Castles of Scotland | Scottish Castles List

A draw for vast numbers of tourists every year, the Castles of Scotland are among the most popular visitor attractions in the country. In fact, the list of Scottish Castles contains a wide range of fascinating fortifications, from beautiful castle ruins to fully functioning royal residences and everything in between.

From the world famous Stirling Castle, which brings you straight into the world of James V to the remnants of Craigmillar, Dirleton or Craigmillar Castle, the castles of Scotland have a huge variety of experiences and stories. Indeed, the history of Scotland’s castles, and the events they have witnessed through the centuries, is often as enthralling as the castles themselves. First appearing in the 11th and 12th centuries, many of Scotland’s castles were influenced by the Normans, who were constructing fortifications across England to the south. Stone built castles began to appear in Scotland around 1200AD and some of the great Scottish castles were constructed over the next two hundred years.

For a considerable time, the castles of Scotland played a pivotal role in the country’s military history – through wars with England, internal struggles and civil unrest. However, as with castles across Europe, the advent of gunpowder saw Scotland’s castles become increasingly redundant in military affairs. This did not put off the builders though, and many castle-inspired grand residences continued to be built as status symbols and marks of great influence. Thus it is that today the list of Scottish castles contains a mix of grand country homes and stark medieval fortresses.

If you’re keen on visiting castles in Scotland you can explore our selection of some of the best through our Scottish castles map above or list of Scottish castles below. Click on the title of each castle to find out more information.

Castles of Scotland | Scottish Castles List : Site Index

Balmoral Castle
One of the most famous castles in Scotland, Balmoral has been the Highlands home of the British royal family since the reign of Queen Victoria.
Photo by Bert Kaufmann (cc)
Bothwell Castle
A ruined medieval stronghold near Glasgow, Bothwell Castle played an important role in the Wars of Independence.
Photo by Bert Kaufmann (cc)
Caerlaverock Castle
Set in truly jaw-dropping countryside, Caerlaverock was one of the most important Scottish castles, providing defence for the Scottish crown in a period of deep rooted rivalry with England.
Photo by Paul Stevenson (cc)
Craigmillar Castle
One of many picturesque castles in Scotland, amongst other things Craigmillar Castle is famous for once playing host to Mary Queen of Scots.
Photo by conskeptical (cc)
Crichton Castle
Crichton Castle is a distinctive 14th century castle which was built as the residence of the aristocratic Crichton family. Today its ruins include the impressive great hall.
Photo by Hotfield (cc)
Dirleton Castle
Now a scenic ruin not far from Edinburgh, Dirleton Castle was an imposing medieval fortress and one of many Scottish castles to have been captured on several occasions in the Wars of Independence.
Photo by PhillipC (cc)
Dumbarton Castle
Among the more renowned entries on the list of Scottish castles is Dumbarton, which is one of the oldest castles in Scotland. Over the centuries it has served as a wartime prison, a royal shelter and a defence against both foreign and local threats.
Photo by baaker2009 (cc)
Dunstaffnage Castle
Built at a time when Scotland was under constant threat from Norwegian attack, Dunstaffnage Castle is a medieval stronghold which is still an impressive and imposing sight.
Photo by gorriti (cc)
Edinburgh Castle
Probably the most famous castle in Scotland, Edinburgh Castle is a medieval fortress and royal residence turned national monument and World Heritage site.
Photo by Bernt Rostad (cc)
Falkland Palace
A fortified country retreat and castle, Falkland Palace was the work of kings James IV and James V and became the hunting lodge of the royal Stuart dynasty.
Photo by beltzner (cc)
Hailes Castle
A pretty castle ruin, Hailes Castle was a medieval stronghold which mostly dates back to the fourteenth century.
Photo by SidewaysSarah (cc)
Holyroodhouse Palace
A famous castle-like royal palace, Holyroodhouse is the Scottish royal residence famed as having been home to Mary Queen of Scots and is the place where she married two of her husbands.
Photo by ToniaYu (cc)
Kinneil House and Museum
Dating back to the 15th century Kinneil House is a grand Scottish residence which reflects elements of castle design and even includes an ancient Roman fortlet within its grounds.
Linlithgow Palace
Built in the fifteenth century, Linlithgow Palace was the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots and host to many of the Stuart kings.
Photo by DaGoaty (cc)
Lochleven Castle
Renowned for being the prison of Mary Queen of Scots, Lochleven was a medieval stronghold which has survived as a dramatic ruin which can only be reached by boat.
Photo by kyz (cc)
Rothesay Castle
Distinctive for its thirteenth century circular curtain wall, Rothesay Castle is an important medieval ruin with strong links to the royal Stewart dynasty and is among several royal castles of Scotland.
Photo by dun_deagh (cc)
Stirling Castle
Ranked among the great castles of Scotland, Stirling Castle is a royal palace, medieval stronghold and a focal point and symbol of Scottish independence through the ages.
Tantallon Castle
Built in the fourteenth century, Tantallon Castle was the medieval stronghold of the Douglas Earls of Angus. Today, the dramatic cliff-top ruins of Tantallon are quite a sight.
Photo by Sandy__R (cc)