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”.
21. Blackness Castle
Blackness Castle can be found near the village of Blackness on the south shore of the Firth of Forth. It was originally intended to be a nobleman’s residence, but it later became a state prison for the reigning sovereign of that time. Photo: via WikiCommons
22. Fraser Castle
Castle Fraser can be found near Kemnay in Aberdeenshire. It was previously known as “Muchall-in-Mar” and is said to have been constructed in 1575 by the 6th Laird of Fraser, Michael Fraser. Photo: via WikiCommons
23. Duart Castle
Duart Castle is situated on the Isle of Mull which is within the council area of Argyll and Bute. The castle was founded in the 14th century and reportedly maintained well until the 1600s when the Macleans aligned with the House of Stewart. Photo: afagen on Flickr
24. Culzean Castle
Culzean Castle overlooks the Firth of Clyde in South Ayrshire. While it is owned by the National Trust for Scotland today, it is well-known for being the ancestral home of the Marquess of Ailsa; chief of Clan Kennedy. Photo: matte0ne on Flickr