A Look at Some of Our Most
Famous Scottish Castles

Discover Scotland > Scottish Castles

Scottish Castles have a long and colourful history and there are many to be found throughout the country, some holding sinister secrets.

There are around 3,000 castles in Scotland. They come in every size and stature, from simple farmhouses to royal residences, and each with a story to tell. Some are in ruins and others are used for accommodation and some even cater for wedding receptions.

With so many struggles, history and pride that surround these castles, you are guaranteed to find something interesting to see and to experience. Our castles are steeped in culture and heritage, and with the breathtaking scenery that surrounds them, no visit to scotland would be complete without seeing at least one of them.

Almost every castle deserves a mention, but time and space does not afford that luxury, so here I have given an overview of some of my personal favourites, and the most renowned. Many of our castles provide tours and accommodation, and you can order your free travel brochures right now by clicking on this link - Scotland Castle Hotels and Tours

Edinburgh Castle ....

The #2 visitor attraction in Scotland, and setting for the famous Edinburgh Military Tattoo, dominates the city skyline.

My first visit here was as a schoolboy, and was part of a school trip. The One-O-Clock Gun seemed so big then, and I remember the teacher recounting the fascinating story of Greyfriars Bobby. Built high on the remains of an extinct volcano, the castle offers most impressive views of the city and the landscape beyond. Read More About Edinburgh Castle

Stirling Castle .....

Stirling Castle is probably the most important castle in Scotland in historical terms due to it's strategic position.

The castle, home to Mary Queen of Scots, was seen as the gateway to The Highlands. It was besieged many times during it's long and bloody history, and more recently found fame following the movie, Braveheart.
Read More About Stirling Castle

Eilean Donan Castle .....

She lies on the main tourist route to the Isle of Skye, one of the icons of Scotland and possibly the most photographed of all Scottish castles.

Eilean Donan Castle is also featured on my
Castle Weddings page. Situated near Dornie about 8 miles from Kyle of Lochalsh, on the west coast of Scotland near the Isle of Skye. This Castle was used in the film 'Highlander' when the MacLeods were seen to march out to their first battle. Read More About Eilean Donan Castle

Urquhart Castle .....

Set in a spectacular position on the banks of Loch Ness, one of the largest Castles in Scotland provides magnificent views over the loch and the majestic scenery of the Great Glen.

With a long and bloody history dating back to the 13th century, Urquhart Castle is one of the best sites available from the Historic Scotland owned properties and definitely worth a visit, for both the history and the scenic views.
Read More About Urquhart Castle

Dunnottar Castle .....

Dunnottar is located less than two miles south of Stonehaven, on the north-east coast of Scotland. Dunnottar Castle was the home of the Earls Marischal of Scotland, once one of the most powerful families in the land.

The Castle is a ruined medieval fortress built on a precipitous rocky headland, and one of the most spectacular locations of any castle. Dunnottar Castle made it to the history books for many reasons, but mainly as a small garrison that held out against Cromwell's army for eight months. Read More About Dunnottar Castle

Culzean Castle .....

The beautiful Culzean Castle (pronounced kuh-lane) and Country Park, is located near Maybole in Ayrshire, just off the A719.

The former home of the Marquess of Ailsa, the castle is now owned by the National Trust. One of the most popular Scottish Castles, the 563 acres host many events during the year, including music festivals and country dancing. President Eisenhower lived in the castle on four occasions, once as president, and the surrounding grounds are a paradise for garden lovers. Read More About Culzean Castle

Glamis Castle .....

Many Scottish Castles are shrouded in mystery, and behind the majestic appearance of Glamis Castle lies many strange and dark secrets.

When you enter the chapel, castle tour guides will tell you that one seat in the chapel is always reserved for the "Grey Lady" and on one occasion more than 100 people present in the castle swear that they saw her glide past them. Another ghost, "The White Lady" known as the Lady of Glamis, is believed to be Lady Campbell who has haunted Glamis Castle for hundreds of years. Read More About Glamis Castle

See the Scotland Travel Information page for all the info you need for travelling to and within Scotland. Advice on passports and visas, currency, weather, holiday extras, useful travel links and much more.

Castle Hotels
A stay in one of our Scottish Castle Hotels is the ultimate when it comes to treating yourself to something a little bit special. Explore Scotland in beautiful surroundings and a relaxed atmosphere.

Castle Ghosts
No website about Scotland would be complete without a mention of Scottish castle ghosts, and there are many, from grey ladies, white ladies, and green ladies to misty shapes and mysterious pipers.

Castle Weddings
Imagine the many banquets, stately dinners and balls that have taken place in the great halls of these Scottish Castles. You can have a traditional wedding with a formal white dress and veil.

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