Summary
The United Kingdom has a rich and vibrant history, characterized by its numerous castles and manors that offer insights into the past. Scotland, in particular, stands out with its exquisite medieval castles, often set against the backdrop of its rugged and untamed landscapes.
Many of these castles have gained fame through their appearances in films and television. While some are well-known internationally, others are hidden gems that can provide an unexpected delight.
Let us explore some of the most remarkable castles in Scotland:
1. Eilean Donan Castle
Eilean Donan Castle is arguably the most iconic castle in Scotland. Nestled within a picturesque highland setting on a small island surrounded by three sea lochs—Loch Alsh, Loch Duich, and Loch Long—it commands attention.
Clans have played a pivotal role in shaping Scottish history, and Eilean Donan Castle served as a stronghold for the Mackenzie and Macrae clans. The structure itself traces its origins back to the 13th century, having been destroyed in the 17th century and later reconstructed in the 20th century.
Currently, a stone footbridge connects the castle and its island to the mainland.
Famous films, including Highlander and James Bond: The World is Not Enough, have featured this castle, solidifying its reputation as one of the most photogenic castles in the British Isles.
2. Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle is the principal attraction in Scotland’s capital, situated atop Castle Rock and offering a commanding view of the city. Each year, over 1.5 million tourists explore its grounds.
This historic fortress has served not only as a military stronghold but also as a royal residence.
As one of Scotland’s most strategically vital fortresses, it has been embroiled in several significant historical conflicts, including the Wars of Scottish Independence and the Jacobite uprising. Recent studies indicate that Edinburgh Castle has faced over 20 sieges, making it the most besieged site in the United Kingdom and the world.
The oldest surviving structure within the castle is St Margaret’s Chapel, which dates back to the early 12th century.
3. Glamis Castle
Glamis Castle, located in the lowland valley of Strathmore, has a rich history. Featured in Shakespeare’s renowned play “Macbeth,” the castle carries a connection to the historical King Macbeth, although he never resided here.
Since the 14th century, Glamis Castle has been the ancestral home of the Earls of Strathmore and Kinghorne. Notably, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother referred to Glamis Castle as her childhood residence, and Princess Margaret was born there.
The predecessor of the current stronghold was constructed around the 10th or 11th century, with its earlier use documented as a Royal Hunting Lodge.
The castle’s design is inspired by an ancient tower house, with modifications and enhancements occurring from the 17th to the 19th century.
4. Stirling Castle
Stirling Castle stands as one of Scotland’s most historically and architecturally significant castles. This imposing fortress, positioned atop a crag on Stirling Sill, served as a royal residence before the unification of Scotland and England.
Notably, Mary, Queen of Scots, was crowned at Stirling Castle in 1542, alongside many other Scottish monarchs.
Due to its turbulent history, Stirling Castle has endured at least eight sieges.
Although most of its present-day structures were built between the 15th and 17th centuries, the castle’s origins can be traced back to at least the 12th century.
In the 17th century, the castle’s role as a royal residence diminished, transitioning predominantly to military use, including as a prison.
5. Balmoral Castle
Balmoral Castle, located in Aberdeenshire in North East Scotland, has served as a residence for members of the British Royal Family since the mid-19th century. The castle continues to be privately owned by the royal family.
The original structure was dismantled due to size constraints following the construction of the current castle, which was completed in 1856. Created in the Scottish Baronial architectural style by architect William Smith, the design underwent significant modifications by Prince Albert, consort to Queen Victoria. The castle showcases a tower and distinctive pepperpot turrets, characteristic of this architectural style.
Technically, Balmoral Castle is classified as a country house rather than a traditional castle.
During the tragic events surrounding Princess Diana’s death in 1997, Queen Elizabeth II resided at Balmoral Castle.
6. Floors Castle
Another notable country house often referred to as a castle is Floors Castle, situated in South-East Scotland and serving as the residence of the Duke of Roxburghe.
Constructed during the 1720s, Floors Castle exemplifies simple yet symmetrical Georgian architecture; later enhancements, including turrets and battlements, were added in the 19th century.
It holds the distinction of being the largest inhabited castle in Scotland.
Today, the castle’s interiors are adorned with fine art collections, exquisite porcelain, and unique, newly-restored tapestries.
7. Culzean Castle
In contrast to typical Scottish castles, Culzean Castle embodies extravagance and allure. The dramatic structure is set amidst lush gardens, overlooking the Firth of Clyde.
Constructed in the late 18th century as an L-plan castle, it was transformed from a simple castle into an opulent country residence by the 10th Earl of Cassilis. The renovations included a circular saloon within the drum tower, a grand oval staircase, and luxurious living quarters.
