This Scotland Castle was once a hunting lodge and was built around the 16th century. 

Would you like to spend you Scotland vacations in a “The Fairy Glen”? Dalnaglar castle is located in Glenshee witch is known as “The Fairy Glen”. You can find it about 2 hours from Edinburgh and on hour from Perth in the Highlands.

This is anther one of those castles that you could have to yourself on your Scotland vacations. Dalnaglar castle is a private retreat for its owners, but it is rented out to a few groups a year. If you are lucky enough to rent this spectacular Scotland castle then you will not find yourself stuck in the past. Recently it was updated with modern technology. They did keep its ancient charm. Call well in advance and be flexible with your dates if you want to experience it for yourself.

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Calgary Castle has in interesting connection to Calgary Canada. Colonel James Macleod named Calgary Canada after staying in Calgary castle after staying there in 1876. This Scotland castle dates back to the late 1700s, and was added onto in the early 1800s. Once upon a time this castle could only be accessed by the sea so much of the soil in the garden comes from Ireland.

If you are planning to visit the Isle if Mull on you Scotland vacations then don’t miss Calgary Castle in Calgary Scotland.

Have you ever wanted a castle to yourself for a week? If you want your Scotland vacations to be extra special than rent Calgary Castle. You can have if for up to 12 adults and 4 children. You can enjoy the island and its wildlife and hill walks. 

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This Scotland castle is the home of a descendent of the original builder of Barcaldine castle for the past 14 years. Built around the 16th century this Scotland castle was the home of the Campbells of Barcaldine.

This castle bed and breakfast is located nine miles north of Oban in Argyll, around 90 miles from Glasgow and two and a half hours from Edinburgh.

Barcaldine Castle is perfect for your Scotland vacations if you are looking for a cozy place to stay. Just be aware that this castle hotel might only take Uk currency. Call them to ask if there are other payment options if you are coming from outside the United Kingdom. This hotel has a large private garden to explore and you can have a boat on loan. 

If your Scotland Vacations involves a wedding then Barcaldine Castle is licensed for civil weddings and can accommodate up to 30 guests.

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If you have been watching the news things look pretty grim. I don’t have to tell you what the newscasters are reporting, because you already know. Yip a lot of people have lost there jobs, but the vast majority have not. Some people are even prospering. Whatever your thoughts on the economy are, if you can travel right now then why not. If it makes you feel better then consider that you are helping to keep people employed. You might even be able to get a fantastic deal to. If you are going to travel this year then here are a few reasons that you should have Scotland vacations.

There is so Much to See and Do

Let’s start with the obvious reasons to have Scotland vacations. Sometimes it is good to be reminded. Scotland has a long and interesting history. It does not matter if your ancestors are from Scotland or not. You can tour or even stay is historic castles. You can enjoy the cities and the night life they have to offer. Scotland is filled with lively pubs for you to enjoy. There are festivals like the one in Edinburgh in August accompanies the “Edinburgh military tattoo”. There are also highland games that will keep you entertained.

Scotland Vacations and the Exchange Rate

Here is the biggest thing to keep in mind when you are considering Scotland vacations this year. In many ways the US dollar falling is bad, unless you are traveling to Brittan. As of this writing it would take $130 of our dollars to equal there $100 which is better than it used to be. We are getting a better exchange on the conversion so that makes it a great time to visit Scotland.

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Rothesay Castle has been said to be the most remarkable castle in Scotland. It has an unusual round plan and its history dates back to the 13th century. The round plan of the castle allowed for a nice moat that was connected to the sea. 

Located in Rothesay on the Isle of Bute, in Western Scotland.

This Scotland castle originally only had the round curtain wall to perfect it until later in the 13th century fore round towers were added for perfection. It is believed that Rothesay Castle was the first of the Scotland castles to be attacked by the Norse. In fact the Norse took control of Rothesay Castle at one time. A very important man in Scotland’s history also took this castle, he was known as Robert the Bruce.

