With a surplus of abandoned buildings and ancient ruins scattered throughout the country it is no wonder why Scotland has earned a reputation as a place rich in mythology and rumours of haunted locations. For example, Scotland’s castles - of which Visit Scotland estimates there were once as many as 3,000 - correspond to Scottish clans and remind us of our bloody history with hard-fought battles that forever shaped Scotland into what it is today.
The Scottish architectural legacy is one world-famous for good reason with other incredible examples of craftsmanship like our revered churches and influential Scottish figures like Charles Rennie Mackintosh. However, in the modern era many of these majestic buildings have been left to withstand the punishment of time without any sort of maintenance or repair, leaving a wealth of stunning architecture to perish.
That’s why we asked our Scotsman readers: “What abandoned building or ruin in Scotland would you like to see restored?" In response, we received a treasure trove of inspired nominations that we have collated into this list of twenty-five Scottish buildings that we would like to see restored to their former glory.
17. Edzell Castle and Garden
This ruined 16th-century castle is located near Edzell which is roughly five miles north of Brechin in Angus. It is surrounded by a picturesque walled Renaissance garden which was built by Sir David Lindsay in 1604. Undiscovered Scotland adds: “There's been a castle at Edzell since about 1100, when a wooden structure was erected on top of a motte by the Abbott family.” | via WikiCommons
18. Midhope Castle
Midhope Castle is a 15th-century tower house located in the Abercorn hamlet on the Hopetoun estate; 4 km west of South Queensferry. In 1678, the property was acquired by John Hope who made it a part of the Hopetoun Estate and grounds. The castle has also been popularised as “Lallybroch” as it appears in Outlander as the Frasers’ home. | via WikiCommons
19. The George Hotel
The hotel is located on 49 George Street, Stranraer in Dumfries and Galloway. The present building was originally two private houses which were constructed in 1770 as part of the 3rd Duke of Argyll’s redevelopment of the town. Reports state the hotel was last used around 2007 but has suffered from water ingress. | © Billy McCrorie
20. Lochleven Castle
Lochleven Castle is a ruin situated on an island in Loch Leven which is in Perth and Kinross. Said to have been built around 1300, the castle was an important site of ‘military action’ during the wars over independence in Scotland. The location is well-known for being the site where Mary Queen of Scots was imprisoned in 1567. | via WikiCommons