Guide to Scotland's Most Dramatic Castles

A trip to Scotland isn’t complete without a visit to a Scottish castle or two on our trips. Castles have become iconic to Scotland, with thousands of castles dotting the rugged Highlands and islands. While not all are open to the public, there are literally hundreds to choose from – and no matter which castle you visit, you’ll walk away with a sense of wonder and a window into the turbulent past.

Above all, Scottish castles are known for their drama. They are often formidable structures set in magnificent scenery. Castles have played an important role in Scottish history, politics, and folklore – and were frequently the focal point of dispute.

From evocative ruins to grand manor homes, castles-turned-museums to castle hotels, huge Gothic piles to stoically crumbling ruins, Scotland hosts many kinds of castles that pepper the Scottish hills. Most also have beautiful grounds, rugged landscapes or scenic panoramas, making them extraordinary places to explore.

To give you a flavour of what we’re boasting about, in no particular order, our team has curated a list of our favourite and most dramatic Scottish castles. Keep reading to have a look at our castle selections, and see if you agree.

Location: Loch Moidart | Age: 13th century | Clan: MacDonald

Sitting on a small tidal island in Loch Moidart, you’ve got to admit that Castle Tioram is set in one of Scotland’s most spectacular vistas. The castle ruins can only be accessed on foot during low tide or by sea kayaking to its rocky shores. Castle Tioram once boasted an incredibly strategic position, controlling access to Loch Shiel. Sadly, this extraordinary fortification is in a state of complete ruin, and entry to the castle is restricted.

We’ll paddle past Castle Tioram and land on the island on our Atlantic Coast sea kayaking trip.

Location: Angus | Age: 17th century | Clan: Lyon

Glamis Castle is known primarily for being the setting of Shakespeare’s play Macbeth and as the birthplace of the Queen Mother, HM Queen Elizabeth. However, it’s made it onto this list for being rumoured to be one of the most haunted castles in Britain.

Aside from tourists tripping over their tongues trying to pronounce Glamis (hint: it sounds like ‘Glamz Castle’), you can reportedly find four residential ghosts. These mysterious ghosts have been seen numerous times by various witnesses, each with an interesting backstory.

One of the other legends includes a hidden chamber that to this day has not been found. This hidden chamber has been rumoured to contain either a monster, a vampire, a ghost or even the Devil himself playing a game of cards. Perhaps it’s better that this unknown chamber stays hidden!

Location: Loch Ness | Age: 13th century | Clan: Urquhart

Location: Isle of Mull | Age: 13th century | Clan: Maclean

Overlooking Duart Castle.

The MacLean clan features in a variety of bloody stories from the area, giving Game of Thrones characters a run for their money – deadly weddings, torture, kidnapping and various murder attempts, just to name some of their rumoured misdeeds.

Tours are restricted to certain sections of the castle, as the rest is still kept as a family home. The castle is impressive from almost all angles; however, several ferries pass by the castle, which makes for good photo opportunities, such as the one pictured above.

We pass the castle on the ferry on our Mull, Staffa & Iona wildlife holiday. 

Location: Port Appin | Age: 14th century

Castle Stalker was built on a tidal island in Loch Laich near the coastal village of Port Appin, and ticks the box when it comes to dramatic locations. The castle is privately owned, although tours can be arranged upon request. The castle is most well-known for being featured in Monty Python’s The Holy Grail as the “Castle of Aaargh”.

The castle’s history is quite turbulent – it’s changed hands a few times and has been the site (and cause!) of a battle or two. It was initially built by the MacDougall clan, then taken over by the Stewarts when they received lordship over Lorn. Ownership changed a few times over the years between the Campbells and Stewarts for various reasons – it was finally abandoned by the Campbells and purchased privately.

Enjoy a private tour of the castle on our wildlife holiday to Mull, Iona, and Staffa. Or read more about Castle Stalker in our guide to this iconic castle.

Read More

Location: Edinburgh | Age: 12th Century – 21st Century

Edinburgh Castle is, without a doubt, the most famous castle in Scotland. An Edinburgh icon, it is perched dramatically on an ancient volcanic plug overlooking the city. The fortress has been a royal castle since the reign of David I in the 12th century and has served as a royal residence at times. However, since the 17th century, it has primarily been used for housing military barracks. The castle has changed hands numerous times throughout history, and historians claim it is one of the most besieged castles in the world.

Managed by Historic Environment Scotland, the castle is one of Scotland’s most popular tourist destinations. It comprises several museums and exhibitions, displaying the Scottish Crown Jewels. The cost of entry to the castle is steep, but worth it – you can easily spend a whole day there exploring the various nooks and crannies.

TIP: The famous Edinburgh Military Tattoo takes place on the esplanade in front of the castle every summer and is definitely worth experiencing.

Visit Edinburgh Castle on a self-drive adventure from Edinburgh to Highland Perthshire.

Location: Golspie | Age: 13th Century | Clan: Sutherland

The French Renaissance-style architecture of Dunrobin Castle is striking and uncommon in Scotland. The castle is also one of the oldest great houses that has been continuously inhabited, firstly by the Earls and later by the Dukes of Sutherland. In its original form, the castle was a fortified hill fort, but it has undergone many additions and renovations over the centuries that followed.

The castle as you see it today is the result of work done by Sir Charles Barry in 1845 and later Sir Robert Lorimer in 1915. The castle has led a somewhat dual existence, serving as a hospital during the First World War and later as an all-boys boarding school for seven years.

Visitors to the castle will be delighted by the fascinating museum located within castle grounds, and the beautiful gardens. Along with the exterior changes, Sir Charles Barry also laid out the extensive French gardens, which were inspired by the Palace of Versailles. Summer visitors get to enjoy falconry displays in the gardens with a visit to the castle.

You can include a visit to Dunrobin Castle on our Self-Drive – North Coast 500 itinerary.