Boasting more than its fair share of castles, thanks to a turbulent past, Scotland today can offer rich historical pickings to its many visitors. Dotted around the country are formidable strongholds set atop dramatic cliffs, tower houses in varying states of ruin, ancient artillery fortifications, moated bastions, and well preserved medieval castles. Yes… Scotland’s castles were undoubtedly well worth a tussle or two in days gone by. Today the castles in Scotland are well worth a somewhat more welcomed visit. Just choose any region in Scotland and within a few miles you can bet your bottom dollar that you’ll come across the remains of a stronghold still clinging to the cliff edge, a medieval castle ruin perched atop a hill, a tower house not quite as towering as it was in its glory days, a well-preserved fortress sitting on a loch-side, or a magnificent castle fully intact and open to visitors year-round.

SCOTLAND’S CASTLES FROM RUINS TO RICHES

SCOTLAND’S COUNTLESS CASTLES From romantic ruins and iconic towers to formidable bastions and magnificent functioning castles… taking count of Scotland’s historic castles will challenge even the best of statisticians Written by Linda Jackson

Here are some excellent reasons to explore Scotland’s captivating past…

GAME EDINBURGH CASTLE It goes without saying that Edinburgh Castle is a ‘must visit’ attraction in Scotland.

It was built on the top of an extinct volcano, the

than 400 years of Scottish military history, to

site of a royal castle since the 12th century at

noteworthy rooms and buildings (The Crown

least. This historic monument towers above

Room, The Great Hall, the Royal Palace); awe-

Edinburgh city and is open to visitors year-round.

inspiring panoramic views across the capital; and the spectacle of the Edinburgh Royal

From free guided tours of the castle; historical stories related by costumed performers; a museum housing photographs, personal

Military Tattoo held every August, there is plenty to keep visitors captivated for several hours.

mementoes and military objects covering more

Nearest properties, Sheraton Grand Hotel and Spa, 21212 Restaurant with Rooms, The Royal Scotsman Train and the Glasshouse.

Photo from Wikimedia Commons Copyright: Mike Pennington

GAME

BLACKNESS CASTLE Located to the northeast of Edinburgh on the shores of the Firth of Forth and less than four miles from Linlithgow, is formidablelooking Blackness Castle.

A 15th century stronghold built for one reason…

From the seaward side the daunting castle

war. From the towers and curtain wall of this

looks like a stone ship that has grounded, but

garrison fortress and prison there are wonderful

the massively strengthened fortification

views stretching across the sea to Fife and of the

withstood many sieges - except that of Oliver

road and rail bridges.

Cromwell in 1650, that is, the battle scars from which still remain.

Nearest property, The Gleneagles Hotel.

GAME CRAIGMILLAR CASTLE Boasting a story linked to Mary Queen of Scots...

...The well-preserved medieval Craigmillar Castle

and features an impressive Great Hall and the

(four miles southeast from Edinburgh Castle)

‘Queen Mary’s Room’ where Mary allegedly

offers great views over Edinburgh and Holyrood

slept while staying as a guest at the castle. The

Park and lots of dark mysterious nooks and

surrounding gardens are also one of the

crannies to explore, including a grim basement

highlights.

prison. The 55ft tower house is one of the oldest in Scotland dating back to the late-14th century

Nearest properties, Sheraton Grand Hotel and Spa, 21212 Restaurant with Rooms, The Royal Scotsman Train and the Glasshouse.

GAME

Eight miles south of Dumfries, standing on the borders of the country for 400 years...

CAERLAVEROCK CASTLE

...This quintessential medieval stronghold

a moat, a twin-towered gatehouse, and a

suffered a turbulent history (undoubtedly

noteworthy 17th century residence in the

because of its nearness to England), playing an

courtyard; imposing red sandstone

important part in the defence of its territory.

battlements; a siege warfare exhibition; a

Caerlaverock Castle, built in a unique triangular

nature trail, and children’s adventure park.

shape, still lures visitors from across the border (and across the world) to its impressive offerings:

Nearest property, Knockinaam Lodge. Photo from Wikimedia Commons

GAME CARDONESS CASTLE From the battlements of this well-preserved six-storey tower house are splendid views over Fleet Bay to the Solway Firth.

From the battlements of this well-preserved six-

royalty) and long-standing bitter feud with

storey tower house are splendid views over Fleet

their neighbours. The walls are 8ft thick and

Bay to the Solway Firth. Cardoness Castle dates

window openings are small, the ground floor

back to the late-15th century and was primarily

walls are pierced by gunholes the size of a

built as a family residence by a prominent

keyhole, a form of defence in the late-1440s.

