About 50 miles north of New York City, there is a small, rocky island named Pollepel. On it stands what appears to be a crumbling Scottish castle. This is the remnant of a Scotsman’s fortress called Bannerman Castle, built not as a home, but as an arsenal for his immense collection of weapons. Bannerman Castle and Pollepel Island are closed to the public and accessible only through tours arranged by the Bannerman Castle Trust. Do not attempt to land on the island or enter the harbor surrounding the Island.

credit: H.L.I.T 

Once the largest and most important church in Scotland, St Andrew’s Cathedral (1160-1318) now lies in picturesque ruins overlooking the North Sea in St Andrews. In addition to the Norman and Gothic ruins of the medieval cathedral, it includes St Rule’s Tower and a museum with an important Pictish sarcophagus. It was the seat of the Bishops of St Andrews from its foundation in 1158 until it fell into disuse after the Reformation. The ruins indicate the great size of the building at 350 feet (over 100 metres) long.

credit: Chrissy Olson