Scottish Castles and Clans: 17 Famous Castles and the Clans that occupied them
Scottish castles remind us of Scotland’s rich history, when these majestic settlements were at the heart of ruthless battles being fought by clans seeking to protect their land from invaders or conquer others.
Scotland has thousands of castles and strongholds (or ‘Clan seats of power’) that act as striking reminders of our country’s Clan history and how powerful it was in shaping the Scotland we live in even today.
Estimates show that Scotland has around 500 clans and historically they all had their own territories and castles and some like Clan Campbell, historically one of the most powerful Highland clans, had multiple settlements that can still be accessed today.
In appreciation of Scottish heritage and our country’s dark history, here are 17 famous castles in Scotland, the clans that historically occupied them and where they can be found.
In appreciation of Scottish heritage and our country’s dark history, here are 17 famous castles in Scotland, the clans that historically occupied them and where they can be found.
5. Clan MacDougall - Castle Stalker
Castle Stalker (or ‘Caisteal an Stalcaire’ in Scottish Gaelic) rests in the mouth of Loch Laich which is in-between Glencoe and Oban. It was originally constructed by Clan MacDougall in 1320, who were then known as the Lords of Lorn. However, the Stewart clan later took over the Lordship of Lorn and it is thought that they built the castle as it exists now in its current form around 1440. Photo: cokfrancken (Flickr)
Clan Macleod is thought to have descended from a warrior called Leod who was said to be the son of Olaf the Black, the King of Mann. Clan Macleod is closely associated with the Isle of Skye and as such you can find this castle off the West Coast of Scotland. Photo: nataliyahora via Canva Pro
Castle Varrich is an old ruin of the Mackay Clan located near Tongue (Sutherland) in the far north of Scotland where you can discover extraordinary views of Ben Loyal mountain. It was reportedly the seat of the Chief of the Mackay Clan for hundreds of years, and some suspect the fort we see today was built atop of an existing Norse fort in the 14th century. Photo: Paul Hermans via WikiCommons
The Gaelic translation for this castle, "cam beul", means "curved mouth". Clan Campbell is well-known for being one of the largest and most powerful Scottish clans with massive influence that stretched from Edinburgh to the Outer Hebrides. This castle is one of many that historically belonged to the clan but this one was their 'power base' on the West Coast located by Loch Fyne. Photo: Bernard Blanc via Flickr