Castles in Scotland

Discover 45 unusual castles in Scotland.

From inside the defensive walls.

Elgin, Scotland

Duffus Castle

Once considered one of the country's finest motte and bailey castles.

Dunyvaig Castle

Isle of Islay, Scotland

Dunyvaig Castle

It's believed a castle existed at this site since the 12th century.

The remains of Dunure Castle

Dunure, Scotland

Dunure Castle

Now in ruins, this castle stood for centuries and saw a number of gruesome events.

Sanquhar Castle

Sanquhar, Scotland

Sanquhar Castle

A 13th-century stronghold that has fallen into ruin.

The steep sided mottehill

Mochrum, Scotland

Druchtag Mote

Nine hundred years ago, this was the home of a feudal lord. Today all that remains is a steep mound surrounded by a deep moat.

Kenmure Castle from down the hill

New Galloway, Scotland

Kenmure Castle

Believed to be the birthplace of John Balliol.

Perched on top of a cliff

Portpatrick, Scotland

Dunskey Castle

The ruins of a 12th-century seaside castle on the southwest coast of Scotland.

Rait Castle

Nairn, Scotland

Rait Castle

In the Scottish Highlands, this 13th-century castle ruin is hidden at the end of a farm track.

The King and Queen's Knots

Stirling, Scotland

The King's Knot

These formal gardens were designed to be admired from the vantage point of the castle.

Mar's Wark

Stirling, Scotland

Mar's Wark

The main residence of the Erskine family and the hereditary keeper of the nearby royal Stirling Castle.

Hermit's Castle

Achmelvich, Scotland

Hermit's Castle

Believed to be the smallest castle in Europe.

Merchiston Tower

Edinburgh, Scotland

Merchiston Tower

A former medieval fortress, now home to Edinburgh Napier University, contains a rather risqué work of art.

Hermitage Castle

Hermitage, Scotland

Hermitage Castle

This castle resides in a valley known for immense bloodshed during the Middle Ages.

Fa'side Castle

East Lothian, Scotland

Fa'side Castle

A historic fortification critical to Anglo-Scottish conflicts now serves as a bed and breakfast.

Permanently Closed

Isle of Rum, Scotland

Kinloch Castle

This once-majestic, now-abandoned Victorian castle has seen better days.

Johnstone Castle.

Johnstone, Scotland

Johnstone Castle

A 16th-century castle unexpectedly nestled within a post-war housing development.