Scotland’s UNESCO Sites Through an AI Lens
Scotland’s UNESCO Sites Through an AI Lens
You might have read our UNESCO Trail blog post, but VisitScotland have decided to reimagine the trail through the eyes of Artificial Intelligence. AI art has been taking the world by storm in recent years, but it’s picked up massively recently, with many social media platforms creating text-to-image AI-generated filters.
VisitScotland were so inspired by the beautiful Artificial Intelligence images they saw online that they decided to put an AI generator to the test to see what it thought each of Scotland’s 13 UNESCO Designations looked like. AI generators work by learning specific aesthetics by analysing thousands of curated images and then, using these images, try to generate new depictions in line with the aesthetics of real-life photos that it has learned!
campervan-friendly designations
Whilst most of the UNESCO trail is easily accessible for campervans, we wanted to share our top campervan-friendly designations to inspire your trip this year. Campervanning is such a versatile mode of travel and provides a new perspective to observe. The entire family can immerse themselves in the mirage of natural and historical wonders that Scotland has to offer. It encompasses the whole family’s needs by offering a safe base to return to after a day’s adventure whilst also acting as a tool to create the ultimate getaway for all your loved ones, creating memories and traditions to last a lifetime!
Check out our top four UNESCO designations for campervanners below. Do you think the AI images live up to the real thing? We guess you’ll have to find out for yourselves…
Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere
As you can see depicted by the AI image, Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere is the perfect place to begin your expedition. Awarded status of UNESCO Biosphere in 2012, and spanning over 5,268 km of picturesque land, the regions are home to rich biodiversity and untouched landscapes, including the hills and moors of the Merrick.
These were initially formed by glaciers as captured by the AI imagery above, all of which await your discovery! Often described as a natural playground, the Biosphere provides enrichment for all age groups through its myriad of rivers and geological wonders which were once occupied by the Stone Age people.
Shetland
With land originating from near the south pole, Shetland is a must in your exploration of the natural wonders of Scotland. This Global Geopark provides a unique opportunity to walk across the ancient oceanic floor and come face-to-face with an extinct volcano, with rocks up to 3 billion years old! Making Shetland an archeological gem, you’ll be desperate to unearth.
Beyond the geographical exploration, it is also essential to visit Sumburgh Head lighthouse – you might even be lucky enough to catch sight of a minke whale, dolphin or even an orca! What’s more, the Braewick Caravan Park provides an idyllic location to relax and unwind in your Alba Camper after a fun-packed day of taking in the breathtaking scenery, culture and archaeological heritage.
Heart of Neolithic Orkney
This breathtaking prehistoric site combines four main sites near Stromness on the Orkney Mainland. One of these mesmerising sites is Skara Brae, this domestic settlement still houses stone passageways and furnishings which resemble beds and dressing tables. These preserved sites are illustrative of and pay homage to the skills of the prehistoric people of Orkney and the foundations they built on the land. Beyond the sites themselves there is a range of green tourism attractions, including the Broch of Gurness.
As you can see, the AI imagery replicates the coastal landscapes and rocky terrain present at this site, it does however fail to capture how the changing angles of sunlight and fluctuant weather alters your perception of the henges. Of course, no imagery can replace witnessing these transformative marvels in the flesh.
The Antonine Wall
A final UNESCO Designation to add to your ‘must visit’ list is the Frontiers of the Roman Empire: The Antonine Wall. This military installation provides visitors with firsthand insight into historical, Roman infrastructure.
The wall utilises the landscape’s curvatures to maximise its defensive quality. This is an unmissable piece of rich culture whose scale can still be captured today through the preserved fragments which form a clear divide between the Firth of Forth and the Firth of Clyde!
Exploration of this route will allow for an unforgettable insight into the everyday life of a Roman soldier living under the empirical rule. As you’ll see from the AI-generated imagery above, it captures the conflict-ridden society which occupied the land and highlights the geographical features of the land which contributed to its success in defence from enemy troops.
What are you waiting for?
Get behind the wheel and immerse yourself in all that Scotland has to offer whilst traveling in affordable luxury with Alba Campers! Contact us today to set up your challenge to compare the AI-generated imagery with your very own human lens…
