Scotland is on the list of countries with the most traditional buildings and monuments. According to an estimate, almost
2,000 castles are scattered on the land of Scots. Their existence today is in different shapes, from wholly ruined to only structure remaining, and some still stand with their historical elegance. This article will tell you about the top ten Scottish castles you must not miss while touring the land of Caledonia (the Latin name for Scotland).
Importance of Castles in Ancient Scotland
Scottish castles have always been of great historical importance, even today. The actual history of castles in Scotland is obscure, but the oldest royal building made in Scotland was Castle Sween. The ruins of the castle still welcome several visitors every year.
A question that arises here is why the Scots made large castles in such numbers. Actually, the fortresses served in different ways. First of all, they were home to powerful families. Similarly, royal families used them as defensive weapons against invaders. Castles also had jails, and prisoners were kept there. Official meetings were held in those buildings as well.
Popular Scottish Castles
Before discussing the Scottish castles worth visiting, pinpointing the exact number of castles in Scotland is quite tricky. The castles varied in size, height, history, and purposes. Though describing all of them might be challenging, we will tell you about the most popular Scottish castles from day one, a bit about their histories, and much more. So, let’s start with the grand Edinburgh Castle.
Edinburgh Castle
The first castle on our list is Edinburgh Castle, built by the Son of Saint Margaret of Scotland, King David I, during the initial years of the
12th century. It is situated on a rock 135 meters above sea level, looking over the city. The castle is known to have witnessed a number of clan fights and battles, from the Scottish Wars of Independence to the Jacobite Rebellion.
If we turn two centuries back, we see it getting more fame among the Scots. Besides being an ancient castle, now it serves as a National Museum. Different ancient items like the Gold of Scone and Crown Jewels are placed in the related museum. Many festivals in Edinburgh today take place in front of it. Most importantly, the castle attracts the most visitors per year. So, witnessing the people wearing
kilt outfit is not a surprise.
Balmoral Castle
Balmoral Castle is situated in Aberdeen, a Scottish city that was built in 1390 by King Robert II as a hunting lodge. Over time, it has remained home to various public figures. Some common names are Sir William Drummond, Alexander Gordon, and the Farquharsons of Invery.
Its peak fame started when Queen Victoria rebuilt it between 1853 and 1855. She bought it in
1852 and realized the space was too short for living. She described the castle as a dear paradise. William Smith of Aberdeen designed the castle. From then to the present day, it is home to the royal family. Being a visitor will give you a unique experience with heritage hidden in its design.
Andrew Castle
St. Andrew’s Castle does not exist in running form like the previously discussed one; only its ruins are there. Originally built in the
13th century, the castle had some of the most infamous prisons of the time. Similarly, it served as a bishop’s place. The castle was home to humans until 1592 when it rapidly fell into ruin. A major part of the fortress fell into the sea.
Why is it worth visiting today? The stories hidden in its broken walls narrate the downfall of humans. Likewise, a small visitor center serves as an exhibition and tells visitors about the castle’s history. In short, the castle is an amazing tourist destination with historical aspects. You must know the visiting hours and days before you plan to move.
Castle Sween
Many resources claim Castle Sween to be the oldest castle in Scotland. Subhine, an Irish chieftain and brother to the high king of Ireland, built the castle during the
11th century on the eastern shore of Loch Sween in Argyll, Scotland. During the 14th and 15th centuries, it became home to different clans, including Clan MacDonald and Clan Campbell.
Other Popular Castles Worth Visiting
We have informed you about some of the most popular castles. Here are some other castles that you must consider visiting as well!
- Carbisdale Castle
- Dunnottar Castle
- Dunrobin Castle
- Inveraray Castle
- Craigievar Castle
- Inverness Castle
Things to Consider Before Visiting Fortresses
When visiting Scottish castles, you can plan for the weather, respect preservation rules, and take a tour. Some visitors enjoy wearing traditional Scottish attire, such as kilt outfit, to enhance their experience at these historic sites. Be careful about timing, since the visiting time varies in different weathers. Similarly, some castles remain closed in winter, so knowing everything prior is important.
Being an ancient part of the Earth, Scotland has some unique things to witness, such as different landscapes, unique festivals, and many castles. The original number of castles is unknown, while the remaining ones are almost 2,000 in count. Some of these are paramount buildings, some are preserved, while many exist as only remains. Castle Sween is the oldest one. Similarly, Edinburgh Castle is the largest one. So, whenever you visit Scotland, ensure you see the maximum number of castles to experience the authentic flair of Scottish history.
