What to See & Do

Great Scottish Castles

large castle atop steep tree-covered ridge

Scotland's turbulent history has left an enduring mark on the landscape in shape of the many castles, fortresses and tower houses that pepper the countryside. Some - such as Edinburgh or Stirling - rank amongst Europe's most impressive structures while other less grand examples provide a stark insight into darker times.

All Scottish castles, however, have the power to capture the imagination which explains why they regularly top the list of 'must-see' attractions for visitors.

Here are ten classic Scottish castles to whet your appetite...

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh

Perched high above the capital, this is Scotland's most important and famous castle. There has been a castle here since the 11th century and each century has seen changes and additions resulting in today's mix of military barracks, palace, fortress and war memorial. The castle is also home to the Scottish Crown Jewels - 'The Honours of Scotland' - and the famous Stone of Destiny, plus the mighty 'Mons Meg', a huge 15th-century siege cannon. On a smaller scale, The One O'clock Gun fires from the ramparts each weekday, scaring pigeons and the unaware on Princes Street far below.
Stirling Castle, Stirling

Perched high on volcanic rock, Stirling provides spectacular views over two of Scotland's most historic battlefields - Stirling Bridge and Bannockburn. Much of today's castle dates from the 15th-18th centuries. The Great Hall has been restored to how it would have looked around 1500 and there are excellent interactive displays on the castle's history and the medieval kitchen.
Eilean Donan Castle, Dornie, Wester Ross

Eilean Donan is for many people, the archetypal Scottish castle; it is certainly one of the most photogenic and photographed. Ruined during one of the Jacobite risings in the early 18th century, it was restored to all its glory some two centuries later and is now the headquarters of the Clan McRae. The castle's most spectacular feature is undoubtedly its magnificent natural setting, at the meeting point of three lochs.
Caerlaverock Castle, Glencaple, Dumfries

Caerlaverock dates from the late 13th century and is one of the finest medieval structures in Scotland. A turbulent history saw it destroyed on several occasions, for the final time in the early 17th century at the hands of the Covenanters. Though much ruined internally, some fine carved stone panels, windows and fireplaces have survived to give an insight into the original grandeur of this extraordinary triangular castle.
Craigievar Castle, by Alford

Craigievar is hidden in the quiet, wooded hills of Aberdeenshire. Looking as though it's come straight from the pages of a fairytale, this stylish 17th-century tower house is a fine example of the Scots baronial style of architecture at its best. Seven storeys high, its sheer walls are topped by a riot of turrets, towers, crow-stepped gables and conical roofs which give it its distinctive character.
Culzean Castle, near Maybole, Ayrshire

Culzean Castle is the jewel in the crown of the National Trust for Scotland. This grand cliff-top country house was remodelled in the late 18th century by the renowned architect Robert Adam in his trademark neo-classical Georgian style. The Circular Saloon has a superb panoramic view over the Firth of Clyde and the beautiful Oval Staircase is Adam's final masterpiece of interior design.
Dunvegan Castle, Isle of Skye

Dunvegan Castle has been the ancestral home of the Clan Macleod for centuries. Seven hundred years of alterations and extensions mean that the castle is a hotch-potch of styles. Nevertheless, its brooding strength remains impressive and the interior, with its accumulated treasures, trophies and keepsakes is a delight. Be sure to check out the Fairy Flag and the bottle-dungeon.
Fyvie Castle, Fyvie, Aberdeenshire

Fyvie is an outstanding example of Scottish baronial architecture. Having begun as a simple castle in the 13th century, it passed through the hands of five powerful families, each of whom added significantly to it until it reached its present form. Inside, the magnificent sweeping staircase is the most dramatic feature while the treasures on display include fine furniture, tapestries, paintings and arms and armour.
Duart Castle, Duart Point, Mull

Duart Castle has been the seat of the Clan Maclean for over seven centuries. The rocky outcrop on which it stands offers excellent natural defences as well as fantastic panoramic views. Massive curtain walls ring the castle's landward side while a huge 14th-century tower house looks out to the Sound. Ruined in the late 18th century, it was restored in 1911 by the then clan chief, Sir Fitzroy Maclean.
Inveraray Castle, Inveraray, Argyll

Inveraray Castle dates from the 18th century and is home to the Duke of Argyll, Chief of the Clan Campbell, whose family have lived in Inveraray for over five centuries. With its large turretted corner towers, the castle has something of a fairytale aspect which belies the grandeur of the interior. This is exemplfied in the fine State Dining Room and Tapestry Drawing Room which contain magnificent French tapestries, fabulous examples of Scottish, English and French furniture and a wealth of other works of art.