The Ultimate Guide to Scottish Castles

Eilean Donan is one of Scotland’s most photographed castles, and it is easy to see why! Situated at the meeting point of 3 separate Sea Lochs (Loch Duich, Loch Long and Loch Alsh), the stunning Eilean Donan Castle stands as one of the most beautiful sites in Scotland. Built in the 13th century to defend against Viking raids, it has stood as a key defensive fortification for those looking to protect the Isles of Scotland until its infamous destruction after the Jacobite rebellion in 1719. Thanks to a years-long restoration project, the castle was almost entirely rebuilt in the early 20th century and is now one of Scotland’s most famous castles, known for its scenic placement and impressive architecture. Eilean Donan is a must-see for anyone planning a sightseeing tour of Scotland; it’s most often included as a stop on trips along the West Coast and to the iconic Isle of Skye. 

Few landmarks define Scotland’s capital quite like Edinburgh Castle. Perched high on an extinct volcanic rock, it dominates the city skyline and offers sweeping views across Edinburgh and beyond. As one of the most visited attractions in the UK, its popularity comes as no surprise.

The castle is steeped in history, having served as a royal residence, military stronghold, and symbol of Scottish power for centuries. Within its walls lies St Margaret’s Chapel, the oldest surviving building in Edinburgh, dating back to the 12th century. From royal ceremonies to historic sieges, the castle has witnessed some of the most significant moments in Scotland’s past.

Today, it remains one of the most popular things to do in Edinburgh, drawing visitors year-round. In August, the castle takes centre stage during the world-famous Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, when its esplanade transforms into a dramatic setting for music, performance, and ceremony, attracting audiences from across the globe.

Arguably the most important castle in Scotland, few carry as much historical weight as Stirling Castle. From the Battle of Bannockburn to the Battle of Stirling Bridge, its strategic position offered numerous tactical advantages to the armies fighting to control Scotland. Once described as the key to the kingdom, it was said that whoever controls Stirling Castle controls the whole of Scotland. Perched high above the city on a volcanic crag, the castle commands sweeping views across the surrounding landscape.

Inside, the castle has been carefully restored to reflect its 16th-century grandeur, offering a vivid glimpse into royal life during the Renaissance. Visitors can explore richly decorated halls and enjoy guided tours from those who bring the castle’s past to life, making it an engaging experience for anyone interested in Scottish history.

Stirling Castle is often included in journeys through Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, making it easy to combine history with Scotland’s most scenic landscapes

Possibly the most dramatic location on our list, the hidden gem of Dunnottar Castle. Perched on a 160-foot rock near Stonehaven and surrounded by the North Sea on three sides, its location alone makes it unforgettable. These impenetrable cliff-top ruins housed the Earls Marischal, a hereditary role tasked with protecting the King, for generations until their involvement in the Jacobite Rising in 1715.

Although now in ruins, Dunnottar was once a formidable medieval fortress. Its isolated position made it the perfect hiding place for Scotland’s crown jewels during the 17th century, protecting them from the advancing forces of Oliver Cromwell. Today, visitors can explore the remains of the castle while taking in sweeping coastal views, offering a powerful sense of both history and place.

Dunnottar Castle is often included in tours of Aberdeenshire, Balmoral, and the North East of Scotland. 

Ardross Castle is one of the newer castles on this list, being built in the 19th century. Sir Alexander Matheson built the estate, hoping to attract agricultural tenants to expand the local industry. Ardross has recently found new life as the location of the TV show The Traitors, with its interiors and its grounds both being used to film the series since 2022. The castle is located about 25 miles north of Inverness and makes the perfect setting for the series thanks to its dramatic architecture and sprawling grounds. While the castle, unfortunately, isn’t open to the public, it’s used to host weddings for couples who want a luxury wedding venue.

Midhope is another castle which has made its way onto the big screen in the 21st century. You might recognise this castle from Outlander, thanks to its starring role as the fictional “Lallybroch”. The castle dates back to the 15th century, being used by multiple generations of Royalty and noble families. By the 19th century, it had been mostly abandoned and was only occasionally used to house farm workers or to store equipment. The castle remained derelict until it was declared a Scheduled Monument in the 1950s, and in the 1980s, restoration works began giving the castle a new lease on life. It wasn't until 2013 that the castle gained its notoriety as Jamie Fraser's home in Outlander, shortly after being de-scheduled and allowing visitors to view the exterior of the castle. 

If you want to read more about the history that shaped the Outlander series, check out our blog on the final season and the real locations behind the show. 

Set on the shores of the Firth of Forth, Blackness Castle is instantly recognisable thanks to its unusual shape, earning it the nickname “the ship that never sailed”. Over the centuries, Blackness has served many roles, including a royal residence, fortress, prison, and ammunition depot. More recently, it has gained international attention as a filming location, also appearing in Outlander as Fort William. Its blend of history and cinematic appeal continues to draw visitors interested in both Scotland’s past and its presence on screen.

Set within the scenic Cairngorms landscape, Balmoral Castle has long been associated with the British royal family. The Balmoral Estate has a long history of being tied to Scottish Kings and Jacobite sympathisers, before eventually being purchased by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in the 19th century, who commissioned the construction of the castle as a private Highland retreat.

Since then, Balmoral has remained a much-loved residence for the royal family, who continue to spend time there each year. Surrounded by forests, mountains, and rivers, the estate offers a peaceful contrast to Scotland’s more dramatic castles, providing insight into a different aspect of the country’s history and heritage.

Overlooking the River Ness, Inverness Castle occupies a prominent position in the capital of the Highlands. While the current structure dates to the 19th century, the site itself has been associated with castles for nearly a thousand years, reflecting its long-standing importance in the region.

Throughout its history, the castle has served a variety of purposes, including as a military stronghold, courthouse, and prison. Following extensive renovations, the castle is set to reopen as a visitor attraction, offering a new way to explore the history and heritage of the Highlands from one of its most recognisable landmarks.

Doune Castle is one of Scotland’s most recognisable castles, both for its medieval architecture and its extensive appearances on screen. Originally built in the 14th century, it once served as a strategic stronghold and noble residence.

Today, it is perhaps best known as a filming location, appearing as Castle Leoch in Outlander, as well as featuring in productions such as Outlaw King, Game of Thrones, and Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Its well-preserved great hall and tower give visitors a strong sense of medieval life, while its on-screen legacy adds an extra layer of interest for film and television fans.

From dramatic cliffside ruins to royal residences steeped in history, Scotland’s castles offer a remarkable window into the country’s past. Whether you’re drawn to iconic landmarks or lesser-known gems, exploring these historic sites is one of the most memorable ways to experience the landscape and heritage of Scotland.

For those looking to see several castles in a single journey, guided experiences can provide a relaxed and insightful way to travel between regions. Routes through the west Highlands are particularly rewarding, combining castles with lochs, mountains, and some of Scotland’s most breathtaking scenery — bringing together history and landscape in one unforgettable trip.