines Byrne, Digital Transition Manager at the National Library of Scotland who will present on the successful delivery of collections via the Data Foundry which are data collections from the National Library of Scotland. Ines will cover why they built the foundry, the process, what were the challenges of doing so and what might be the opportunities for universities to get collections out there to address the needs of both researchers and machines.

Jodie Double, Digital Content and Copyright Manager at the University of Leeds, will discuss the risks and how to think about and manage them. She will also explore how we can move forward through a digitisation process which provides access to collections so that both people and machines can consume them in an age of AI. Jodie has been involved in a wide variety of digital collection and preservation initiatives at Leeds over the years and gives consideration to releasing data collections.

[foreverinthepagesofhistoryy]

@princesscatherinemiddleton’s Royal Fandom Summer 2024 Photo Challenge

Day 27: Favourite summer-themed photos of royals at Balmoral Castle

This is a series of footage clips containing several members of the British Royal Family including Queen Victoria, Prince Arthur of Connaught and his children, Princess Helena Duchess of Albany and her children, and also Tsar Nicholas II and Tsarina Alexandra Feodorovna. This is sole of the first footage taken of most of these royals (except the Russian couple whose 1894 coronation was filmed) and is a perfect example of how the BRF vacationed at Balmoral (the location of the footage).

Source: National Library of Scotland

[holylulusworld]

Let's hunt Nessie

Summary: You came for bones. Dean wants to go on a special hunt.

Pairing: Dean Winchester x GN!Reader

Characters: Sam Winchester

Warnings: fun, crack!fic

“Now that we have the dusty bones of good old Crowley, can we go sightseeing? I’ve never been to Scotland before.” You excitedly clap your hands, giddy to play tourist for one day. “Right, Sammy. You want to explore Scotland and its mysteries too.”

Sam nods. He found this old library, and he’d love to explore it some more. Dean insisted on getting Crowley’s bones as fast as possible and Sam didn't have much time to look at the books.

“We are going back to Lebanon. No detours.” Dean shakes his head. He’s done with Scotland, the left-hand traffic, and the piss (his words) they call beer. “I want beer, my baby, and to sleep for a fucking week after getting in an airplane twice!”

“But—” You pout and fake a sob. “I want to go and explore Scotland! Let’s visit Stonehenge, the National Museum of Scotland, and Loch Ness!” You count all the places you always want to visit in Scotland. “Maybe we'll see Nessie too!”

“Nessie?” Dean cocks a brow. He had heard that name before but forgot its origin. “What’s a Nessie?” The hunter puts Crowley’s bones in a pillowcase and huffs. “We don’t have time to try out a fancy ice cream or another cake monstrosity.”

“Dude,” you snort at Dean’s comment. “Did you never hear of the monster of Loch Ness before? It’s famous, Dean.”

Dean slowly turns his head to look at his brother. He furrows his brows, his mouth falling open.

“Sammy, why didn’t you tell me there’s a monster nearby? We are not on a vacation!” Dean walks toward the rented car, stopping in his tracks to curse. “Crap, we don’t have guns!”

“Dean!” You laugh when the hunter starts pacing back and forth. “DEAN!”

“Just a minute,” he says and raises his hand. “I have to find a weapon.” He turns back around and looks at Sam. “Wait! Sammy! Scotland has lots of castles, right?”

“Uh—sure.” Sam nods, unsure what his brother is up to. “Why are you asking?”

“Castles were protected by knights,” Dean hums to himself. “Knights had swords and battle axes.” His eyes grow wide, and he grins. “Oh! OH! Sonofabitch! They had ball and chain flails and morning stars too!”

“I don’t know what you’re getting at, Dean.” Sam rubs his tired eyes. “We should head out. I don’t want to get caught with Crowley’s bones in our hands.”

“No, no, Sammy! We have to find a castle first and get all the weapons,” Dean stops his brother from turning his back on the battle Dean wants to fight. “After we got the weapons, we are ready to fight that monster.”

You gape at Dean. So far, you believed he tried to make fun of you or crack a joke. But he seems to be adamant about hunting Nessie down. “Dean, you can’t hunt Nessie!”

“Why not?” He cocks his head. “It’s a monster. We hunt monsters. Do not try to stop me only because we are not residents of Scotland.”

You snort. Sam chuckles.

“What’s so funny, Sammy? Did you lose your mojo on the flight? Don’t you want to hunt a monster? I could use a good fight.” Dean cracks his knuckles and looks your way. “What about you, Y/N?”

“Dean, I never say no to a hunt, but,” you snicker and hold your stomach. “No one knows for sure if Nessie exists. It’s a mythos, a legend. Nothing else. You can’t hunt an enemy that doesn’t exist for real.”

“And we won’t break into a castle to steal antique weapons,” Sam sternly says. He points his index finger at Dean to stop him from arguing. “Let’s leave Nessie and its legend alone. If it’s going to cause trouble, we can always come back.”

Dean sighs and pouts. All he wanted was to hunt a monster down.

“Well, if you’re up to it,” you say, “we can visit the Scotch Whiskey Experience in Edinburgh.”

Dean’s eyes light up. He licks his lips and slowly nods. “You’re going to buy me the most expensive whiskey if you forbid me to hunt Nessie.”

Tags in reblog.

[camlannpod]

Im planning a visit to wales/scottland/northern england spring next year!

Any recommendations for must visit spots? 👀 👀

Right now it looks a bit like this:

Also WOW trains are expensive in the UK. Im gonna end up spending more on trains than on the flight in and out! Also their website is confusing :(

I'm hoping it's easier to find Welsh learning/speaking resources there than it is here lol

Oh my gosh congratulations, I hope you have a wonderful time! Also yes, I'm so sorry but trains are pretty rough. I'd recommend looking into discount cards (for example if you're disabled or under 30) and also coaches - National Express and Flixbus are both pretty reliable, and whilst they take much longer they're also much cheaper.

I'm going to answer this with historical, and specifically medieval, interest in mind, as otherwise there are too many things to recommend! I'm also going to try and stick roughly to your itinerary - Scotland and the North of England are both pretty huge! With this said, places you might enjoy:

Wales

The Llyn Peninsula, and specifically Felin Uchaf centre, which is an incredible reconstructed centre that has live storytelling

Aberystwyth and the National Library of Wales

Anglesey / Ynys Mon

Cardiff and Cardiff castle (Wales has more castles than anywhere in the UK, so honestly visiting any is brilliant!)

Bannau Brycheiniog / Brecon Beacons national park

Eryri / Snowdonia national park

Scotland

Edinburgh Castle

Loch Lomond

The Isle of Arran

Also see this website for Pictish sites specifically

Skara Brae is very incredible, but might be difficult for you to visit on this trip!

England

York and York Minster

Lindisfarne Island

Hadrian's Wall

Tintagel Castle

Stonehenge

There are a bunch of others but again, not sure how many you'll fit in!

I hope you have a wonderful trip!

[nosasblog]

A History of the Road between Dingwall and Poolewe

From the written evidence of secondary sources and maps on the maps.nls and Scotlandspeople websites by Meryl Marshall Background In the years before the 18th Century the Highlands were regarded as a hostile backward country, travelling was difficult, there were few visitors and many journeys were made by boat. In 1793 George Brown reported that, The most necessary and useful line of road…