Govan, Ardrossan, Bo’ness and Dundee feature in Scotland’s hidden gems list

ALAMY

Scotland’s hidden gems have been revealed after a nationwide competition

The most popular choice was Glasgow’s Govan Stones, a collection of 31 medieval stones carved in the Viking era, with more than 2,000 votes.

The giant slabs, including crosses, hogback stones and a sarcophagus, had lain unloved at Govan Old Church for almost 1,000 years.

Ardrossan Castle, which has played host to some of Scotland’s most powerful figures, including William Wallace, was second.

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Campbeltown Picture House came in fifth place with over 800 votes

The Howff, a 453-year-old graveyard in Dundee, landed in third place with over 1,000 votes. 

Fourth place was claimed by James Watt Cottage in Bo’ness, West Lothian, the former workshop of the inventor whose steam engine played a key role in the Industrial Revolution.

Campbeltown Picture House, one of the oldest surviving purpose-built cinemas in the UK, came in fifth place with over 800 votes. 

The final spot was claimed by Lincluden Collegiate Church, Dumfries, where visitors can find angels and cherubs carved into the stones. The public contest, with 28 nominated sites, was co-ordinated by Dig It! 2017, a year-long celebration of the country’s archaeology.

Dr Jeff Sanders, Dig It! 2017 Project Manager, said: “The people who nominated the sites have put an enormous amount of time and effort into the promotion and it’s been great to see members of the public respond with equal enthusiasm – whether they’re sharing childhood memories or discovering a site for the first time.”