The Seven Most Beautiful Castles in Scotland
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Featuring over 3,000 castles, Scotland is one of the most fascinating tourist destinations in
the world. Whether built by the original Scottish clans, or the ever power-hungry English,
every castle retains that medieval charm that sends your mind flying centuries back in time. It
wasn’t the easiest of tasks, but we’ve managed to put together a list of the
seven most impressive castles in Scotland:
Inveraray Castle
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Located in western Scotland, on the original site of Inveraray village, Inveraray Castle is the
seat of the Duke of Argyll, chief of Clan Campbell. It was commissioned in 1746, by
Archibald Campbell, who had the village of Inveraray demolished and rebuilt, so it would not
spoil the castle’s view.
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Inveraray Castle incorporates multiple styles, including Gothic, Baroque and Palladian,
featuring a square layout with four round towers at its corners, topped by conical spires.
It’s surrounded by a 2-acre garden and a huge, 14-acre park. Inveraray is now the
home of Torquhil Campbell, 13th Duke of Argyll and opened for visitors during the summer
season (April-October).
Stuart Castle
Built almost 4 centuries ago, by the first Earls of Moray, Castle Stuart was a derelict ruin for
300 years. After being inhabited only by ghosts, Charles Stuart invested 15 years of his life
and a substantial amount of money, turning Castle Stuart into one of the most beautiful
castles in Europe.
Castle Stuart is a true work of art both on the outside and on the inside. Most of the original
furniture was restored, each room has its own fireplace and the surrounding gardens have
kept their original structure. Those willing to experience castle life can rent a room, for 150
British Pounds.
Ballindalloch Castle
Known also as “The Pearl of the North”, Ballindalloch is a “Z
plan” castle, built in 1546, in the Moray region. It expanded several times, and its
current state dates back to 1965. Ballindalloch Castle has been the residence of the Russell
and Macpherson-Grant Families ever since its inauguration.
The Pearl of the North is known as one of the most popular haunted castles in the world, with
the ghost of General James Grant as its most famous inhabitant. The dining room of
Ballindalloch is also said to be haunted by “The Green Lady”.
Edinburgh Castle
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Perched on the 120 meters tall plug of an extinct volcano, Edinburgh Castle is the national
symbol of Scotland. Around one million people visit this place, making it the second most
popular tourist attraction in Britain, after the Tower of London. There’s more to
Edinburgh Castle than its historical significance, it’s also the best vantage point to
admire Edinburgh’s unique topography.
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Edinburgh Castle is made up of dozens of buildings dating back from the 12th to the 20th
century. It was frequently used as a safe haven by Scottish kings, until the Union of the
Crowns, in 1603.
Eilean Donan
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Eilean Donan is the most photographed castle in all of Scotland, mostly because of its
fairytale setting, on an island at the meeting point of three great lochs. The original castle
was built during the 13th century, as defense against the Vikings and later became a
stronghold of Clan Mackenzie.
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During a Jacobite uprising, in 1719, Eilean Donan castle was occupied by Spanish Forces
and ultimately destroyed. It lay in ruins for more than 200 years, until Lieutenant Colonel
John MacRae-Gilstrap restored it to its former glory, in 1932.
Glamis Castle
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Located near the village of Glamis, in Angus, Glamis castle is one of the finest castles in
Europe and appears on the back of ten pound notes issued by the Royal Bank of Scotland. It
is mentioned as the castle of Macbeth in William Shakespeare’s play, although King
Macbeth (who died in 1057) had no connection with a castle built in 1372.
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With a history of over 600 years, Glamis Castle has some of the creepiest most intriguing
tales, involving monsters and even the devil himself. The Ogilvie family, who were hiding out
in the castle, were walled up and left to starve to death, in a room somewhere.
Balmoral Castle
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Located in the magnificent valley of the River Dee, Balmoral Castle is one of the most visited
and photographed sites in Scotland. Its history begins in 1390, when Sir William Drummond
built it as a home, but it became a part of history in 1848, when Queen Victoria and Prince
Albert chose it as a private royal residence.
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The original Balmoral Castle was considered too small for a royal retreat, so the breathtaking
estate we see today is the result of extensive redesign. Balmoral has been passed on to
each of the royal successors and remains a favorite holiday destination of the
Queen’s. The castle is open to the public, from April 1st to July 31st.