MAGNIFICENT CASTLES IN SCOTLAND

A visit to Scotland is surely not complete without getting caught up in the fascinating history of its many castles.

The first Scottish castles were built under the reign of David I in the 12th century and were primarily used for defence. The earliest Scottish castles were stone tower houses and some of the much larger castles you see today were built around these tower houses.

There are incredible castles in Scotland in truly spectacular settings with so many immaculately preserved. Once upon a time close to 3000 castles graced the Scottish countryside, not all survived and we are going to visit the most breathtaking of them all.

EDINBURGH CASTLE

Sitting on a mighty rock high above Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh Castle is Scotland’s most exciting historic castle. It houses the oldest Crown Jewels in Britain, the Stone of Destiny, Mona Meg, a famous 15th century cannon and The National War Museum of Scotland.

Although Edinburgh Castle has never succumbed to actual open assault, over the centuries it has received a terrible battering. In 1650 Cromwell's artillery bombarded the castle for three month. It was only when Cromwell threatened to blow up the rock with a mine did the occupants surrender.

The castle was home to Kings and Queens for many centuries and when you visit you will be drawn into the castle’s complex history.

BALMORAL CASTLE

Balmoral Castle is owned by King Charles III and and has been a private family possession since the 1850s. It is the Scottish holiday home of the Royal Family.

In terms of age it is a fairly new castle. In the 14th century King Robert II built a hunting lodge and it was not until 400 years later that a Scottish courtier built a smaller castle on the estate. Queen Victoria and Prince Albert bought Balmoral castle and its estate in 1852, demolished it and had a new castle built in the Baronial style which was completed in 1859.

Balmoral Castle is open to the public for a few short months of the year and is a must visit if you like fine architecture.The gardens of Balmoral Castle are simply stunning.

STIRLING CASTLE

Stirling Castle is one of the largest castles in Scotland, sits on a volcanic rock above the river Forth surrounded on three sides by steep cliffs and is visible for many miles in every direction. Stirling is particularly remembered for its part in the Scottish Wars of Independence with Engalnd, and as the castle dominated the passage to the north of Scotland it became the focus of military operations. In 1297 the Scots under William Wallace beat the English at Stirling Bridge and another important battle was Robert Bruce's decisive victory at Bannockburn in 1314.

Stirling Castle was the childhood home of Mary Queen of Scots and it became a favourite residende of the Stewart kings and queens who held stately celebrations from coronations to christenings.

The Castle is now in the care of Historic Environment Scotland which is a public body set up to care for and promote Scotland's historic environment. Stirling Castle is known for its splendour and craftsmanship internationally and is a must see destination for any visitor to Scotland.

CAWDOR CASTLE

You will find Cawdor Castle about five miles south west of Nairn. The Castle was built around a 15th century tower house which belonged to the Cawdor Clan and was then acquired by the Campbells in the 16th century.

Visiting the Castle is a delight. It is famed for the literary connection to Shakespeare’s Macbeth and according to legend it was built around a thorn tree which has since been identified as a holly tree dating back to 1372. You can still see the tree today in the dungeons.

Like so many castles in Scotland, Cawdor Castle is haunted. One ghost is a mysterious lady in a blue velvet dress, the other is thought to be Sir John Campbell, the first Lord Cawdor.

Glamis Castle

Glamis Castle is the family home of the Earls of Strathmore and Kinghorne and was the childhood home of HM Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother. Princess Margaret was also born there. What an introduction!

With its fairytale towers and delightful architecture it is known as Scotland’s most beautiful castle. Exploring the castle gardens and grounds is a joy in any season and The Nature Trail will show off an abundance of majestic trees.

Glamis Castle is currently the home of Simon Bowes-Lyon, 19th Earl of Strathmore and Kinghorne.

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