Tour Scotland reports that the country “is home to more than 1,500 castles, each of which has a distinct appearance and design that symbolises the history of the nation.”
Scottish castles and Scottish clans go hand in hand as these seats of power were at the heart of ruthless battles fought between factions seeking to protect or conquer land.
Our heritage is filled with stories about these fortresses and, much like place names in Scotland, many Castle names reflect our linguistic heritage too e.g., Inveraray Castle stems from the Scottish Gaelic ‘Inbhir Aora’ meaning “mouth of the Aray”.
13. Floors Castle
Floors Castle can be found at the Scottish Borders in Roxburghshire which is the south-east of Scotland. It is reportedly the largest inhabited castle in the country and has been the home of the Dukes of Roxburghe since it was built in 1721. Photo: Bernard Blanc on Flickr
14. Rothesay Castle
Rothesay Castle is a ruin which can be found in Rothesay, the Isle of Bute’s principal town. According to Visit Scotland, “Rothesay Castles dates back to the early 13th century and is remarkably well preserved in spite of its age.” Photo: Reading Tom on Flickr
15. Glamis Castle
Glamis Castle is located near the village of Glamis in Angus. The castle was reportedly once host to Mary, Queen of Scots, and to add even more prestige to its reputation it is said to have inspired Shakespeare’s Macbeth. Photo: neilsingapore on Flickr
16. Stalker Castle
Castle Stalker is a four-storey keep which sits on a tidal islet within Loch Laich. The curious name “Stalker” is said to come from the Scottish Gaelic “Stalcaire” which refers to a “hunter” or “falconer”. Photo: simaron on Flickr