Wilson sought out historical locations to photograph in the expectation that they would be popular as both picturesque and educational souvenirs for the mid-nineteenth century tourist. The mound where John Graham, 1st Viscount Dundee (1648–89) was killed during the battle of Killiecrankie is one such example of a landscape steeped in historical significance. Dundee claimed victory for James VII but was subsequently killed in the battle by a musket ball. A song written by Sir Walter Scott in 1825 to commemorate ‘Bonnie Dundee’ reinforced the legend of the Jacobite sympathiser.

Inside Rosslyn Chapel stands the Apprentice Pillar, a monument that Wilson was to photograph on many occasions. The pillar continues to attract curious audiences today due to the many legends that surround the pillar. The most famous involves an apprentice stonemason who, owing to his precocious ability to carve the intricate designs on the pillar, was killed by his master in a fit of jealousy.