For a country with a population of just 5.3 million, Scotland boasts a surprising number of castles —more than 2,000, in fact. Some of the most striking examples date from the medieval era and were built as fortresses to protect the clans that inhabited the region. Over the centuries, these impressive structures have witnessed turmoil, mystery, and intrigue; inspired literature such as Shakespeare’s Macbeth; and appeared in many films, including the James Bond franchise . Some of the castles have fallen to ruin, while others have been turned into museums, and a few still house the families that have passed them down from generation to generation. In honor of the Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design and the Festival of Architecture organized by the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland, we’ve rounded up ten of Scotland’s most glorious castles from the Highlands to the Lowlands, all of which you can visit.
Eilean Donan
Imagine a medieval stone castle on an island surrounded by sea-lochs and you’re thinking of Eilean Donan, one of Scotland’s most iconic sites. The 13th-century castle nestled in the Highlands was built to protect the area from Vikings, and it’s extraordinarily well preserved. No trip to the Highlands would be complete without a visit here. eileandonancastleom
Stirling Castle
Poised on the border between the Highlands and the Lowlands, Stirling Castle was home to Mary Queen of Scots and may have been the site of King Arthur’s round table. The castle’s history can be traced back to 1107, though the North Gate (the oldest surviving part of the structure) was built in 1381. It expanded many times over the centuries, including in 1503, when James IV’s Great Hall was completed, becoming the largest in Scotland. Visitors should be sure to see the Royal Palace built for James V in the 1540s, the Queen Anne Garden with panoramic views of the countryside, and Argyll’s Lodging. stirlingcastle.gov.uk
Edinburgh Castle
Perched high on a hill, this imposing castle looks down over Edinburgh as a relic of Scotland’s past amid the modern city. Inside the royal palace, visitors can gaze upon the crown jewels first used by Mary Queen of Scots and the mystical Stone of Destiny, which has witnessed the coronation of Scottish and English kings for centuries. Like many of Scotland’s castles, this one was also a fortress, and curious visitors can glimpse the dungeons where prisoners were held in captivity. edinburghcastle.gov.uk
Urquhart Castle
Located on the road to Inverness, Urquhart Castle is legendary as one of the main locations for reported sightings of the Loch Ness monster. The castle experienced much turmoil during the medieval and Renaissance eras, and today the ruins stand as a witness to Scotland’s turbulent past. A wood gangway replaced the original drawbridge, but visitors can still see the dungeon and tower house, which offers a perch for viewing the ruins and surrounding countryside. urquhart-castleo.uk
Ballindalloch Castle & Gardens
One of the best surviving examples of Scottish baronial castles, Ballindalloch Castle has been home to the Macpherson-Grants since the 16th century. Like something out of a fairy tale, the ivy-covered turreted castle is surrounded by flowering gardens. In a concession to the modern day, it also has a golf course and distillery. Though it’s still inhabited, visitors can tour the castle and grounds and taste malts made on-site. ballindallochcastleo.uk
Dirleton Castle
About 20 miles east of Edinburgh lie the ruins of the ancient Dirleton Castle. Built in the 12th century, the edifice now provides a stunning backdrop for picnics and weddings. The gardens are among Scotland’s finest, and the castle boasts the world’s longest herbaceous border. visitscotlandom
Cawdor Castle
Famed for its ties to Shakespeare’s Macbeth, Cawdor Castle was built in the 14th century and is still home to the Cawdor family. They have opened the building to visitors, who can marvel at the sumptuously decorated rooms filled with tapestries, stone fireplaces, antiques, and oil paintings. The landscaped gardens feature a hedge maze, fruit trees, and a variety of flowers. cawdorcastleom
Glamis Castle
Though Macbeth mentioned Cawdor Castle, the play was set at Glamis Castle. The stunning palace has been home to the Earls of Strathmore since it was built in the 14th century and also served as the childhood home of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother. Rooted in history, the opulent castle is full of fine art, antiques, coats of arms, and silver. Visitors can take a guided tour of the castle, explore the manicured grounds and gardens, and stay for lunch or afternoon tea. glamis-castleo.uk
Inveraray Castle
Originally constructed in the 15th century, Inveraray Castle was rebuilt after a fire in 1877. The refined architecture and decor more closely resemble a French château than a medieval Scottish fortress, with rococo furnishings in the state dining room and the tapestry drawing room. It is the family home of the Dukes of Argyll and the Clan Campbell. inverarary-castleom
Culzean Castle
Dating from the 16th century and expanded in the late 18th century, Culzean Castle is one of Scotland’s newer palaces. In 1945 it became the property of the National Trust of Scotland, which transformed the top floor into an apartment for General Eisenhower (it’s currently a hotel). Inside, guests can admire the grand oval staircase, the round drawing room with panoramic views, and the armory, which contains one of the world’s largest collections of swords and pistols. ntrg.uk