Today Rothesay Castle is open to visitors year round. Look for the wonderful views from the castle walls.

Above photo of Rothesay Castle from the Library of Congress

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The Castle of Mey, also known as Barrogill castle and is the home of the Queen Mother, the widow of King George the VI. This Scotland castle is so far north that you can see all the way to the Orkney Islands in good weather.

Located in Caithness, on the North Coast of Scotland.

The Castle of Mey was built in the mid 1500s. The castle changed hands a few times before becoming deserted and derelict. In the mid 1900s the Queen Mother purchased the castle and restored it to its former glory to use as a vacation home. 

The castle is now open to the public from the 1st of May to the 30th of September every year. You can also enjoy a visitor’s center that was added in 2007.

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The historical building alone is worth a visit to Kellie Castle. This Scotland Castle originally consisted of a Tower. Then a new tower was built to the east of the old one. Later a range was built in the middle as well as a new tower in the North West end, which created a T-plan building.

Located just outside Arncroach.

This Scotland Castle goes back to the late 1100s and has had many owners since. At one time King James the VI stayed in Kellie Castle. 

The Castle and gardens are open to the public as well as a permanent exhibit of Hew Lorimer’s work. Hew Lorimer was a resent owner of the castle and he was also a famous sculpter.

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Glasgow is known for its friendly locals and gritty character. If you can only see on of Scotland’s cities on your Scotland vacations this year than you can’t go wrong making it Glasgow vacations. Glasgow is completely Scottish. This is a real city not just a tourist attraction. People live and work there all year round. Glasgow is a city with a long interesting history and you can see it all over the place in the buildings and museums. If you are ready to soak in some Scottish atmosphere and enjoy the history and nature then here are four places that you must see when you go there.

Peoples Palace

If you are interested in learning about the people of Glasgow, past and present, then you must see the Peoples Palace. This is not a history of Scotland’s royals it is a history of there regular people that have done extraordinary things.

Scottish Football Museum

Where I come from football means something different that what it means in Scotland, so I will say that this is a museum of what Americans would call soccer. Hamdpen Park is where this museum is located and also where the oldest football team calls home.

Tenement House

Would you like to step back in time to the year 1911? You can when you tour the Tenement House. This home of one of Glasgow’s upper middle class and is just as the occupant had left it.

Glasgow Green

Glasgow Green is the oldest park in Scotland and has been used for many interesting purposes over its long history. Today this park has been returned to its former uses and you can go enjoy it. The Peoples Palace is located in Glasgow Green so you can visit both together easily.

Above photo of Glasgow Green by twistyfoldy.net

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If you look at the back of the ten pound not issued by the Royal Bank of Scotland you will find a picture of Glamis Castle. The plasterwork ceilings are so fine that it is considered some of the best in Scotland. There are many legends that are swirling around about this castle that you simply must see it for yourself.

Glamis Castle is located close to Glamis Village in Angus. It is set in the lovely valley of Strathmore near Forfar, the capital of Angus.

This is the castle that is the childhood home of the Queen Mother, Elizabeth Bowes-Loyn, and her second daughter was born there. The area that the castle stands dates back to prehistoric times. A Pictish stone was found in a village nearby. 

Glamis Castle is open to the public so you can visit it to see if you encounter any of its legendary ghosts.

Above photo of Gamis Castle by neilalderney123

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Fasque Castle is actually a Mansion. It is also known as Fasque House to some. This mansion took 10 years to build, but is believed that it might have been the first residence in Scotland to have electric lights.

Located near the village of Fettercairn.

Fasque was built in the early 1800s so it is easily the newest building of all the castles listed on this site. It was built to replace a much smaller mansion that one stood about 40 yards away. A third story was added to the original building in the mid 1800s, otherwise the rest of the building has for the most part not changed since being built.

At one time part of the house was open to the public to tour, but it is unclear if this is still the case. 

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