Castles of Scotland are one of the main reasons to visit this magnificent country. They are scattered throughout the territory and to this day are perfectly preserved. In this article you will read about the main and most fascinating fortresses. This information will be interesting to tourists.
Decoration of the capital
Edinburgh Castle in Scotland is one of the iconic sights. This building was erected on a hill, and the famous Royal Mile Street leads to it. From a distance it seems that the fortress hovers over the whole city. Since the beginning of the twelfth century, the citadel has served as home to the Scottish kings. Inside these walls is stored a sacred relic called the Stone of Destiny (Skunk Stone). On it were crowned English and Scottish monarchs for several centuries. The history of this castle breathes diversity, and therefore it is easy to go into the atmosphere of distant eras here. Every year there is a famous festival of military bands. The building is also famous for the fact that films about Harry Potter were shot inside it.
Historical corner
Eilean Donan Castle in Scotland is not in vain considered one of the most popular among tourists and even the local population. This building is located on the island of Skye, which is the largest in the whole country. It may take too long to go here from different resorts for an excursion, but it's worth it. Not a single visitor will be left disappointed by the views of the lovely structure. First of all, there is an atmosphere of isolation and solitude. Megacities are not so far, but here it begins to seem that the Middle Ages did not go anywhere. Globalization processes have bypassed this place. The citadel got its name from the hermit Donan, who lived on this island. A single stone bridge leads to the entrance. It was built at the same time that the castle itself was built. You can look at the external and internal styling for a long time, especially to lovers of the era of knights, tournaments, constant battles. It is worth noting that the building belongs to the McRae family, whose representatives live in the closed part of the fortress.
Connection with the royal family
Glamis Castle in Scotland is a vivid example of the embodiment of fabulous fortresses in reality. This structure is not only impressive in size, but also in interesting style. It can be noted with a professional eye that this building stands out too much from the total number of Scottish strongholds. The reason is hidden in the restoration of the seventeenth century, when there was a massive restructuring. That view has survived to this day. Initially, there was only a hunting lodge on the castle site, but now members of the Starmore family live in this magnificent fortress. Some parts are open for tourists, but this is enough to get a great experience. Glamis Castle is also known for several other reasons. It was here that the current Queen of Great Britain Elizabeth grew up, in this castle she gave birth to her daughter. Creative people are encouraged to visit the citadel for inspiration. One appearance of the building helped Shakespeare create the legendary work Macbeth.
Powerful defense
Stirling Castle in Scotland also has its own distinctive feature. It was erected in the twelfth century in the district of the same name and became a strong defensive structure. Over the years, he has survived a great many sieges, all thanks to his excellent choice of location and architecture. Cliffs surround the citadel on all sides, and strong walls with towers complement the defensive power. Here you can also easily feel the atmosphere of the Middle Ages, because the road to the castle passes along the street where the old buildings are located. In appearance, damage from the numerous wars that took place in this region is observed. Authentic indoors, they have not been changed for many centuries. The fortress is known for the fact that some Scottish monarchs were coronated within its walls. They were joined by Mary Stuart in 1543. It is also worth noting that the structure was erected at the top of an extinct volcano, and therefore, excellent views of the surrounding territory open from above. All tourists are advised to visit Sterling Castle.
Interesting story
Among the castles of Scotland in the photo you can find one called Balmoral. The construction does not belong to the Middle Ages, but has an interesting construction history, which is connected with Queen Victoria. After the wedding with Albert, she decided to visit Scotland and fell in love with this country. The ruler decided that she should have her own estate here and bought it in the area of this castle. Later, Prince Albert also acquired the surrounding territory and planned to build another estate - large and beautiful. In 1853, the queen herself laid the first stone in the foundation. A vessel with coins and parchment was placed under it, where the date of foundation of the building was written with a government hand. Three years later, the construction was completed, and all this time the royal family lived in a small estate near the new Balmoral. After moving, they decided to demolish that building, and to install a stone in memory. It serves as an indicator of the place where the old estate was in relation to the location of the main entrance. Such a story and attractive architecture attracts travelers from all over the world.