Beneath the castle lies a series of sea caves, which are open to the public during the summer months.
8. Castle Fraser
Castle Fraser, located in Aberdeenshire, stands out as one of the most elaborate examples of Z-plan castles in Scotland. This architectural style features a square or rectangular tower house with wings or towers positioned at diagonal corners.
The construction of Castle Fraser commenced in 1575, though evidence suggests an earlier tower existed at the site during the 15th to early 16th century. The ongoing development of the current structure spanned over 50 years.
The castle boasts five floors, with many of its interiors extensively reconstructed in the early to mid-19th century.
9. Duart Castle
Situated on the Isle of Mull, Duart Castle serves as the headquarters of Clan MacLean. Dating back to the 13th century, its strategic location atop a high crag enables it to oversee the surrounding waterways.
After facing ruin from the 18th century onwards, the castle was meticulously restored in the early 20th century under the guardianship of Sir Fitzroy Maclean.
Visitors to Duart Castle can take pleasure in its stunning surroundings and explore its magnificent Great Hall, State Bedroom & Dressing Room, alongside the Clan Exhibition.
Duart Castle was also featured in the acclaimed 1999 film Entrapment, starring Sean Connery and Catherine Zeta-Jones.
10. Craigievar Castle
Located at the base of the Grampian Mountains, Craigievar Castle is a charming harled tower house characterized by its slightly pink hue. This Aberdeenshire castle once served as the seat of Clan Sempill until it was bequeathed to the National Trust of Scotland in 1963 by William Forbes-Sempill, the 19th Lord Sempill.
The castle is defined by its multiple turrets, gargoyles, and corbelling, making it appear well-suited for a fairy tale narrative.
Constructed in the 17th century, the structure exemplifies the Scottish Baronial architectural style.
The original design included several defensive elements, such as a walled courtyard and four round towers, although only one round tower remains today.
11. Fyvie Castle
Fyvie Castle, located in Aberdeenshire, exemplifies Scottish Baronial architecture. Surrounded by extensive and beautifully landscaped 18th-century grounds, its interiors showcase significant antiques that reflect its 800-year history.
The Tower House of Fyvie Castle rises four stories high, with many chambers adorned with plaster ceilings, tempera paintings, and wood-paneled walls.
The castle is notoriously known to be haunted, a belief stemming from the discovery of a woman’s remains during renovations in the early 20th century, after which disturbances began to occur.
12. Thirlestane Castle
Thirlestane Castle, built in the 16th century, is set against a lush backdrop with expansive parklands. It serves as a family residence for the Duke of Lauderdale, with the current structure completed in three phases during the 16th, 17th, and 19th centuries.
In the 16th century, the 1st Lord Maitland of Thirlestane sought to demonstrate his societal stature, commissioning the construction of an impressive three-storey rectangular stone keep, complete with circular drum towers at each corner. Subsequent renovations by the 2nd Earl of Lauderdale transformed the keep into a palace.
The decorative plasterwork ceilings at Thirlestane Castle represent some of the finest examples of their kind in Europe.
13. Dunrobin Castle
Dunrobin Castle, an unconventional sight in the Scottish landscape, is located in the Highlands. It stands as the largest castle in the Northern Highlands and one of the most northern great houses in Scotland. Occupying 189 rooms, its design features distinctive conical spires reminiscent of a French château.
The castle is elegantly situated above walled gardens, offering breathtaking views of the North Sea.
Since the 13th century, Dunrobin Castle has been home to the Earls and Dukes of Sutherland, with the original structure beginning as a fortified square keep. Its current architectural form was established by the end of the 19th century.
14. Castle Stalker
Castle Stalker, situated on an island amidst a scenic Scottish loch, epitomizes the fairy-tale image of a castle. This four-storey tower house is located on a tidal islet in Loch Laich.
The castle gained fame for its appearance in the cult classic film Monty Python and the Holy Grail.
Originally built in the early 14th century by Clan MacDougall, it acquired its present form around the 1440s.
While the castle is privately owned, it is accessible for visits by prior arrangement.
15. Inveraray Castle
Inveraray Castle, a significant example of Gothic Revival architecture in Scotland, is situated in Argyll. Since the 18th century, it has served as the seat of the Dukes of Argyll, the chiefs of Clan Campbell.
The present castle replaced an earlier structure, with construction commencing in 1743. Interestingly, the village of Inveraray was relocated further back in the 1770s to create a more secluded setting for the castle.
While portions of the castle are open to the public, the 13th Duke of Argyll continues to reside there with his family. Inveraray Castle has also featured in scenes from the popular television series Downton Abbey.
