<< Home
General Reading: Scottish Castles
|
Scottish Castles:
Castle Menzies
This spectacular sixteenth century castle, restored by the Menzies Clan Society, welcomes visitors. Seat of the Chiefs of Clan Menzies for over 400 years and importantly situated, it was involved in the turbulent history of the Highlands and here Bonnie Prince Charlie rested on his way to Culloden in 1746.
Affleck
Affleck Tower is an L-plan tower that is fairly plain on the outside, and well-designeed as a defensive castle. It has a pair of battlemented cap-houses and gun-ports on the lower levels, but the interior is four/five stories of fine living in the tower and "L" respectively. The castle was built about 1460 near Dundee in Tayside, probably by the Auchinleks, who were the hereditary armour-bearers to the powerful Clan Lindsay, the Earls of Balcarres. The castle is kept up beautifully, but is no longer open to the public due to the inconsiderate behavior of some past visitors.
Ardvreck
Ardvreck Castle is situated on a rocky promontory that juts into Loch Assynt. The three-storey tower was built by the MacLeods of Assynt in two phases around 1500 and 1590. In 1650, James Graham, Marquis of Montrose was imprisoned in the castle after his defeat at the Battle of Carbisdale. He was handed over to the Covenanters who took him to Edinburgh where he was hanged. In 1672 the castle was sacked by the Mackenzies and subsequently replaced by nearby Calda House.
Blair Castle
Dating from 1269 Blair Castle has been the home of the Atholl family for over 700 years. Set in the dramatic scenery of Strath Garry, it commands a strategic position on the route north, welcoming guests as Scotland's most visited private home. Blair Castle is steeped in history, it is reputed to have been the last castle besieged in Britain and is home to the only remaining private army in Europe, the Atholl Highlanders. The Castle presents a stirring picture of Scottish life from the 16th century to the present day.
Craigmillar
Craigmillar castle is a castle situated five kilometres south-east of the centre of the city of Edinburgh. It was begun in the late 14th century by the Preston family, who were lairds of Craigmillar. In 1660 the castle was sold to Sir John Gilmour. The Gilmours left Craigmillar castle in the 18th century and it fell into ruin. Craigmillar castle is best known for its association with Mary I of Scotland. Following the birth of her son, the future James I of England, Mary arrived at Craigmillar on November 20, 1566 to convalesce. Before leaving on December 7, 1566, a pact was made there, with or without her knowledge, to dispose of her husband Henry Stuart, Lord Darnley.
Suggested Reading: Craigmillar Castle: Edinburgh by William Douglas Simpson |
|
Crathes
Crathes sits on land gifted to the Burnett of Leys family by King Robert the Bruce in 1323. In the 14th and 15th century the Burnett of Leys built a fortress of timbers on an island they made in the middle of a nearby bog. This method of fortiification, known as a crannog, was common in the Late Middle Ages. Construction of the current tower house of Crathes Castle was began 1553 but delayed several times during its construction due to political problems during the reign of Mary Queen of Scots. Crathes castleIt was completed in 1596 by Alexander Burnett, and an additional wing added in 18th century. Alexander Burnett, who completed the construction of Crathes, began a new project, the early 17th century reconstruction of nearby Muchalls Castle. That endeavour was completed by his son, Sir Thomas Burnett. Crathes Castle served as the ancestral seat of the Burnetts of Leys until gifted to the National Trust for Scotland by the 13th Baronet of Leys, Sir James Burnett in 1951. A fire damaged portions of the castle (in particular the Queen Anne wing) in 1966. Another historically important structure in this region linked to the Burnett of Leys family is Monboddo House.
Suggested Reading: Crathes Castle: An illustrated account by Schomberg Scott |
|
Crichton
Crichton Castle is a ruined castle situated near the village of Pathhead, Midlothian in southern Scotland. It was built by John de Crichton in the late 14th century as his family residence, and extended by his son, William Crichton, who later became the Lord Chancellor of Scotland. Later it became a seat of the Earls of Bothwell. Mary, Queen of Scots spent a few nights at the castle while at a wedding. The castle's most distinctive feature is it's Italian-influenced façade surrounding the central courtyard.
Culzean
Culzean Castle on the Ayrshire coast is the most visited property of the National Trust for Scotland. Built in the late sixteenth century above a network of caves, the castle became a centre for smuggling during the eighteenth century. Sir Thomas Kennedy, 9th Earl of Cassillis, went on an extended grand tour in the 1750s and returned full of ideas as to how to improve his vast estates and home. His brother and heir commissioned Robert Adam to create his masterpiece and became bankrupt as a result. The estate was rescued when wealthy American cousins inherited it in 1792. Archibald Kennedy, 1st Marquess of Ailsa, completed the house and lavished money on the property. Four hundred years of family history reveal a tale of murder, gardening, Indian wars, game hunting, temperance, heroic gambling, farming, sailing, financial difficulties, and good taste.
|
Dirleton
Dirleton Castle is a medieval fortress in the village of Dirleton, East Lothian, Scotland. Built in the 13th century by John De Vaux and altered through various phases of conquest and rebuilding throughout the years, today the castle is partially ruined but is maintained as a tourist attraction by Historic Scotland. The name De Vaux also lives on in the village as the nearby Open Arms Hotel has named their brasserie "De Vaux's". After being used as a base by Oliver Cromwell, the castle was partly destroyed in 1651 when attacked by cannon. It was soon acquired by a local family who lived at the nearby Archerfield Estate. After becoming renowned for its gardens it became state property in 1923.
