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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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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Duart Cast has a long history being the home of one powerful Clan most of the time. This Castle has a strategic spot on top of lovely hills with views of the Sound of Mull.

Located on the East side of Scotland on the Isle of Mull.

Duart Castle history starts with being the seat of the Clan MacLean in the 13th century. In the mid 1600s the Clan Campbell attacked Duart Castle, but was defeated by the Clan MacLean. This Scotland Castle did change hands a few times, but was abandoned in the mid 1700s. In the early 1900 the castle was bought by the 26th chief of the Clan MacLean and restored. Several movies and a TV show were filmed in this Castle between 1970 and now. 

This Scotland castle has limited dates that you can take a tour. The Castle is open from April 1-30 and then from May 1-11, and then again from 12-18 in 2009.

Above photo of Duart Castle by Martin Burns

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Shakespeare made his title character in Macbeth the “Thane of Cowdor”, although Cawdor Castle was actually built after the events of the play. The connection between Cowdor Castle and William Shakespeare is still fun. 

You will find Cawdor Castle 5 miles southwest of Nairn and 10 miles east of Inverness.

Dating back to before 1454 with parts possibly dating back to the late 1300s. This Scotland Castle was once owned by Clan Calder and is now the home of the Doweger Countess Cawdor. 

Cawdor Castle is known for its beautiful Gardens. You will enjoy a walled garden, flower garden, wild garden, and woods with numerous species of trees. Cawdor Castle is open to the public from the spring though fall.

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Although Balhousie Castle dates back before the mid 1600s, this castle was mostly rebuilt in the late 1800s. There is very little left of the original castle, so when you visit you will see a representation of Baronial Style built by architect David Smart.

Located on Hey Street in Perth, Scotland. 

In the mid 1960s Balhousie Castle became the regimental headquarters and museum of the Black Watch. You can see the regiment’s history from 1939 to now. The Regimental Trustees where supposed to buy the castle to protect the museums future, so check with your guide to make sure it can still be toured.

Above photo of Tay in Perth Scotland from the Library of Congress

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Do you love castles in Scotland and gardens? Arnot Tower is a ruined castle whose grounds have been turned into magnificent gardens. The interior of this ruin is a courtyard garden as well. There are wonderful wooded areas around to enjoy to.

Located in the Kingdom of Fife Arnet tower dates back to the 1400s and was the seat of Clan Arnot. 

Today you can visit the Arnot Tower Gardens in the summer. It looks like these gardens are only open to the public on Tuesdays. They are also open by appointment on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Look for the Water Garden, Games Lawn, and Courtyard Garden. If you are interested in castles in Scotland then don’t miss Arnot Tower.

I can’t find a photo of Arnot Castle, I anyone would like to provide one I would be happy to give you a link in exchange. Contact me at sendemailhere@rocketmail.com

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If you have spent most of your life in a relatively young country like I have, then the concept of exploring a building that has been in use for thousands of years instead of the just hundreds is very intriguing. When you tour a few of these ancient buildings like the famous Scotland castles during a Scotland vacation you would find each has a rich history with friendly guides that are more than happy to fill you in.

The Purpose of Castles

The first Scotland castles were simple fortifications to keep one group of people safe from all the other groups of people out to get them. In the beginning these forts were thrown up using tall wooden palisades cut from nearby trees. Wood was also the material used to erect the tower within. These groups tried to pick the best spots for there fortifications like the top of a hill, a sharp bend in a river, or a nice sea cliff. But if those were not available the people would build there own hills and redirect the river to circle part of there keep.

As time went by and these groups grew larger and stronger they would replace the wooden tower with one made of stone, then the wooden fortification walls would be replaced with stronger stone ones as well. Often in Scotland the tower itself would be built in such a way that outer walls were no longer necessary. The people that would live inside the safety of these towers were the ones that were considered the leaders while the ones that lived outside the walls were the farmers. When danger was on its way, in the form of other clans or the Vikings, everyone that could, would quickly spill into the fortification and the large gates would be closed behind them. Wouldn’t you have hated being left outside those gates?

You can visit these ancient Scotland castles and hear all there stories and legends while looking at the actual structures yourself.

Above photo of Castle Stuart, Inverness, Scotland by conner395

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