11 Must-Visit Historic Towns in Scotland

Scotland’s historic towns offer a journey through time, from medieval burghs to ancient settlements dating back to Roman times. Whether you’re seeking the oldest town in Scotland, exploring medieval architecture, or discovering the best towns to stay in, this guide covers eleven must-visit locations rich in history, culture, and Scottish heritage. From Musselburgh’s Roman bridge to Stirling’s ancient castle, each town tells a unique story of Scotland’s past.

There is an abundance of historic towns in Scotland for you to explore. From Dumfries in the south west of Scotland to St Andrews in the Kingdom of Fife, we have listed eleven historic towns for you to visit.

What is the Oldest Town in Scotland?

The title of “Scotland’s oldest town” is hotly debated, with several strong contenders each claiming ancient origins:

Musselburgh claims to be the oldest continuous settlement, with Roman origins around AD 80 when the Romans built a fort and bridge. The Roman bridge, rebuilt on original foundations, is still in use today, and you can walk across it just five miles east of Edinburgh.

Crail in Fife received its first Royal Charter in 1310 from King Robert the Bruce, making it one of Scotland’s oldest Royal Burghs with over 1,000 years of recorded history.

Dundee holds the distinction of being Scotland’s oldest official city, granted city status by Queen Victoria in 1889, though settlements there date back to at least the 11th century.

Selkirk in the Scottish Borders is one of the oldest Royal Burghs, with the earliest known settlements in the Borders region dating back centuries.

The answer depends on your definition – continuous Roman settlement, Royal Burgh status, or official city designation. Each town offers unique insights into Scotland’s ancient past, and all are worth visiting to experience different eras of Scottish history. This guide explores these historic towns and more, each with its own fascinating story to tell.

Musselburgh, East Lothian – Scotland’s Roman Town

Musselburgh, located just five miles east of Edinburgh, is a strong contender for the title of Scotland’s oldest town. The Romans first settled here around AD 80, building a fort and a bridge across the River Esk. Remarkably, the Roman bridge, rebuilt on its original foundations, is still in use today, making it one of the few Roman structures in Scotland you can actually walk across.

The town’s name comes from the mussel beds that once lined the Firth of Forth. Musselburgh is also home to Musselburgh Links, one of the world’s oldest golf courses, with documented evidence of play dating back to 1672. The historic course was once a venue for golf’s Open Championship.

In the historic town centre, you’ll find a 16th-century Tolbooth and Mercat Cross. Strolling along the High Street reveals centuries-old buildings, and the harbour area remains active with fishing boats.

Musselburgh is affectionately known as “The Honest Toun,” a title earned in 1332 when townsfolk devotedly cared for the dying Regent of Scotland without seeking reward.

Musselburgh’s proximity to Edinburgh makes it an ideal destination to include in any day tour from Edinburgh, offering visitors a unique glimpse into Scotland’s Roman past just minutes from the capital.

Dumfries, Dumfries & Galloway – Queen of the South

This former Royal Burgh town is nicknamed ‘Queen of the South’, also the name of the local football club.

It was in the historic town of Dumfries that Robert the Bruce killed the Red Comyn at Greyfriars Kirk in 1306. Historians still debate whether this act was ‘treason’ or ‘self defence’ between two great rivals in their cause for leadership of the Scots. This was a key moment in the Scottish Wars of Independence.

Scotland’s national bard, Robert Burns, spent the last 5 years of his life living in a townhouse in the center of Dumfries. You can visit his house on the aptly named ‘Burns Street’, and explore some of the local inns he used to frequent, such as The Globe, where his seat still remains in a quiet wee bothy sitting area.

You may wish to pay your respects at the mausoleum in the town cemetery, where he lies in his final resting place alongside his wife, Jean Armour.

The River Nith flows through this ancient Scottish town, where many Scots set sail for the New World in the 19th century.

Dumfries offers a variety of places of interest to explore. Discover Dumfries and Scotland’s southwest on our custom tours or day tours from Glasgow.

The small historic town of Melrose in the Scottish Borders lies between the lush meadows bordering the River Tweed and the triple peaks of the Eildon Hills.

The town is centred on the well-kept ruins of Melrose Abbey, where it is believed the heart of Robert the Bruce is buried.

The heart of The Bruce was to be buried in the Holy Land. However, in 1330, the Good Sir James Douglas, also known as the Black Douglas, was killed in Spain fighting the Moors en route with the Bruce’s heart to Jerusalem. Allegedly, The Douglas hurled the casket containing the heart at the enemy, shouting, “Go first, Brave Heart”. Bruce’s heart was later retrieved and returned to Melrose Abbey.

Melrose is where ‘Rugby Sevens’ was invented in 1883. The town holds an annual rugby sevens tournament at ‘The Greenyards’.

The romantic home of Sir Walter Scott, Abbotsford House, is 2 miles west of Melrose. The Borders town is steeped in history and well placed for exploring the Scottish Borders.

