You’ll find many Scottish castles on cliff edges, islands, spurs of ancient volcanic rock, and snow-covered mountains. Ancient Scots built many of these castles over the centuries, but some have been destroyed over the years by battles and sieges. Other Scottish castles have been abandoned for a variety of reasons. Many are related to the Clans of Scotland and the Scottish monarchy.
Edinburgh Scottish Castle Is the Traditional Repository
Edinburgh Scottish Castle is the traditional repository of the Honours of Scotland, the country’s crown jewels. It’s also home to the Stone of Scone, a relic of Scottish royalty that arrived at the castle in 1996.
Urquhart Castle, located on the shore of Loch Ness, has a rich history and is one of the largest castles in Scotland. This historic attraction is open year round, but has seasonal hours. It is closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, and has shorter hours on New Year’s Day.
Balmoral Castle Is a Large Estate House
Balmoral Castle is a large estate house located in the Aberdeenshire region of Scotland. It is a residence of the British royal family. It is about nine miles west of Ballater and 50 miles west of Aberdeen.
Inveraray Castle is a striking Scottish castle located near the town of Inveraray. The castle has a rich history and is considered one of the earliest examples of Gothic Revival architecture. It is also said to be haunted, with some of Scotland’s most famous ghosts known to roam the castle.
A Principal Royal Building
Stirling Castle, which is located in the town of Stirling in central Scotland, is a complex monument spanning a number of centuries. Its diverse architecture includes a principal royal building, the Inner Close, and later army buildings like the Nether Bailey and powder magazines from the 18th century. During its long history, it changed hands eight times and played an important role in the history of Scotland. During the Wars of Independence with England, the castle was a hotly contested site, and it changed hands frequently. After the English captured it in 1336, the castle was substantially rebuilt. Ultimately, it fell into Scottish hands in 1342, and was used as a Scottish royal residence.
Glamis Castle Is a Beautiful Castle
Glamis Castle is a beautiful castle located in Scotland. The castle is over one thousand years old and features stunning high ceilings. Its rooms are packed with antiques, paintings, and family heirlooms. The castle also boasts beautiful gardens.
Located in Highland Perthshire, Blair Castle has been the home of 19 generations of Stewart and Murray families. This castle is one of the most unique of all Scottish castles, and has a unique story to tell. The castle’s history is rich and fascinating, ranging from the visits of Mary Queen of Scots to the Jacobite cause and the disaster of Culloden. The castle is also home to the Atholl Highlanders, one of Europe’s last private armies.
Where to Find Information on Scottish Castles
Visiting the many Scottish castles is not difficult as long as you know where to look for them. There are many websites where you can find information on these fascinating buildings. For example, you can find information on Cawdor Castle, Inveraray Castle, and Craignethan Castle. All these castles have rich history and are well worth a visit.
The Clan MacSween built this castle in the early 13th century. Over the years it was expanded and fortified. It was used by the royal troops during King James IV’s suppression of the Isles, and was later besieged during the Wars of the Three Kingdoms. It was eventually abandoned, but not before its history was recorded.
Great Medieval Castles
Cawdor Castle is famous for its connection to Shakespeare’s Macbeth. In reality, however, the castle did not exist in the eleventh century, and the connection between it and the book comes from embellishment, myth, and poetic license.
Craignethan Scottish Castle, built in the early 16th century, is a tower house and courtyard fortress situated above the River Nethan, a tributary of the Clyde. It is located just two miles west of Crossford and 4.5 miles north-west of Lanark. This fortress is one of the last great medieval castles in Scotland and stands on a rocky promontory between deep ravines. It was built by Sir James Hamilton of Finnart, a Scottish nobleman, who was also the eldest son of the 1st Earl of Arran. Its construction was influenced by the need to protect the castle from artillery fire and therefore it was designed to have multiple levels.
Inveraray Castle Is a Great Option
You’re visiting Scotland and you’re interested in castles, Inveraray Castle is a great option. The castle is located on Loch Fyne and has a variety of architectural styles throughout its history. In 1773, the 5th Duke of Argyll built the castle on the foreshore of Loch Fyne.
You’re a fan of Scottish history and castles, you’ll want to check out the Dunrobin Castle in the northern highlands. The castle is located in a stunning location overlooking the Moray Firth and is open for visitors from April to October. While it’s not possible to take pictures inside, you can get great photos from the outside of the castle. There’s also a falconry display and formal gardens to enjoy.
How to Protect the City from Enemies
St Andrews Castle was built between the 11th and 12th centuries as a fortress to protect the city from enemies. It was once a center for Scottish ecclesiastical life before the Protestant Reformation. The castle has changed hands several times since it was first constructed, and during the Scottish Wars of Independence it was a hotly contested fortress. After the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314, Bishop Walter Trail rebuilt the fortress.
