Scotland’s turbulent history that has seen centuries of bloody battles, fallen monarchs and various uprisings, has left a lasting mark on the landscape in shape of many amazing castles, fortresses and tower houses that with their charm and uniqueness regularly top visitors’ list of ‘must see’ attractions. Home to 3,000 great castles, each with a long and colorful history and some holding sinister secrets, Scotland is waiting for you!
Most castles in Scotland are claimed to be inspirations for novels, or are used for movie sets. Slain Castle in Cruden bay, for instance is believed to be an inspiration of Bram Stoker’s most remarkable novel, ‘Dracula,’ while the famous Dunnator Castle in Stonehaven, was the location of 1990 film ‘Hamlet,’ starring Mel Gibson and Glenn Rose.
Here is a selection of some of the most famous Scottish castles from Edinburgh Castle and the Crown Jewels to the iconic Eilean Donan.
Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh
World famous icon of Scotland and part of the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh World Heritage Site, Edinburgh Castle dominates the city of Edinburgh like no other castle in Scotland. Standing magnificently between sea and hills, this is the most famous of Scottish Castles, parts of which are more than nine hundred years old. It has witnessed many of the defining events of Scottish history and is visited by approximately one million people per year.
A key attraction within the castle is the fascinating Crown Jewels, while some of the oldest renaissance decoration in Britain is found in The Great Hall. The Crown Jewel shop in the Royal Apartments offers exclusive lines of uniquely designed jewelry. People also visit the castle to witness military ceremonies, historical re-enactments, and see sites such as St. Margaret’s Chapel and the Great Hall of King James IV. Moreover, visitors to the castle are awarded with breathtaking panoramas no matter they are on the lowest levels of the castle or on the highest points.
Eilean Donan Castle, Dornie, Wester Ross
Known as Scotland’s ‘Most Romantic Castle,’ the fairy-tale Eilean Donan Castle is a truly stunning setting and when you first set eyes on it, you’ll easily understand why so many people flock to its stout doors year after year. Conveniently located on a rocky island in the picturesque village of Dornie on the west coast of the Scottish Highlands, Eilean has been a fortified site for at least 800 years and the castle you see today was basically rebuilt from a shell in the early 20th century. Visitors today have the opportunity to wander around most of the magnificent internal rooms of the castle, showcasing period furniture, Jacobean artifacts, fine art and displays of weapons.
In spring 2006, world famous artist Gerry Hofstetter illuminated the castle using high powered lights and colored slides which add to the beauty and charm of the castle. The Castle is open daily from 1 March to October 31, from 10:00 am until 6:00 pm. Admission charges apply. Visitors will also find a gift shop open year round. The Castle is an ideal venue for weddings, and there are many experienced planners that can arrange it for you, together with the accommodation of your choice. Visit and enjoy this magic place at your heart’s content!
Dunnottar Castle
A visit to the awe-inspiring Dunnottar Castle is an unforgettable experience in itself as the dramatic and evocative ruined cliff-top fortress is a truly striking setting perched on a gigantic rocky outcrop detached from the mainland. Surrounded on three sides by the North Sea, the Castle is accessible only by a narrow isthmus of land with a steep path leading to the top of the rock.
For over a thousand years the castle has played an important role during many crucial episodes of Scottish history, housing some of the nation’s greatest historical figures, including William Wallance, Mary Queen of Scots and the Marquis of Montrose. Wander around the extensive buildings from barracks, lodgings and storehouses to the less-ruinous chapel and drawing room to discover the importance and charm of Dunnottar Castle and its rich secrets of Scotland’s colorful past.
Craigievar Castle
One of the most popular Castles in Scotland, showcasing the best of Scottish Baronial architecture (striking turrets, cupolas, towers, gargoyles and corbelling), the fairytale-like Craigievar Castle is considered the finest tower house in all of the country and was constructed in 1626 by William Forbes, whose descendants continued to live there until 1963. Its pink color adds to its beauty, while the seven-storey height gives it an air of magnificence. Now the property of the Scottish National trust, Craigievar Castle stands near Alford in Aberdeenshire.
A 45-minute guided tour is organized for visitors, taking visitors through all the rooms on the castle’s 5 floors (although access to the roof is not allowed), where they can admire ornate ceilings and tasteful décor. Of special interest are the 2 original portraits by Raeburn, complete with a receipt signed by the painter himself. Visitors will also find a room with a box bed that has been converted into a small bathroom.
Balmoral Castle
Another fabulous castle in Scotland, the Balmoral Castle on the Balmoral Estate in Aberdeenshire is the private residence of The Queen. Although not the original building, which was considered to be too small, the present building was completed in the mid-1800s and has since remained within the Royal family. Today the estate houses not only the castle, but also a farmland, forestry, grouse moors and herds of Highland Ponies and sheep. Although the Castle is a key attraction in Scotland, unfortunately it’s not accessible to the public, apart from the Ballroom, which has been converted into a constant exhibition with displays of pictures of the other rooms in the Castle.
Each summer, tenth of thousands of people visit the Castle to walk in the fine gardens and woods of the estate, featuring unique flora and fauna. Sometimes pony treks are also possible around the estate.
