![]() Dunnottar Castleĭramatic doesn’t even begin to express the effect of this formidable cliff-top stronghold. Among the rare artefacts on display is a sword said to have been wielded at Culloden. Boasting a perfect picture-postcard setting on an island at the entrance of Loch Duich, Eilean Donan is steeped in Jacobite lore. Eilean Donan CastleĮilean Donan has to be one of the most photographed castles in the world. Celebrated for its fairy-tale edifice, its dramatic history and romantic gardens, parts of which are over 300 years old, a visit here is like stepping into bygone age. The fictional home of the Thane of Cawdor in Shakespeare's Macbeth, Cawdor Castle ranks among Scotland’s most enchanting castles. Admire the priceless Beauvais tapestries in the Drawing Room and outstanding views of Loch Fyne. The austere façade of Inveraray Castle, the seat of the Dukes of Argyll, stands in direct contrast to its sumptuous interior which embodies the pinnacle of 18th century neoclassical elegance. Explore its opulent rooms and its sprawling estate. ![]() The ancient seat of the Dukes and Earls of Atholl, it is also the home of Europe’s last remaining private army, the Atholl Highlanders. The white-washed Blair Castle stands proudly against a backdrop of wooded hills rising above the River Garry. When not in residence, visitors can enjoy exhibitions in the Castle Ballroom, the largest room in the castle, and wander through the charming gardens and grounds. Queen Victoria lovingly described Balmoral as her ‘dear paradise in the Highlands’ and it remains a private home of the Royal Family. Explore the grounds and find out more about Clan Farquharson. Nestled amongst the majesty of the Cairngorms National Park, the 17th century fortress of Braemar Castle ticks all the boxes: castellated turrets, winding spiral staircases and a bottle-necked dungeon. Get there in time for the firing of the One O’ Clock Gun. This sprawling complex houses the Crown Jewels, the Stone of Destiny and Mons Meg. Set atop a craggy extinct volcano high above Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh Castle is unquestionably Scotland’s most famous and important castle. ![]() But here’s our pick of the ones which never fail to impress. ![]() It's tough for us to narrow our favourites of those still standing down to just 10. Did you know you can stay in a castle? Some grand estates allow an incredible stay in their historic rooms, some even allow camping in the stunning grounds outside. It is estimated that there were once up to 3,000 castles in Scotland – nearly one for every 100 square miles. As integral to the Scottish landscape as its pristine lochs and lofty mountains, the country’s castles rank amongst the most iconic in the world. One of the best things about Scotland is that no matter where you find yourself, a castle is never far away. ![]()
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