My Favourite Scottish Castles

Scotland is notorious for its many castles. It’s estimated that there have been over 3,000 castles built over the years, with over 1,000 castles still residing now. With that, you’ll never find yourself too far of a journey from one! As a history graduate as well as a photographer, I always try and make time to stop and admire these incredible places. From famous and iconic, to unusual or hidden, here is my list of my favourite castles that I have visited in Scotland.

Dunnottar Castle

Dunnottar Castle is a ruined medieval fortress built on a rocky headland on the north-eastern coast of Scotland, just south of Stonehaven. Whilst the surviving buildings are 15th-16th century, the site itself is believed to have been fortified in the Early Middle Ages. The castle has played an important role in the history of Scotland due to its strategic location and defensive strength. I’ve visited this castle a good number of times now, and its scale never fails to impress me!

Castle Stalker

Castle Stalker is a four-storey tower house, set on a tidal islet on Loch Laich. The name ‘Stalker’ comes from the Gaelic Stalcaire, meaning "hunter" or "falconer". The island castle is one of the best preserved medieval tower houses to survive in western Scotland. It is accessible during low tide, but I have never been able to time my visit successfully and so I continue to admire this place from afar.

Craigievar Castle

Nestled in the Aberdeenshire hillside, this iconic tower house was begun in the Scottish Baronial style around 1576. It is among the best preserved and the most loved in Scotland, boasting virtually the same exterior since William Forbes completed it in 1626. Craigievar was a family home until the 1960s, where it is now available to explore both inside and out. Said to be the inspiration for Walt Disney’s Cinderella castle, it’s easy to see why.

Boyne Castle

Perhaps the most niche place on this list, Boyne is a large and overgrown courtyard castle built in the late 16th century situated east of Portsoy, Aberdeenshire. Albeit looking a little worse for wear than some other places, Boyne Castle offers itself as a great exploration site. Authentic, raw and rugged - this place certainly has its own charm. Overall, a great place if you’re looking to get off the beaten path.

Eilean Donan Castle

Easily one of the most recognised castles in Scotland, Eilean Donan is one of the most photographed monuments in the country and probably features on more shortbread tins than any other. Located on its own island overlooking the Isle of Skye, the views at this place are unlike any other. Interestingly, the island's original castle was built in the thirteenth century, becoming a stronghold of the Clan Mackenzie. However, in response to the Mackenzies' involvement in the Jacobite rebellions, government ships destroyed the castle in 1719. What you see now is Lieutenant-Colonel John Macrae-Gilstrap's 20th-century reconstruction of the old castle.

Corgarff Castle

Corgarff Castle was built around 1530 and leased to the Forbes of Towie, but was tragically burned down by their enemy Adam Gordon of Auchindoun in 1571, resulting in 26 deaths. This castle was burned down two more times both in 1689 and 1716 by Jacobite supporters, until 1748 when it was bought by the British government. It was rebuilt as barracks and stationed by troops until 1831, after which the tower was used to suppress illegal whisky distilling in the surrounding area.

Slains Castle

Slains Castle, also known as New Slains Castle, was constructed in 1597 on the coast of Cruden Bay. This place is perhaps most notorious for being the inspiration for the setting of the tale of Count Dracula. For example, it has been noted that the castles octagonal hall matches the description of the octagonal room in Castle Dracula. After succumbing to a series of misfortunes experienced by the owners, the castle was sadly gave up in 1925. The roof was removed, possibly to avoid paying taxes, and the building was left to the elements, giving it the appearance you see today.

That concludes my list of my favourite Scottish castles. I still haven’t even visited all that I’d like to yet, there’s just so many! It’s just one reason as to why I love Scotland so much, it’s so rich in history you could study it for years and still not even touch the surface. I intend to travel, photograph, and learn more about this incredible country whilst sharing my experiences along the way, so please do stick around for the journey.

Thank you for reading, and happy exploring!