Galloway family notorious for their lawlessness

The tower house is sited 31 miles from

(despite being on rubbing-shoulder terms with

Dumfries and 14 miles from Castle Douglas and open weekends only from 1 October to 31

Nearest property, Turnberry.

March (open daily from April-September). Photo from Wikimedia Commons

GAME

Dating back to around 1530 and located in a fine setting in the rolling hills of Clydesdale approximately 24 miles southeast of Glasgow...

Craignethan Castle is open weekends only from 1 October to 31 March (but open every day from April-September). This important and unusual early artillery fortification features a rare stone vaulted artillery chamber, a caponier of which there is only one other in Scotland (at Blackness Castle), and an exceptional tower house where King James V and his court were known to have been entertained. There is also a nature trail in the nearby deep glen.

CRAIGNETHAN CASTLE

Nearest property, Turnberry. Photo from Wikimedia Commons

CULZEAN GAME CASTLE & COUNTRY PARK

Hurry if you want to visit this beautiful castle as the summer season runs from the beginning of April to the end of October.

Not much time we know but as it is one of

a mix of sea, lush forest and beautiful

Scotland’s most loved castles how could we

manicured gardens, the castle boasts a

possibly exclude it from this article? Visitors

spectacular oval staircase, impressive armoury,

should plan to spend a full day exploring Culzean

round drawing room, turrets and battlements,

Castle & Country Park, located 12 miles from Ayr,

and wonderful views over the Firth of Clyde.

16 miles from Prestwick Airport, and 50 miles

History records were started in 1569 but the

from Glasgow International Airport. Encircled by

first written reference to a tower house at Culzean dates back to the 1400s.

Nearest property, Turnberry.

GAME DUMBARTON CASTLE Around 14 miles northeast of Glasgow and overlooking the Firth of Clyde, Dumbarton Castle sits on a volcanic rock soaking up stunning views for miles around...

...Even the peak of Ben Lomond can be spotted

when the Norwegian frontier was only ten

on a clear day. Superb examples of 18th-century

miles away. The Battle of Largs (1263)

Georgian military architecture are present in the

successfully removed any threat from Norway,

artillery fortifications, and there are interesting

but then England became a bigger peril. The

artefacts on display in the Governor’s House, a

most recent military action was seen during

fine Georgian residence. First build in the early-

the Second World War.

13th century, Dumbarton was a border stronghold

Nearest properties, Hotel du Vin at One Devonshire Gardens and Cameron House on Loch Lomond. Photo from Wikimedia Commons

ABERDOUR GAME CASTLE & GARDEN

This medieval castle was successfully extended and modified over the centuries (15th, 16th and 17th): three noble families lived in it over a 500-year span.

It is thought that Aberdour Castle could possibly

Highlights of the castle complex are the 12th-

be the oldest standing masonry castle in Scotland

century Hall House, a precious 17th-century

because of some features which are

painted ceiling, and the 16th/17th century

extraordinarily similar to others found in a nearby

walled and terraced gardens with a beehive-

12th-century church, and offshore Abbey dated

shaped dovecot.

around 1200.

Nearest property, Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort and Spa. Photo from Wikimedia Commons

ST ANDREWS GAME CASTLE

Hugging the shoreline and sitting on a headland in the north of St Andrews, you’ll discover... ...The impressive ruins of St Andrews Castle which feature unique underground passages – an insight into the horrifying nature of feudal siege combat. Admire the castle’s impressive frontage; explore the siege mine, counter-mine, and the Bottle Dungeon. St Andrews Castle was once the main residence of the bishops and archbishops of St Andrews.

Nearest property, Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort and Spa. Photo from Wikimedia Commons

GAME BRODIE CASTLE This National Trust castle (24 miles east of Inverness) closes on 31 October for the winter but, like Culzean, must be mentioned because of its popularity.

However, the estate is open year-round where, in

Dating from the 16th century, Brodie Castle’s

spring, the grounds are spectacularly carpeted

main highlights are its unusual plaster ceilings;

with daffodils.

its major art collection, antiques, and magnificent library.

Throughout the year visitors can enjoy the woodland walk and a nature trail which has a number of wildlife observation hides.

Nearest property, Boath House.

The fine architecture and the location will not fail to impress you at Huntly Castle, baronial residence for five centuries... ...Located on the outskirts of the picturesque market town of Huntly (Aberdeen 40 miles, Inverness 66 miles). This impressive medieval building, a noble ruin today, sheltered Robert the Bruce in the 14th century in the site’s earliest stronghold. There are two impressive heraldic fireplaces and a noteworthy heraldic ‘frontispiece’ above the main door.