Mysterious ruins
From the Dunnottar Castle in Scotland there are only ruins, and it will be difficult for tourists to believe that once the fortress was one of the key in the state. From the twelfth to fourteenth centuries, this defensive structure on a cape near Aberdeen was known throughout the state. A huge number of important historical figures and even King Charles II himself are associated with his history. During the Cromwell Revolution, the garrison of the citadel remained under siege from the troops of the people's leader for eight whole months. Now at this place travelers can see only the ruins of former glory. The greatest mystery for visitors is the appearance of the ruins, which in different weathers convey a different mood. A rainy and cloudy sky creates a sense of threat with gloom. The effect is reinforced by the cry of seagulls on the shore who feel the storm. In 1925, the ruins of the castle opened to tourists after their purchase by the Koudrey family. They are turned into one of the historical sights.
Harsh citadel
Among the castles of England and Scotland, a building called Dunvegan will be known even to those who have never been fond of history, but looked at the painting "Highlander". This is what Duncan MacLeod’s family estate was called in this story. It is also worth noting that the name was taken from here, and the shooting took place in the Eilean-Donan fortress, which was mentioned above. The building attracts tourists with its gloomy fourteenth-century architecture. Thick walls, minimal windows and sturdy towers allude to powerful defense. The convenient location on the rock also contributed to the strengthening of the defensive component. Going to the Isle of Skye to view the fortress is definitely worth it, because inside the travelers are waiting for rooms with a wide variety of decorations. It is worth noting that the current owner of the building is Hugo MacLeod from that same legendary family. Beauty and history are interwoven here.
Castles and Monsters
Not all castles of Scotland with names can be remembered by a tourist, but the fortress of Arkart is included in this number. The reason here is not in beauty or an important historical part. The main reason to visit this area is that the ruins of the citadel are located on the shores of the famous Loch Ness Lake. Two million tourists come here every year, but not everyone goes to see Arkart Castle. The building has a sad history, because the place became the basis for the conflicts of England with Scotland. Two states claimed to be built, and it all ended in subversion in 1692. After this, there was no reason for disputes, and no one undertook to restore the fortress. Since then, on the shores of the famous lake are the ruins of a once majestic defense building. Tourists can freely walk here and fantasize about their former appearance.
A collection of weapons and other charms
Among the castles of Scotland, which are recommended for viewing, it is worth noting the fortress of Inverari. At one glance at it one gets the impression that the building has an ideal shape. A rectangular shape with towers of the same size along the edges and an interesting style. This alone is enough to spend several hours inspecting. The citadel is located on the west coast, surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes. The castle was built for 43 years with all the attention to even the smallest details. The members of the powerful Campbell clan, who at that time had a huge influence in the state, ordered this building. Excursions are held here for tourists from April to October. The gardens surrounding the castle walls are great for walking, and a huge collection of weapons inside can surprise anyone.
Ruins with a long history
Many of Scotland's castles look magnificent, and they once included the Kerlawerk Fortress, which now stands in ruins. The Romans still used this area for their fort on the territory of Britain, from where they attacked. The citadel was erected here in the second half of the thirteenth century by order of Herbert Maxwell. The king of Scotland transferred these lands to his uncle, and he transferred it to his nephew. Active life here did not stop in subsequent years. In the fourteenth century, the fortress became bogged down in conflicts between Scotland and England because of its proximity to the border. During the wars, the castle passed from one side to the other. In 1356, the Scots were entrenched here before being transferred to the English side two centuries later. Prior to this, King James V was visiting the walls of the building. At the end of the sixteenth century, the Maxwells regained their ancestral castle, but after 50 years it was badly damaged in the siege. Since then, no one has restored it, but the building was included in the list of historical heritage.
Castle to relax
Not all castles in Scotland date back to the Middle Ages or are in ruins. A pleasant exception is the former Kalsien fortress, which is now turned into a hotel. Here you can live and enjoy beautiful views of the surroundings, have a great vacation. Initially, the construction was erected for the Scottish Kennedy clan . The family came from Robert Bruce himself, who is a bright personality in the history of the state. The building is surrounded by a large park where you can enjoy nature in the country. Inside, visitors can see furniture created in the eighteenth century, as well as collections of various weapons.