We have always been fascinated by the castles in and around our area, the history and information that they share with us about our ancestors and the by gone years. Scotland boasts around 3000 castles on its land, and this month we delve into some of the most popular, and must visit castles in Scotland, when you are joining us for your next walking tour, of course.

Most of the Scottish castles were built because of skirmishes over land back in the 12th and 13th centuries, however Medieval Scotland was nothing like the Scotland we know today.

The country was a mix and match of power and opposing forces, and the Scottish nobility often fought long and hard to protect and retain their lands against the numerous onslaughts and assaults from not only the English, but also from the Norse peoples who had begun to arrive and settle on the Western Isles.

Primarily castles were used defensively – to retain power, and also to shelter local communities against marauding invaders, and because of this many castles were built in areas that were most at risk of invasion – modern day Galloway, which was the Southern border marker between Scotland and England.

The very first Scottish castles were built under the rule of David I circa the 12th century and were predominantly constructed of wood, however in the 13th century, as other materials and methods emerged, stone castles (many of which are still standing today, with a little renovation of course) began to emerge.

Some beautiful, and historically abundant castles to visit (some of them you can even stay over in!) in Scotland include:

· Note – due to COVID19 opening times/hours may vary, please do visit the castle websites supplied below for up-to-date information pertaining to each castle.

Drumlanrig Castle

The beautiful and impressive Drumlanrig Castle sports 120 rooms, 17 turrets and 4 towers – not only is that impressive, but the fact that the producers of ‘Outlander’ used the castle for the filming of their second season just goes to show how truly majestic this castle truly is.

There are several activities available on the castle grounds, from walking and mountain bike trails, to salmon fishing on the river, to a kiddie play area and a beautiful tea garden, plus an impressive art and antiques collection, including Rembrandt’s Old Woman Reading, portraits by Thomas Gainsborough, landscapes by Paul Sandby and the Dutch masters, and much more.

Drumlanrig Castle also offers the opportunity to stay over – and a fully renovated Mains cottage, as well as converted stables (which now offer a beautifully decorated studio and also an apartment) serve as a great base to not only explore the castle and surrounding countryside, but also offer an old worldly feel, with all the mod-cons, of course!

Find out more on their website here…

Dunnottar Castle

Located not far outside the town of Stonehaven in Aberdeenshire, Dunnottar castle is well known for its dramatic and breath-taking views, the castle is steeped in history and is a photographer’s dream. The castle sits served as a cliff top fortress for the Earls Marischal, one of the most powerful families in Scotland, and was reputedly built in the 9th century.

The castle is steeped in history and serves as a memory of Scottish history, a beautiful spot to take photos and is also a popular wedding venue.

Visit their website here…

Stirling Castle

Set aside the better part of a day to explore and discover Stirling Castle, there is so much to see and do. Stirling Castle is one of the largest, not only in size but in history as well.

Built in the 15th century, Stirling castle has been lovingly restored to its former glory and rests atop Castle Hill, an intrusive crag, and is surrounded by 3 steep cliffs on its sides, giving it a strong defensive advantage.

The castle allows visitors not only the opportunity to soak up the views, but also to steep themselves in history.

The rooms have decorated and made to appear as they would have in the olden days, from The Great Hall that saw many lavish banquets taking place, to The Great Kitchens, where all food was prepared to feed the many nobles – right through the Chapel Royal and the beautifully curated Queen Anne Gardens – certainly, a must for all visitors to our beautiful country.

Visit their website here…

Culzean Castle

Another castle that proves popular with local and international visitors, is Culzean Castle.

The castle sits on 260 hectares, perched in the Ayrshire cliffs, and was designed by Robert Adam in the late 18th century for David Kennedy, the 10th Earl of Cassillis – a man who loved to impress with his wealth and status.

There are over 40 buildings within the castle grounds and the woods, beaches, and parklands as well as a Swan Pond, and deer parks are all worth a wander through.

Within the castle itself, Robert Adam’s Oval Staircase is a masterpiece to behold and the impressive on-site collection of flintlock pistols and military swords is truly awe inspiring.

There is much to do and see at the beautiful Culzean Castle, and the little ones will have a blast running through the Adventure Cove and Wild Woodland play areas.

Find out more about Culzean Castle, here…

We look forward to seeing you on your next walking tour soon… The Walkers Club Team.

Castle, keeps, and history abound in beautiful Scotland...

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