List of hillforts in Scotland facts for kids

Hill forts are ancient settlements found on hills. They were built a long, long time ago, mostly during the Bronze Age and Iron Age in Scotland. People used these forts for protection. They were like strongholds where communities could live safely.

Today, you can still see the remains of these forts. They often look like big mounds of earth or stone walls. Scotland has more than 1,695 hill forts! Many of them are on the mainland, but some are also on the Scottish islands. The Scottish Borders area has one of the highest numbers of hill forts in all of Europe.

What are Hill Forts?

Hill forts are old forts built on top of hills. They were usually surrounded by ditches and walls. These walls were often made of earth, wood, or stone. Sometimes, the stone walls were heated so much they turned into a glassy material. These are called vitrified forts. This made them extra strong!

People lived in these forts for many years. They were used for homes, storage, and protection from enemies. After the Roman times, some people still lived in these ancient places.

Famous Hill Forts in Scotland

Scotland has many amazing hill forts. Here are a few examples from different parts of the country.

Aberdeenshire Hill Forts

• Bennachie: This is a well-known hill in Aberdeenshire. It has several hill forts on its slopes.
• Tap o' Noth: This fort is one of the highest in Scotland. It has a large vitrified fort at its top.

Argyll and Bute Hill Forts

• Dunadd: This is a very important hill fort. It was once the capital of the ancient kingdom of Dál Riata. Kings were crowned here long ago. You can still see carvings on the rocks at Dunadd.

City of Edinburgh Hill Forts

• Arthur's Seat: This famous hill in Edinburgh has traces of an ancient hill fort. It offers amazing views of the city.
• Blackford Hill: Another hill in Edinburgh with signs of an old fort.

Highland Hill Forts

• Craig Phadrig: Located near Inverness, this hill fort is another example of a vitrified fort. It was an important place for the Picts.

Scottish Borders Hill Forts

The Scottish Borders region is famous for its many hill forts. It has over 400 identified sites!

• Edin's Hall Broch: This is a unique type of fort called a broch. It's a tall, circular stone tower. It shows how people lived and defended themselves.
• Eildon Hill: This large hill near Melrose has a huge hill fort. It was one of the biggest settlements in ancient Scotland.
• Peniel Heugh: This site offers great views and has remains of an old fort.

West Dunbartonshire Hill Forts

• Dumbarton Rock: This dramatic rock was once a very important stronghold. It was a royal fortress for many centuries.

Images for kids

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  Bennachie from the east, Aberdeenshire

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  Remains of the fort at Dunadd, Kilmartin, Argyll

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  Arthur's Seat, viewed to the north-north-east from Blackford Hill Trig Point

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  Prospect from Craig Phadrig, looking westward along the southern shore of the Beauly Firth

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  Edin's Hall Broch, Berwickshire

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  Rock outcrop and pond, Peniel Heugh summit

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  Dumbarton Rock on Clyde Water

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  Kite aerial photo of Peace Knowe in West Lothian

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  Chesters Hill Fort, East Lothian

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  Dry stone remains of White Catherun, out by Brechin