Ancient castles free#

Originally built in 1628 by John Erskine, Earl of Mar, as a hunting lodge, the castle was attacked and burned by John Farquharson, the Black Colonel of Inverey in 1689. Restricted opening times and entrance charges apply. One of Scotland's largest and finest 13th century castles, set on a high steep bank commanding the River Clyde. Impressive remains of large medieval castle.

Ancient castles free#

Free and open access at any reasonable time. Ruins of late 14th century tower house, occupied by the Macdonalds of Benbecula until the early 17th century. Restricted opening times and entrance charges apply.īorve Castle, Benbecula, Western Isles, Highlands Attacked and besieged again during the Jacobite rising of 1745, the starving defenders were only relieved when the Jacobite forces withdrew to fight British Government forces at the Batlle of Culloden. As supporters of the Royalist cause, the castle was attacked and taken by Oliver Cromwell's Parliamentarian Army in 1650. In the centuries that followed, the castle changed hands several times until 1629, when it became the seat of the Clan Murray. Commanding a strategic position on the main route through the central Scottish Highland, Blair Castle is said to have been started by John Comyn, Lord of Badenoch, around 1269. Restricted opening times and entrance charges apply.Ĭomplete medieval castle, remodelled in a Scottish Baronial style in the 19th century. Well preserved 15th-century fortress on the south shore of the Firth of Forth.

Only occasionally open to the public, as privately owned.īlackness Castle, Blackness, Linlithgow, Lothian Restored 16th century tower house, probably built by George Gordon, the first Laird of Beldorney. Restricted opening times and entrance charges apply.īeldorney Castle, Dumeath, Aberdeenshire, Grampian Remains of 12th century castle with massive curtain wall, seat of the Black Comyns. Free and open access at any reasonable time to site limited access to tower house.īalvenie Castle, Dufftown, Moray, Grampian Restricted opening times and entrance charges apply.īalvaird Castle, Newton of Balcanquhal, PerthshireĬomplete example of a traditional late medieval Scottish tower house. The couple spent many weeks each year relaxing at their new home in Highlands, and after Albert's death, Victoria spent up to 4 months each year at Balmoral. The new royal residence was completed in 1856, and the old castle was demolished. Construction of the new castle started during the summer 0f 1853, on a site just 100 yards from the original building. Prince Albert set about organising the design of the current castle and grounds when the Royal Family purchased the estate in 1852.

Although the original Balmoral Castle dated from the 15th century, this building was considered too small when Queen Victoria and Prince Albert fell in love with the region and people during a visit to the Scottish Highlands. Scottish residence of the British Royal Family. Remains of 15th century tower castle within the earthworks of an Iron Age hillfort, believed to have been built by Thomas Cochrane. Free and open access at any reasonable time.Īuchindoun Castle, Dufftown, Moray, Grampian Remains of 16th century castle thought to have been constructed by the Clan MacLeod. Looking to stay in one of these fabulous castles? We list some of the country's finest accommodation on our castle hotels in Scotland page.Ĭastles in Scotland Aberdour Castle, Aberdour, Fife