BROADCASTER and historian Alice Loxton has shared her top ten Scottish historical attractions to visit by train.
Loxton, who has more than 1.7 million followers on Instagram and has been called the “next big thing in history” by broadcaster Dan Snow, revealed her picks as research commissioned by Trainline showed Scots have the best historical knowledge in the UK.
A survey found that 85% of people north of the Border can correctly name the years when World War One took place (1914-1918), while 70% can correctly name the year of the great fire of London (1666) – compared to just 57% of people in London itself.
The study further found that 70% of Scots are planning to visit a historical site this year, with 60% naming Edinburgh Castle as the top historical attraction in the country.
Loxton said: “Most people have only scratched the surface of our history. There is so much more to explore, including hidden gems off the beaten track that hardly anyone knows about.
“I see it as part of my job to lift the lid on all aspects of UK history and help people engage with and enjoy it. I’m passionate about bringing history to mainstream audiences and making the story of our home and who we are accessible to everyone.
“We are fortunate we have such a large rail network and set of routes that make amazing historical locations very reachable by train.”
Loxton’s first book, Uproar!, was published to critical acclaim in 2023, and her second, Eighteen: A History of Britain in 18 Young Lives, will be published in August.
She has pulled together her “Journeys Through Time guide” of Scotland’s best historical sites to visit by train in association with Trainline.
Sakshi Anand, the vice president of growth and president UK at Trainline, said: “Our research shows people want to explore more of the UK, including trips to historic locations, but often don’t know where to start and don’t plan in advance.
“The Journeys Through Time guide aims to showcase the possibilities for historical exploration and the fun and convenience of going by train – and importantly booking ahead to save money, and minimise hassle.
“We want to help make travel to historical sites accessible to everyone, not just history buffs, and empower people to take great journeys to places where they can have great experiences.”
Here are Alice Loxton's ten top Scottish historical attractions to visit by train:
Dunfermline Abbey and Palace (Dunfermline)
The final resting place of many Scottish kings and queens, including Robert the Bruce. It's a short walk from Dunfermline Town train station.
Culloden Battlefield (Inverness)
The site of the 1746 Battle of Culloden, the final confrontation of the Jacobite Rising. A few miles outside of Inverness.
Inveraray Castle (Inveraray)
A stunning 18th-century castle and ancestral home of the Duke of Argyll, but not too close to a train station. You'll need to get off at Arrochar & Tarbet, and take a bus from there.
Blackness Castle (Linlithgow)
A 15th-century fortress on the Firth of Forth, often referred to as "the ship that never sailed" due to its shape. It's a short walk from Linlithgow station.
Stirling Castle (Stirling)
One of Scotland's most important buildings with almost every Scottish monarch having lived there until the union of the crowns in 1603
The National Wallace Monument (Stirling)
A towering monument dedicated to Scottish hero William Wallace, situated near Stirling train station.
Palace of Holyrood house (Edinburgh)
The official residence of the British monarch in Scotland, with historic significance dating back to the 12th century. It's located at the end of the Royal Mile, near Edinburgh Waverley station.
Elgin Cathedral (Elgin)
Ruins of a medieval cathedral in the town of Elgin, known for its impressive architecture and historical significance. You can reach it by taking a train to Elgin station, and from there, it's a short walk to the cathedral.
The Black Watch Castle and Museum (Perth)
A museum in Perth showcasing the history of Scotland's Black Watch regiment, housed in Balhousie Castle. You can take a train to Perth station and then a short walk to the museum.
The Riverside Museum (Patrick or Clydebank Station)
A fascinating museum showcasing Glasgow's transportation history, from vintage cars to locomotives. It's located near Partick station, and you can also reach it by a Clydebank-bound train and then a short walk.
