Nowhere does castles quite like Scotland. Here you can find some of the most beautiful fortresses in the world, with rich histories and breathtaking scenic backdrops.
Each of them tells its own tale of our nation, century after century – from clans to royalty, uprisings, invasions, and war. And many of them have starred in major TV shows and films – from Game of Thrones to Outlander and even James Bond.
We asked readers on our Destination ScotlandFacebook group their favourite castles in Scotland – this is what they said.
We asked readers on our Destination ScotlandFacebook group their favourite castles in Scotland – this is what they said.
13. Craigmillar Castle
Edinburgh's lesser-known castle is no less fascinating and steeped in history. South of the city centre, Craigmillar Castle was famously used as a safe haven by Mary Queen of Scots in 1566. Now in ruins, it is nonetheless considered one of the best-preserved Medieval castles in Scotland. Photo: Getty Images
Seated on a cliff overlooking the River Ness, Inverness Castle towers over its city with its red sandstone walls. Though the current structure was built in the 19th Century, the site has been fortified for more than a thousand years. Key moments include the summoning and subsequent execution of clan chiefs by James I in 1428, and the gates being shut against Mary Queen of Scots in 1562 - the Fraser and Munro clans surrounded her and took the castle for the queen. Photo: Getty Images