The historic coastal town of St Andrews, situated in the Kingdom of Fife, is known to many as the ‘Home of Golf’.

St Andrews is a University Town, considered a paradise for golfers from around the world.

Each year, the town bustles with golfers who make the annual pilgrimage to the Royal and Ancient Golf Club’s famous Old Course. The Old Course is one of the oldest golf courses in the world and one of seven public golf courses in the town.

The town of St Andrews is also home to Scotland’s oldest university, founded in 1413.

Many houses in the town are built from stones from the ruined 12th-century St Andrews Cathedral.

The impressive St Rule’s Tower beside the Cathedral is named after the saint who, according to legend, was shipwrecked here carrying the bones of the apostle, St Andrew.

There’s plenty to discover, including short walks through cobblestoned streets, in this historic town. From the 13th-century Bishop’s Castle to the first tee on the Old Course, you can stroll along “The Scores”, a leafy one-lane track lined by ivy-covered walls and interesting medieval architecture.

You may recognise the West Sands in St Andrews from the opening scenes of “Chariots of Fire”.

The town has a choice of cafes, pubs, restaurants and boutique shops. St Andrews is one of the most popular towns to visit in Scotland.

Kirkcudbright is a historic fishing town in Dumfries and Galloway. The name ‘Kirkcudbright’ means ‘Church of St Cuthbert’ and is pronounced ‘Kir-coo-bree.’

Nestled on the Dee Estuary, Kirkcudbright is home to a vibrant community of artists. It is a popular destination for art lovers, with numerous boutique art shops and galleries for visitors to explore.

The ruined 16th-century MacLellan Castle dominates the town’s skyline. In the old town graveyard, you can find memorials to Billy Marshal, a notable Covenanter. According to Sir Walter Scott, Billy—a tinker king—died in 1792 at the age of 120, reportedly fathering four children after the age of 100.

Kirkcudbright is an ideal base for exploring Bonnie Galloway and southwest Scotland.

The thriving fishing town of Arbroath is famous for the Scottish delicacy, the ‘Arbroath Smokies’. Freshly caught haddock is flavoured and browned by smoke from oak wood-chip fires. You can savour these delicacies for yourself, as there are many cottages around the town harbour area selling these and more seafood specialities.

Scotland’s most important historical document, ‘The Declaration of Arbroath’, was signed in the red-sandstone Arbroath Abbey in 1320. The document, signed by the Scottish Nobles, asked Pope John XXII to acknowledge Robert Bruce as King of Scots and to recognise Scotland’s independence.

To the north of the town, a 3-mile path winds over the craggy red sandstone cliffs to the scenic village of Auchmithie.

You can also participate in fishing boat trips or cliff and cave adventures from the town’s harbour. Arbroath is a must-visit town in the northeast of Scotland.

The historic village of Culross (pronounced ‘Cooros’) is a must-see destination for every Outlander fan visiting Scotland, famously doubling as the fictional village of Cranesmuir in the popular series. It’s easy to understand why this location was chosen: Culross is one of the best-preserved 16th and 17th-century towns in Scotland. Its white harled houses with red-tiled roofs lining steep, cobbled streets create an exceptionally intact historical streetscape.

Four hundred years ago, Culross Harbour was a centre of international trade, exporting coal and salt across Europe. The town’s prosperity was fostered by Sir George Bruce, who, in 1575, developed pioneering mining techniques, followed coal seams under the Firth of Forth, and built the world’s first artificial island, where horses lifted coal directly onto ships. The Moat Pit, as it was known, amazed visitors until it was destroyed in a great storm in 1625.

Culross became a Royal Burgh in 1592, with King James VI praising its harbour as ‘the best port in those parts of the firth for the export and transport of salt and coal.’

The town also holds sacred significance as the legendary birthplace of Saint Mungo, the founder and patron saint of Glasgow. According to legend, his mother, Queen Theneu, arrived at Culross in a coracle and gave birth to him here. Both Culross Abbey and St Mungo’s Chapel were frequent stops for medieval pilgrims travelling to St Andrews; King James IV is recorded as leaving an offering at the remains of St Serf in 1511.

Stroll through winding cobblestone lanes from the Mercat Cross up to the hilltop Abbey, and you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped back in time in this former Royal Burgh.

Visit Culross on our Outlander day tour from Glasgow, where you’ll explore filming locations and discover the town’s fascinating coal mining and maritime history.

Crail, Fife, Scotland – Scotland’s Most Photographed Harbor

The historic town of Crail, just a short drive from St Andrews in the East Neuk of Fife, surrounds a remarkable ancient stone harbour. The medieval working harbour is the most photographed in Scotland, a testimony to how special this wee town is.

Crail was granted its first Royal Charter in 1310 by King Robert the Bruce and is one of Scotland’s oldest Royal Burghs.

