Castles, cairns and churches: a quick orientation
The register mixes spectacular landmarks with subtle archaeology. Knowing the categories helps you choose what to visit.
The four registers
Ancient monuments are archaeological sites (cairns, dwelling sites, hillforts). Built heritage and protected buildings are named buildings — churches, manors, stations. World heritage sites are UNESCO-listed. The app shows which register each site comes from.
Reading the eras
From the Stone Age survive dwelling sites and rock paintings; from the Bronze and Iron Ages, burial cairns and cemeteries. The Medieval period left stone churches and castles; historical times, manors, ironworks and town blocks. You can browse by era in the filters.
Managing expectations
A must-see church or castle is a genuine destination. An archaeological cairn, on the other hand, may be a low pile of stones in a forest — signposted or not. Both are real heritage; the ★ rating helps you choose by the kind of outing you want.