12 Fairytale Castles in Scotland

Once a royal stronghold, Fyvie Castle near Turrif in Aberdeenshire began as a simple castle in the 13th century. It passed through the hands of five powerful families, each of whom added significantly to its splendour by adding a tower to this magnificent Scottish Baronial fortress. Inside, admire period furnishings and rich interiors that still look as glorious as when they were installed; the magnificent sweeping staircase is probably the most dramatic architectural feature, while many treasures are also on display.

Brodie Castle dates from the 16th century and is set in Morayshire parkland, near Forres. The castle has unusual plaster ceilings, a major art collection and tells the fascinating story of the Brodie family. In springtime, the grounds are carpeted with many varieties of daffodils, for which Brodie Castle is rightly famous.

Movie buffs might recognise Castle Fraser from The Queen (2006) starring Helen Mirren (it appeared as a backdrop). This baronial five-storey tower house in Inverurie, Aberdeenshire, is one of the grandest and most romantic-looking castles in the country. Venture through the castle and up to the round tower and admire panoramic views of the gardens and estate beyond. Legend has it that a princess was murdered in the Green Room and that she still walks the castle at night. Unexplained ghostly piano music has even been heard...

On the northern coast near Dornoch, architecture lovers can marvel at the stunning French design of Dunrobin Castle. The most northerly of Scotland's great houses, Dunrobin is the largest castle in the northern Highlands with 189 rooms. It dates back to the early 1300s and is home to the Earls, later known as the Dukes, of Sutherland. Its interiors were designed by Scotland's own Sir Robert Lorimer, while its distinctive architecture and fairy-tale spires were added by Sir Charles Barry, who also designed London's Houses of Parliament.

Situated in Kelso in the heart of the Scottish Borders and overlooking the River Tweed and Cheviot Hills, Floors Castle is the largest inhabited castle in Scotland. It's home to the Duke and Duchess of Roxburgh and their family and is filled to the brim with fine works of art, including timeless tapestries and priceless antiques. In its imposing grounds you can see the holly tree that is said to mark the spot where King James II was killed in a seige in 1460.

With its dramatic clifftop setting, captivating history and striking surroundings, it's easy to see why Culzean Castle is one of Scotland's most popular visitor attractions. Designed by Robert Adam in his trademark neo-classical Georgian style, it's situated near Maybole on the Ayrshire coast. The castle is surrounded by over 600 acres of Culzean Country Park, which encompasses lush woodland, landscaped gardens and rugged coastline - perfect for a great day out for all the family.

There's no doubt that Drummond Castle boasts one of Europe's finest gardens. The gardens have made appearances in the film Rob Roy (1995) and TV series Outlander. Located near Crieff in Perthshire, the 15th century castle is not open to the public, but its formal terraced gardens can be explored, and are one of the largest in Scotland. The dominant feature of the horticultural design is a St Andrew's Cross with the multiplex 17th century sundial at its centre, and the gardens offer marvellous views of the castle and surrounding countryside.

There are few more scenic castles in Scotland than Kilchurn near Dalmally in Argyll. Built on a small, rocky isthmus joined to the shore at the tip of Loch Awe, it's one of numerous castles erected by the powerful Campbell clan, who exercised control of much of western Scotland in the late medieval period. Make sure not to miss the view from the top - stand on the tower house's battlements and gaze out over Loch Awe, with the peak of Ben Cruachan in the backdrop. It's easily one of the most photographed castles in Scotland!

Please note you can currently view the exterior only. 

Next on the list is Kelburn Castle, near Largs in Ayrshire. Loved by all those who see it, the castle's exterior walls feature a mural depicting interwoven cartoons. It's been named as one of the best examples of urban art in the world. The inside of Kelburn Castle is in stark contrast to its exterior - lush and sophisticated - and in its grounds you'll find a secret forest with a Chinese garden, waterfalls and a gingerbread house to explore.

Caerlaverock Castle near Glencaple in Dumfries & Galloway is spellbinding, with its sandstone walls and towers, atmospheric green moat and distinctive triangle shape. There's simply no other castle in the world like it! Set within a nature reserve, the castle and grounds have a story-book quality. It's also been the site of many border conflicts in history, with its roots as a medieval stronghold. 

Please note there is currently no visitor access to the West range, outer stair and North West and East towers.

Perched upon a hill overlooking the Sound of Mull, Duart Castle passed to a Scottish chief as part of the dowry his bride brought to the marriage back in the mid 14th century. For the last 400 years, it has been considered the ancestral home of the Maclean clan. Ruined in the late 18th century, it was restored in 1911. Walk through the dungeons and admire the castle's strategic position at the end of a peninsula of the Isle of Mull.

Built on a beautiful loch-side setting on the Isle of Skye, Dunvegan is the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland. It's been the ancestral home of the Chiefs of Clan MacLeod for 800 years. Admire the many fine oil paintings on display, delight in the beauty of its formal garden, or take a boat trip to Loch Dunvegan.

Many of Scotland's castles impress because of their grandeur and violent history, but the charming and romantic 12th century Dirleton Castle, which is set on a natural rocky outcrop near North Berwick in East Lothian, is best known for its splendid gardens. These include a Victorian garden and the Arts and Crafts herbaceous border. Fun fact: the herbaceous border has been authenticated by the Guinness Book of Records as the world's longest!

One of the most scenic castles in Scotland, let alone Fife, St Andrews Castle stands on a high clifftop site, defended by sheer coastal cliffs and by rock-cut ditches facing inland. The castle saw its fair share of important visitors, including James I, who was educated here, and James III, who was born here. Interesting features include the siege tunnels that were dug in 1546 and the 'bottle dungeon', one of the most infamous castle prisons in medieval Britain.

Treasures from Scotland's oldest Highland regiment, the Black Watch, are housed in the grandiose Balhousie Castle in Perth. Uniforms, paintings, medals, photographs, weaponry and equipment bring this glorious regiment's past vibrantly to life.

Blackness Castle near Linlithgow in West Lothian was built in the 15th century by one of Scotland's most powerful families, the Crichtons. Its unusual nautical shape has earned it the nickname of 'the ship that never sailed'. From the castle you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Firth of Forth and Fife.