HUNTLY CASTLE

Nearest property, Marcliffe Hotel and Spa. Photo from Wikimedia Commons

GAME TOLQUHON CASTLE A picturesque castle 17 miles from Aberdeen and a noble abode for around 300 years, Tolquhon Castle features...

...An impressive ornate gatehouse; a secret

Aberdeenshire is blessed with a fine collection

compartment below the bedroom floor where

of castles; this is one of the most picturesque

valuables were once hidden; and interesting

and open throughout the year but only at

below-stairs rooms and upstairs family rooms to

weekends from October to March inclusive.

explore.

Nearest property, Marcliffe Hotel and Spa. Photo from Wikimedia Commons

Fantastic gargoyles, fairy-tale turrets, superb 16th-century painted ceilings, famous gardens delightful year-round, and the ancient Horn of Leys (given in 1323 by Robert the Bruce) are... ...Just a few of the impressive attractions at enchanting Crathes Castle, Garden & Estate located 15 miles west of Aberdeen. The gardens and estate make an enjoyable day out for the whole family; the gardens are famous for their great yew hedges and double herbaceous border. There are six woodland trails to follow in the estate grounds, plus exciting treetop adventures for the children with “Go Ape!” at Crathes.

CRATHES CASTLE

Nearest property, Marcliffe Hotel and Spa.

GAME URQUHART CASTLE Sitting on the banks of Loch Ness Urquhart Castle still gives the impression of being an imposing stronghold despite being in ruins...

...And the tower house commands stunning views

castles and played a prominent part in the

of Loch Ness and Great Glen.

Scots’ struggle for independence witnessing many a battle with the ruthless MacDonald

A medieval fortress for 500 years (13th-17th centuries) with a predominantly bloody history, Urquhart Castle was one of Scotland’s largest

clan as well as the English. The Visitor Centre features an audio-visual display with an excellent collection of medieval artefacts.

Nearest property, Rocpool Reserve and Chez Roux. Photo from Wikimedia Commons

GAME CASTLE FRASER GARDEN & ESTATE Reminiscent of a French chateau, elaborate, and the largest Z-plan-designed Scottish castle, Castle Frazer dates back to the 16th century.

Highlights of the castle are fine 18th and 19th

that closes at the end of October – but the

century carpets, curtains and bed hangings; the

estate is open year-round where there is a

historic walled garden, and a number of quirky

forest walk and an enchanting play area for

features – hidden trapdoors, secret stairs and a

children in the woodland.

spy hole. Hurry to visit the castle: it’s another

(16 miles west of Aberdeen).

Nearest property, Marcliffe Hotel and Spa. Photo from Wikimedia Commons

Dating back to the 16th century Edzell Castle is a gem with... ...its red sandstone walls; beautiful walled garden (added in 1604) with its heraldic sculptures and carved panels, and a delightful little summer house. Other highlights are the Lindsay family’s vault in the ancient graveyard, and the tower house – a fine example of a nobleman’s abode.

EDZELL CASTLE

Nearest property, Marcliffe Hotel and Spa. Photo from Wikimedia Commons

CASTLE CAMPBELL AND GARDEN

The setting of this castle above Dollar Glen, 14 miles from Stirling, must surely make it the most dramatically located castle in Scotland. Featuring one of the best preserved tower houses in Scotland, dating back to the 15th century, Castle Campbell was the lowland stronghold of the influential Campbell earls of Argyll. Highlights include the loggia in the east range, John Knox’s Pulpit in the garden, and the Scottish history videos created by local historians.

Nearest property, The Gleneagles Hotel. Photo from Wikimedia Commons

STIRLING GAME CASTLE

In the heart of Stirling towering over important battlefields of the past, with a commanding view of the countryside for miles around...

...Imposing Stirling Castle with its impressive

Kitchens where lavish banquets were created.

architecture is one of Scotland’s grandest castles.

Other highlights include James V’s palace

Within the castle is the largest medieval

(lavish Renaissance façades); the Argyll &

banqueting hall ever constructed in Scotland

Sutherland Highlanders museum; and

(James IV’s Great Hall), supported by Great

magnificent views from the battlements.

Nearest property, The Gleneagles Hotel

We must not, of course, forget today’s working castles… those rather grand Scottish castles, perfect for overnight accommodation as well as group or corporate hire, such as Inverlochy Castle Hotel, Fasque Castle and Crossbasket Castle To see is to believe. So visit Scotland to explore its historical sights and you will soon see why the country can rightly boast of its myriad castles. Whether simply castle ruins or castles blessed with rich offerings, they are well worth a visit and well steeped in history.

SCOTLAND’S CASTLES LINKS TO HISTORICAL PLACES TO VISIT IN SCOTLAND National Trust for Scotland www.nts.org.uk/Visits/

Historic Scotland www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/index/places.htm

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