Scotland Castle Tour

Here at About Scotland we will introduce you to the most iconic castles and some hidden gems. All of them have a story to tell and a place in our diverse and fascinating history. With so many to choose from it would be impossible to list them all but those featured below are most definitely not to be missed.

The world famous and magnificent Edinburgh Castle, which dominates the capital’s skyline is a must for any visitor and situated just an hour away is the equally impressive Stirling Castle. This was once a favoured residence of the Stewart kings and queens and is one Scotland’s most historically important sites. The stunning backdrop of the west coast is captured beautifully by Inveraray Castle set on the shores of Loch Fyne. A quintessential fairy-tale castle, It has been the ancestral seat of the Dukes of Argyll since the 15th century.

Perthshire Castles

Perthshire is home to two contrasting but equally impressive castles. Scone Palace, the ancient crowning place of Scottish kings, where Macbeth, Robert the Bruce and Charles II were once crowned and Blair Castle, the magnificent whitewashed home of the Atholl family for over seven centuries. The castle has had a diverse history, witnessing both turbulent and peaceful times over 700 years.

Scottish Highlands Castles

The Royal family have always enjoyed escaping to Scotland in the summer months and the most famous residence is of course Balmoral Castle in Royal Deeside, described by Queen Victoria as her ‘dear paradise in the Highlands’. When the Royal Family are not in residence, visitors can visit the castle ballroom, gardens and grounds. Glamis Castle, the former baronial residence of the Queen Mother which famously features in Shakespeare’s Macbeth is located further south in Angus.

Isle of Skye Castles

Situated on its own island overlooking the Isle of Skye the picture postcard setting of Eilean Donan Castle makes it one of the most photographed and painted castles in the world. No visit to Skye is complete without a visit to Dunvegan Castle,built on a rock in an idyllic loch side setting It is the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland.
The Highlands are backed full of impressive well preserved homes and ruins of historical importance. Cawder Castle is a romantic 14th century highland home, built as a fortress by the Thanes of Cawdor and according to legend, built around a thorn tree dating from 1372, which visitors can still see today in the dungeon. Dunrobin Castle which resembles a French château is the largest in the Northern Highlands, continuously inhabited dating back to the early 1300s, home to the Earls and Dukes of Sutherland. With stunning views over Loch Ness, the 1000 year old ruins of Urquhart Castle offer a fascinating glimpse into medieval times and what was the greatest castle in the Highlands.

View our Scotland castle tours from Glasgow or our Scotland castle tours from Edinburgh