Suggested Reading: Dirleton Castle by J. S Richardson |
|
Doune
Doune Castle is an imposing Medieval castle in the Stirling district of central Scotland, sited on a wooded bend where a tributary joins the River Teith, across a bridge from the village of Doune. It lies 8 miles (13 km) north-west of Stirling where the River Teith flows into the River Forth. Upstream, 8 miles (13 km) further north-west the town of Callander lies at the edge of the Trossachs mountain region of the Scottish highlands. The site is defended on three sides by the ground sloping steeply down to the rivers, and the approach from the north is defended by earthworks. The castle is entered through a narrow gateway and a 46 ft (14 m) long vaulted passageway that leads to a large central courtyard. Off this, steps lead up to the Great hall which is connected by arched servery hatches and a door to the massive kitchen. An enclosed staircase from the courtyard reaches the timber panelled Lord's hall and other apartments, which all together give a vivid impression of life in a medieval castle
Dunnottar
Dunnottar Castle is a ruined medieval fortress located upon a rocky outcrop on the north-east coast of Scotland, about two miles south of Stonehaven. Dunnotar played a central role in the history of Scotland from the Middle Ages through to the Enlightenment, due to its strategic location overlooking the shipping lanes to northern Scotland and also being situated on a fairly narrow coastal terrace that controlled land movements, and controlling the land access to the ancient Causey Mounth, the only medieval route from the coastal south to Aberdeen. The site, now owned by private interests but open to the public, is visited by hundreds of thousands of tourists annually.
Dunstaffnage
Dunstaffnage Castle is a castle ruin of Argyllshire, Scotland, 3 miles N.N.E. of Oban. It is situated on a platform of conglomerate rock forming a promontory at the south-west of the entrance to Loch Etive and is surrounded on three sides by the sea. Dunstaffnage Castle.It dates from the 13th century, occupying the site of the earlier stronghold in which was kept the Stone of Destiny prior to its removal to Scone Palace in 843. The castle is a quadrangular structure of great strength, with rounded towers at three of the angles, and has a circumference of about 400 ft. The walls are 60 feet high and 10 feet thick, affording a safe promenade, which commands a splendid view. Brass cannon recovered from wrecked vessels of the Spanish Armada are mounted on the walls.
Edinburgh
Edinburgh Castle is an ancient stronghold which from its lofty position dominates views of the City of Edinburgh and is Scotland's most famous landmark. A stronghold has existed on this site since the 7th century. However, with the exception of the 12th century Chapel of St Margaret, there are only scant and much-altered remains of medieval fortifications. The King's Lodging, Great Hall and Half Moon Battery date from the 15th and 16th centuries. Used by military forces since 900 AD, the castle was until recently administered by the Ministry of Defence. As Scotland's most-visited paying tourist attraction it is now managed by Historic Scotland.
Suggested Reading: Edinburgh Castle by The Stationery Office Books |
|
Eilean Donan
Eilean Donan castle is the famous castle situated on the island. The original castle was built in 1220 for Alexander II as a defence against the Vikings. By the late 13th century it had become a stronghold of the Mackenzies of Kintail (later the Earls of Seaforth). In 1511, the MacRaes, as protectors of the MacKenzies, became the hereditary Constables of the Castle. In April 1719 the castle was occupied by Spanish troops attempting to start another Jacobite Rising. The castle was recaptured, and then demolished, by three Royal Navy frigates on 10–13 May 1719. The Spanish troops were defeated a month later in the Battle of Glen Shiel.
Glamis Castle
Well within an easy day trip is superb Glamis Castle - the family home of the Earls of Strathmore and Kinghorne, and a royal residence since 1372. It was the childhood home of HM Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, the birthplace of Her Royal Highness The Princess Margaret and the legendary setting of Shakespeare's play "Macbeth". Though the Castle is open to visitors it remains a family home, lived in and loved by the Strathmore family.
