Scottish Castles – From Majestic Ruins to Those in All Their Glory
If there was ever an indication that Scotland has a somewhat tumultuous past it’s the fact there are over 2,000 Scottish castles. Some sacked to ruin, others stand proudly as a testament to their strength and family power. You’re never far from one to explore. Below we’ve compiled a list of Nomadic Scotland’s favourites. Perfect for visiting as you explore Scotland with us by 4×4.
Castles In All Their Glory
Edinburgh Castle – Scotland’s Crown Fortress
One of the oldest fortified palaces in Europe and a world-famous visitor attraction, Edinburgh Castle dominates the skyline of Edinburgh. Perched atop Castle Rock, an ancient volcano plug, the castle houses the Scottish Crown Jewels and St. Margarets Chapel, the oldest building in Edinburgh. From vennels, closes, streets and squares, you can capture glimpses of this castle from almost every part of the city.
Within the castle, you can visit the Great Hall, Royal Palace, Prisons of War, National War Memorial and so much more. They still fire a canon at one o’clock every day. This was the original timekeeper for the city and the sailors of Leith. Edinburgh Castle is a fantastic way to spend some hours in the city.
Stirling Castle – Home to Mary Queen of Scots
Stirling Castle is one of the most important and impressive Scottish castles. Giving great views over the surrounding countryside it was of great strategic importance during times of war. The royal family that called the castle home, have added to it across the centuries.
You can easily include a visit to the castle in any Nomadic trip itinerary. Highlights of the castle include the Great Hall, the largest medieval banqueting hall ever built in Scotland and the Castle Vaults, which have interactive exhibitions for families and kids. It’s a living castle, capturing the imaginations of all who visit with great stories to tell.
Eilean Donan – Iconic Island Fortress
Situated on a small tidal Island near the Isle of Skye, Eilean Donan Castle is one of the most iconic landmarks of Scotland. The MacKenzie and MacRae clans originally built the castle to protect against Viking invasions and it served as their stronghold.
Part of the reason for it being so recognisable is that it has featured in many films and TV series, including Highlander and the Bond Classic: The World Is Not Enough. The castle was destroyed in the Jacobite Risings in 1719 but has since been restored using a 1714 floor plan that was found in a drawer in an Edinburgh antique shop.
If you’re heading to Skye, you will most definitely be passing, so make it a stop. Pictures or a full tour. It’s up to you!
Dunrobin Castle – The Scottish Chateau
One of Scotland’s most unusual castles, but also one of its most enchanting, with its fairy tale architecture. Dunrobin Castle is the most northerly of Scotland’s great houses, located in the Highlands near Golspie.
It has been the ancestral home of the Earls and Dukes of Sutherland since the 13th century. The family played a role in the Highland Clearances, a dark period in Scottish history when landlords evicted tenants to make way for sheep farming. The castle gardens are immaculate and the falconry display is top-notch. A brilliant stop on our NC500 itinerary.
Majestic Ruins
Urquhart Castle – The home of the Loch Ness Monster?
Urquhart Castle sits on the western shores of Loch Ness and is closely tied to the legend of the Loch Ness monster. It is at the centre of the Loch Ness Monster sightings. Many early Nessie reports came from people on the castle grounds, who were looking out over the waters of the Loch. Many believe that the deep waters beneath the ruins could be the perfect hiding spot for Nessie.
The castle played a major role in the Wars of Scottish Independence as Scottish and English forces captured and recaptured repeatedly. In 1692, the government blew it up to prevent its use by the Jacobite army. Some say it’s best seen from the water and cruises can be taken from Drumnadrochit. We can organise all your activities or castle visits when you book with us.
Slains Castle – Inspiration for Dracula
These atmospheric ruins rank among the most evocative in Scotland and are widely believed to have inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula. The ruins sit dramatically on a cliff-top near Cruden Bay, on the northeast coast of Aberdeenshire. They date back to the 17th century and were abandoned in 1925. They are open to the public, but at your own risk, there is no formal visitor centre.
In 1895, Bram Stoker stayed nearby and visited Slains Castle multiple times. The architecture and cliffside setting of the castle is thought to have inspired Dracula’s Transylvanian Castle, and he even began working on the early chapters of the book during his visit.
Kilchurn Castle – Haunted Highland Ruin
This photogenic ruin stands beside Loch Awe, surrounded by dramatic Highland scenery that seems lifted straight from a fantasy novel.
The castle was originally located on an island but now sits on a peninsula due to water level changes. The castle has been used as both a noble residence and a military stronghold since it was built in the 15th century. A lightning strike in 1760 led the occupants to abandon the castle.
Local legends say that a Grey Lady haunts the ruins. She appears in the tower ruins or walks along the ruined battlements. She is thought to be the spirit of a noblewoman, waiting for her husband who never returned from war.
Dunnottar Castle – Cliffside Citadel
Dunnottar Castle was built on a rocky headland, near Stonehaven, on Scotland’s northeast coast. The site was originally Pictish, with the current structure dating from the 15th century.
William Wallace was captured in the castle in 1297 during the Wars of Independence, and most famously the castle was the hiding place of the Scottish Crown Jewels during the Cromwellian invasion in the 1650s.
To visit the castle, you will need to climb a steep staircase – so come prepared and wear the appropriate footwear. When you get to the castle it’s windy and exposed, but absolutely stunning so well worth the trip.
Holidays with Nomadic Scotland include 4×4 vehicle hire and we can help with your itinerary, including accommodation recommendations and family-friendly places to visit. Book online or contact us here for more information.