As the sun rose over the historic skyline, we captured what may be the most detailed 3D scan ever taken of Edinburgh’s Castle Hill - an intricate maze of centuries-old alleyways and “closes,” now preserved in a fully explorable, VR-ready digital model.
But this isn’t just about one location. It’s the start of something far bigger.
This digital reconstruction is set to become one of the first landmarks in SITEnetwork’s global virtual travel platform - a bold new initiative that aims to make the world more accessible by allowing anyone to visit anywhere, regardless of mobility, budget, or borders.
Unlike traditional video or static media, these models are immersive and interactive. Whether on a VR headset or a smartphone, users can walk the streets, uncover hidden architecture, and even meet AI-powered local guides - like a lifelike, contextualised Mary Queen of Scots who brings the past to life with stories rooted in place.
And this isn’t just theoretical. Research shows virtual "pre-visits" like these don’t reduce interest in real travel - they increase it. On average, they boost physical visitor numbers by 42%, outperforming standard destination marketing methods.
At the heart of SITE Network is a deeper mission:
To empower locals to capture their own spaces, tell their own stories, and place their communities on the global map.
To shift interest beyond the usual hotspots and address the imbalance of over-tourism and under-tourism.
And ultimately, to democratise travel.
We’re already collaborating with forward-thinking partners across tourism and tech - organisations like Traveltech for Scotland, ASVA and XGRIDS - alongside generous support from individuals such as Russell Dalgleish and many others who share our vision.
So if you’d like to explore today’s model…
If you want to nominate your location…
Or if you’d like to get involved in building this global network…
Contact us at info@SITEnetwork.io channel and be part of a journey that opens the world to everyone.