Scotland castles are majestic, and are located in some of the most beautiful parts of the world. These castles were built for a purpose and much of there history isn’t all that pretty. These fortresses were built to keep out the enemy, and often sat on top of dungeons used to imprison and torture those that could not be trusted.

Who was there enemy?

Since the beginning of humanity people have gathered together as families into groups. These groups would look at the other groups nearby and start to worry that the others might be bigger and stronger then themselves. They would think the other group might try to overtake us and kill the ones I love and maybe carry away the rest. Or, maybe you belong is the strongest group? You would look at the weaker groups and thing that they might want to take yours over and make its people there slaves. We have to get them before they can get us. 

This has been the way things have been for so long on every continent. In fact this is still the way things go now. This is not a political statement, just an observation of how we humans protect ourselves. In Scotland’s history these groups were called clans. These clans were a group of families that stuck together and had a common ancestor. They were always looking at the nearby clans with distrust and sometimes bloodlust in there eyes.

We don’t want to forget about another group to the far north that considered trade such a way of life and an essential part of there survival that they would attack anyone that got in there way. You guessed it; I am talking about the Vikings. Although many of Scotland clans very likely had Viking in there ancestry, this group was still a treat and therefore many of Scotland’s castles were built to perfect its inhabitants from them.

The Newer Castles have History to

Scotland also has castles that have a much more recent history. Most were erected to protect the people inside because they were the rulers, and there for in constant danger of being murdered and there empire taken over. A few more recent of Scotland’s castles were actually built by wealthy families that had very little to do with royalty. These of course are the ones that were built more for looks than protection. They are also rich in history.

Above photo of Aberlemno Kirkyard by Keri’sKicks  -(back and catching up)

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Do you need to relax and smell the roses on your next vacation? Life is so busy and tiring that when you have a short break from it sometimes you just want to get away from home and relax somewhere else. You don’t need a hectic vacation where all you do is check sights off of your list after you have run through them. Will you even remember all of those places you had to see once you get home? Are you going to need a vacation after your vacation because you are so exhausted from it? Are you looking for a truly relaxing and enjoyable vacation that you will have no trouble remembering for years to come? If you do, you need to pick a single destination. Scotland has plenty of these single destinations that you can go to and relax. 

You could visit a single small town and enjoy taking walks though and around it. Most places in Scotland have nice places to stay and place to eat as well as local attractions to visit. The point is to take things slowly and really see, smell, and feal the area around you. 

One such place in Scotland that you could enjoy is Castle Lock. Castle Lock is a beautiful lake. This is the prefect destination for your Scotland vacations. This is a loch that you can get some exorcize or just sit back and commune with nature. What are the main things to do at Castle Loch?

The Fishing

The fishing is world renowned and the fish are large and begging to be caught by you. Just make sure you get the proper licenses before you start fishing to keep everything friendly.

Wildlife and Bird Watching

There is a path that goes around almost the entire lake. Take your binoculars and see what types of animals you can spot.

There are many other places that a tired person in need of a refreshing vacation can enjoy in 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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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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