The remains of a great Benedictine abbey founded by Queen Margaret in the 11th century. The foundations of her church are under the present superb nave, built in the 12th century in the Romanesque style. Robert the Bruce was buried in the choir, now the site of the present parish church (closed during the winter). Substantial parts of the Abbey buildings remain, including the vast refectory. Next to the Abbey is the ruin of the Royal Palace built from the guesthouse of the monastery and altered in the 16th century for James VI and his Queen. This was the birthplace of Charles I, the last monarch born in Scotland.
Falkland Palace is an impressive Renaissance building set in the heart of the town at the foot of the Lomond Hills. Built by James IV and James V between 1450 and 1541 the Palace was a country residence of the Stuart monarchs of Scotland for over 200 years. Lush green lawns, colourful herbaceous borders and many unusual shrubs and trees complete the setting for this memorable property.
The magnificent ruin of a great Royal Palace set in its own park and beside Linlithgow Loch. A favoured residence of the Stewart kings and queens from James I (1406-37) onward. Building work commissioned by James I, III, IV, V and VI can be seen. The great hall and chapel are particularly fine. James V (1512) and Mary Queen of Scots (1542) were both born here.
Scone Palace is a must for all Scots and visitors to Scotland. The Palace is the home of the Earls of Mansfield and one of the great houses of Scotland. It is rich in history and was the crowning place of the Kings of Scots on the stone of Scone. As well as the fine architecture the Palace has many unique collections of rare porcelain, Royal Furniture and clocks as well as famous Scottish gardens and pleasure grounds where you can explore the paths once trodden by Scottish Kings and Queens.
Holyroodhouse was founded by King David I as an abbey in 1128. The abbey flourished and subsequent kings decided to base themselves at the abbey rather than Edinburgh Castle. Mary, Queen of scots', the Catholic daughter of James V, spent much of her short reign at Holyroodhouse. Successive kings and queens have reinstated the palace of Holyrrodhouse as the premier Royal residence in Scotland.
