Scotland’s castles are a great testimony to the country’s rich and exciting history—and a tour will take you back to some of the most romantic, most violent, most important and most fascinating moments in its past.
One of Scotland’s most famous castles is the Traquiar. While it’s not the oldest, it is the one that has been most continually inhabited. It has a romantic and interesting past; legend says that the gates will stay closed until a Stuart ascends to the throne once more. The last royal to stay here was Prince Charles Edward Stuart, around 1745.
The Jedburgh castle, which houses one of the world’s most famous museums, was the home of Mary Queen of Scots. Her rooms, appropriately called Mary Queen of Scots house, and the Palace of Scottish Kings and Queens, are in relatively good condition and give you an idea of what life was once like in this famous chateau. Legend has it that she caught a fever there and nearly died, but was so happy with her stay there that when she was imprisoned by Elizabeth I of England, she said, “Would that I had died in Jedburgh…” The museum houses many beautiful artifacts and armour, and some of her possessions, and they are conveniently arranged into different sections that recount the life of the famous ruler.
You should also see one of the country’s most awe-inspiring castles, the Hermitage Castle. Its imposing faÁade still sends chills down visitors’ spines. One of the most famous moments in its history was when the future husband of Mary Queen of Scots lay wounded on its fields, and she—the devoted lover—traveled out from Jedburgh to attend to him.
The Culzean Castle stands on the sea cliffs of Southwest Scotland. This tower house has one of the most romantic views in the country, and was in fact used by US President Eisenhower, who occupied the top apartment during the end of the second world war.
Castle Urquhart is Scotland’s largest and one of the most important castles. It stands guard on the Great Glen, overlooking Loch Ness (yes, the area made famous all over the world for the mysterious prehistoric sea creature which supposedly dwelt in its waters). There is a burial cairn there which dates back to nearly 2000 BC, with evidence of a fort that may have even dated back to the Iron Age. This castle has seen many battles, and some of the country’s bloodiest battles were fought on its fields. While most of the castle lies in ruins (after the last great battle, it was dismantled by the people who used its materials to build their homes) it is worth a trip because of its romantic history.
Another castle that has seen turbulent times is Threave Castle, which was built over 500 years ago. However, it is now very peaceful—surrounded by woodlands and marsh. It is inaccessible during the winter, so the best time to see it is during the summer.