Suggested Reading: Glamis Castle: Post Medieval Archaeology by Harry Gordon Slade |
|
Hermitage
Hermitage Castle is a castle in the border region of Scotland. It is under the care of Historic Scotland. It is thought that the name derives from Old French: l'armitage - guardhouse. It was known as the 'the guardhouse of the bloodiest valley in Britain' , another name for Liddesdale. Supposedly built by one Nicholas de Soulis around 1240, in a typical Norman Motte and Bailey pattern. It stayed in his family until approximately 1320 when his descendant, William de Soulis was forfeited on account of witchcraft and the attempted regicide of King Robert I. Legend has it that Soulis' tenantry, having suffered unbearable depredations, arrested him and at the nearby Ninestane Rig ( a megalithic circle), had him boiled to death in molten lead.
Lauriston
The original tower house was built around 1590 by Sir Archibald Napier of Merchiston, the father of John Napier (1550 – 1617), the inventor of logarithms, for his younger son, also named Archibald. Later, it was the home of John Law (1671 – 1729), the economist and of the Right Hon. Andrew Lord Rutherfurd (1791 – 1854). In 1827, Thomas Allan, a banker and mineralogist, commissioned William Burn (1789 – 1870) to extend the house in the Jacobean style. William Reid, proprietor of Morison and Co., acquired Lauriston Castle in 1902, installed modern plumbing and electricity, and filled the house with a collection of fine furniture and artwork. Reid and his wife left their home to Scotland on the condition that it should be preserved unchanged. The City of Edinburgh has administered the house since Mrs Reid's death in 1926, which today offers a fascinating glimpse of Edwardian life in a Scottish country house. At some point during its numerous refurbishments, a stone carving of an astrological horoscope was installed in the outer wall, on the southwest corner. The horoscope was reputedly done by John Napier for his brother. It can be seen in some pictures on the front wall, beneath the left-most stair tower, near the ground.
Neidpath
Neidpath Castle is a L-plan rubble built tower, over looking the river Tweed about 1 mile (2 km) west of Peebles in South East Scotland. The castle is open to the public. Neidpath castle saw conflict during the Civil War when it was invested by the Roundheads, and bombarded into submission. The bombardment was never fully repaired and the resulting rubble and effect are still visible today. The castle was originally built by the Fraser family, perhaps in the 14th century. Soon after it came into the ownership of the Earl of Tweeddale (the Hay family), and remained in their ownership until the end of the 17th century. The castle is still owned privately by the Earl of Wemyss and March. At some point in the late 18th century the castle was rented as a residence by Adam Ferguson.
St. Andrews
St Andrews Castle is a picturesque ruin located in the coastal Royal Burgh of St Andrews in Fife, Scotland. The castle sits on a rocky promontory overlooking a small beach called Castle Sands and the adjoining the North Sea. There has been a castle standing at the site since the times of Bishop Roger (1189-1202), son of the Earl of Leicester. It housed the burgh’s wealthy and powerful bishops while St Andrews served as the ecclesiastical center of Scotland during the years before the Protestant Reformation. The castle grounds are now maintained by Historic Scotland.
Stirling
Stirling Castle is a castle in Stirling, Scotland. The castle sits atop the castle hill, a volcanic crag, and is surrounded on three sides by steep cliffs. This made easy defending for anyone in Stirling Castle during the times of war in Scotland, such as the Wars for Independence. The castle is a national monument, and is managed by the Historic Scotland agency. It is the headquarters of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders regiment, although the regiment is no longer garrisoned there. The regimental museum is located within the castle.
Suggested Reading: Stirling Castle: The Restoration of the Great Hall by Richard Fawcett |
|
Tantallon
Tantallon Castle is located 3 miles east of North Berwick in Scotland. It sits atop a cliff face opposite Bass Rock, looking out onto the Firth of Forth. Currently in ruins, it is now in the care of Historic Scotland.
Urquhart
Urquhart Castle sits beside Loch Ness in Scotland along the A82 road, between Fort William and Inverness. It is close to the village of Drumnadrochit. The earliest history of the castle goes back to the time of St. Columba, when the castle is probably mentioned in Adamnan's Life of Columba: it is probably the site called Airchartdan, visited by Columba in the latter half of the sixth century, during one of his visits to King Brude of the northern Picts. Columba took the opportunity to convert his host Emchath and his son Virolec to Christianity. Unfortunately, Adamnan’s text gives no specific link to the castle and the location of the episode is described as being the agrum of Airchartdan. This probably means the estate and certainly does not refer to the settlement in which Columba stayed. In view of the use of the term agrum, it would be as easy to see Drumnadrochit as the location of Emchath's residence as there is no mention of a fortified structure. However, one of the radiocarbon dates obtained by the late Professor Leslie Alcock in his 1983 excavations within the castle was in the range 460-660 AD. It is thus probable that there was a fortified settlement on Strone Point during the time that Columba visited the area, and it is reasonable to assume that this would have been the home of Emchath. No other noble is mentioned in this episode, so it is probable that Columba stayed at Urquhart Castle on his way to visit Brude at Craig Phádrig, Inverness.
Suggested Reading: Urquhart Castle and the Great Glen by Nick Bridgland |
|
Top
|
