Scotland has thousands of castles and strongholds (or ‘Clan seats of power’) that act as striking reminders of our country’s Clan history and how powerful it was in shaping the Scotland we live in even today.
Estimates show that Scotland has around 500 clans and historically they all had their own territories and castles and some like Clan Campbell, historically one of the most powerful Highland clans, had multiple settlements that can still be accessed today.
In appreciation of Scottish heritage and our country’s dark history, here are 17 famous castles in Scotland, the clans that historically occupied them and where they can be found.
13. Clan Muir - Rowallan Castle
This traditional seat of the Muir Clan dates back to the 13th century when it acted as the home of the 'Mure' family. The ancient castle can be found north of the East Ayrshire town of Kilmarnock. Photo: Sagereid via WikiCommons
14. Clan Macdonald - Castle Tioram
Castle Tioram has been dated back to the twelfth century by some and it was originally a principal stronghold of Clann Ruaidhrí and the traditional seat of 'Clan Raghnaill' which is a branch of Clan (Mac) Donald. Today it lies in ruin on a tidal island named Eilean Tioram in Loch Moidart in the Highlands. Photo: via WikiCommons
15. Clans Mackintosh and Comyn - Rait Castle
This castle is said to be haunted by the Comyn (Cummings) clan. Clans Mackintosh and Comyn both claimed ownership of the castle and according to legend back in 1442 after the Comyns invited the Mackintoshes to resolve this feud the latter clan attacked them during their feast. It is located northeast of Inverness which is the capital of the Highlands. Photo: Jean Aldridge via WikiCommons
16. Clan MacDougall - Dunstaffnage Castle
This castle was built by the MacDougall lords of Lorn back in the 13th century to act as the base for their clan. However, from the 15th century it has since been held by Clan Campbell. You can find it in Oban within the Argyll and Bute council area of Scotland. Photo: PaulT via WikiCommons