Scottish Castles

Scotland is known for its typical Scottish music where bands mainly make the use of the traditional instrument of Scotland- the Great Highland Bagpipes. Sports also form to be an important part of the Scottish culture. Scotland has over 790 islands with beautiful coastlines. The Scottish castles are as interesting as the Scottish culture and are a symbol of the historical moments of Scotland. There are approximately 3,000 Scottish castles reported out here. These beautiful monuments have a story to tell and although not every castle is open to public view, a trip to see the Scottish castles would definitely be worth all the effort. Here’s a trip though the beautiful Scottish castles and the interesting stories associated with them.

Scottish Castles:
Castle Fraser:
This Scottish castle is located near Inverurie, which lies in the Aberdeenshire area of Scotland. This beautiful Scottish castle has also served as a backdrop for some of the scenes that were shot in the Bafta. This castle was originally known as the Muchall-in-Mar. The planning for the castle began in the year 1575 and was completed in the year 1636. There are many stories associated with this Scottish castle. The Castle Fraser is open for public viewing in the summer months.

Edinburgh Castle:
The Edinburgh castle is known as the second most popular tourist destination in Scotland. Interestingly, this castle stands upon an extinct volcano, which had risen some 340 million years ago. Speculations are rife about the origins of the Edinburgh castle; experts say that this castle was constructed in the mid second century AD. This towering structure can be seen against the beautiful skyline where it sits majestically atop Castle Rock. This Scottish castle has also been the center of military activities.

Dundonald Castle:
Dundonald castle previously used to be a hill fort. The origin of the name, which includes ‘Donald’, is actually unknown to most historians. It is believed that Donald may have been one of the three kings. Around three medieval castles were known to be present at this site. This castle is located on a hill. This area overlooks the village of Dundonald. Today, this imposing structure has a visitor’s center that is complete with a café and other attractions!

Edzell Castle:
The Edzell castle is a 16th century castle. David Lindsay started the construction of this castle in the year 1520. Later on, the Earl of Dalhousie ultimately owned this Scottish castle. This castle is known for a rather unusual walled garden. This garden served the purpose of recreation for all the guests of the castle. There is also an association with symbolism with regards to the structure of this garden. Today, this castle basically comprises of a tower house and also has a range of buildings within its courtyard.

Drum Castle:
This castle is located near Drumoak, which is in Aberdeenshire in Scotland. Historians suggest that the original tower of drum castle was the creativity of architect Richard Cementarius. At present, the National Trust for Scotland owns this beautiful castle. Earlier, it served to be the place of the chief of Clan Irvine.

Bothwell Castle:
This castle is a medieval castle and was built in the 13the century. The Bothwell castle also has the reputation to be the largest stone castles in the country. It is located on a very steep bank. This bank is just located above a bend in the River Clyde. A round shaped tower characterizes this magnificent castle. William Moray was known to have constructed this castle. But due to invasions, this Scottish castle saw itself in different hands during various periods.

Caerlaverock Castle:
The Caerlaverock castle is also a popular tourist destination in Scotland. The actual ownership of this magnificent castle is said to have been with Undwin and his son Marcus. This was approximately in the eleventh century. This castle is known for its unique triangular shape, which also witnessed many additions in due course of time. It also faced several invasions. During a particular battle, certain towers of this castle were demolished and it remains in this state till date.

Castle Sween:
This castle has been given its name after Suibhne as its believed he was the one who probably built this castle. This Scottish castle also changed hands during the years. Earlier, this castle also displayed certain wooden structures, which are not visible today. Castle Sween is located on the eastern shore of Loch Sween. This is on the western coast of Argyll in Scotland.

• You can also enjoy reading about Irish castles
• Read about Medieval kings and castles in Medieval times