Brightly colored fishermen’s cottages are tucked into every nook and cranny among a labyrinth of winding cobbled streets. The town boasts a coastal path overlooking the craggy coastline on the Crail Heritage Walk, making this a must-see town in Scotland.

In summertime, you can enjoy fresh seafood from the ‘Lobster Shack’. Word to the wise, though, get in there quickly, as more often than not, they sell out fast. Fresh lemon-squeezed lobster, surrounded by piles of lobster creels. What more could you ask for?

If you have time for a coffee or tea, then the Crail Harbour Gallery tearoom is the place to go. Built in the cellars of a 17th-century fisherman’s cottage with a courtyard built into the rock, it offers views where, sometimes, you can see fishing boats puffing along with a flock of squawking seagulls in hot pursuit.

Largs, North Ayrshire, Scotland – Site of the Battle of Largs 1263

The seaside town of Largs in North Ayrshire is a favourite holiday town in the west of Scotland. Historically famous for ‘The Battle of Largs in 1263’, the last pitched battle between the Vikings and Scots.

Largs is a gateway to The Western Isles and offers coastal walks with panoramic views of the isles of Arran, Cumbrae and Bute.

View our in-depth visitor guide to Largs for more information on this historic seaside town.

Doune, Perthshire, Scotland – Home of Doune Castle

The historic town of Doune is located eight miles northwest of Stirling on the River Teith. Once renowned for its pistol-making, Doune is best known for its impressive castle, built in the 14th century by Robert, Duke of Albany.

Doune Castle originally served as the home of Regent Albany, known as ‘Scotland’s uncrowned king.’ This ancient castle has also been featured as a filming location for the TV series Outlander (Castle Leoch, home to Colum McKenzie), the famous Monty Python film “The Holy Grail,” and as Winterfell in “Game of Thrones.”

Other buildings of architectural and historical interest in the village include Kilmadock Parish Church (1822), the Market Cross (1620), the Moray Institute, and the Bridge of Teith (1533). If you’re an Outlander fan who enjoys a wee dram, you can also visit the Deanston Whisky Distillery on the outskirts of town.

The Old Town of Stirling – Gateway to the Highlands

The old town in the city of Stirling should be on the must-visit list for everyone, whether you are a native Scot or a visitor to Scotland. It’s one of the most historic towns within the beating heart of Scotland, with much to do and see for all age groups.

From Stirling’s Old Town Jail to Stirling Castle, the one-time home of the Royal Stewart Monarchy, the town has many interesting nooks and crannies to discover.

The Holy Rude (Holy Cross) Church, founded in 1129 in Stirling’s old town, is the only church in the United Kingdom, apart from Westminster Abbey, to have hosted a coronation and still be in use today. It was here in 1567 that Mary Queen of Scots’ son was crowned James VI. He later became James I of England.

Stirling is the gateway to the Highlands, and other historical places to visit locally include Bannockburn, where the Scots defeated England in a bloody battle in 1314, and the National Wallace Monument atop the Abbey Craig. These historical sites have visitor centres and gift shops that appeal to all ages.

Experience Stirling Castle and the Wallace Monument on our Highland tours, or visit on our multi-day tours exploring central Scotland’s historic sites.

Best Historic Towns to Stay in Scotland

Planning where to base yourself while exploring Scotland’s historic towns? Consider these accommodation options with convenient access to multiple sites:

Stirling serves as a central base, known as the gateway to the Highlands. It offers easy access to Bannockburn Battlefield, the Wallace Monument, and numerous other historic attractions. Hotels, B&Bs, and guesthouses are plentiful around the old town.

St Andrews combines coastal charm with a vibrant university-town atmosphere, making it ideal for golf, medieval history, and beautiful beaches. The premium accommodation options reflect their popularity.

Edinburgh, while a city, provides excellent access to East Lothian’s historic towns, such as Musselburgh, and the East Neuk of Fife villages like Crail. Expect excellent transport links and a variety of accommodation choices.

Melrose, in the Scottish Borders, offers a peaceful and affordable base for exploring the region’s abbeys, historic houses, and countryside.

Book accommodation well in advance for the summer months (June – August) and festival periods, as Scotland’s historic towns attract visitors year-round.

Visit Scotland’s Historic Towns with Kilted Piper Tours

We hope you’ve enjoyed reading this guide to Scotland’s oldest and most historic towns, and that it inspires you to visit these ancient locations.

Each town tells a unique story of Scotland’s past, from Roman settlements to medieval Royal Burghs. Whether you’re exploring on your own or would like a guided experience, these historic towns offer unforgettable insights into Scottish heritage.

If you have any questions or would like to plan a private tour visiting Scotland’s historic towns, email info@kiltedpipertours.com or call +44 (0)7792 557776.

Explore our guided tours of Scotland to visit these historic towns with expert local guide Graeme, or read more on our Scotland travel blog.

Hae a braw day!