Scottish Castles

Information about some Scottish Castles

When you go to Scotland, you will most likely visit Edinburgh, and explore Edinburgh Castle. This document has information about some of the other castles in Scotland worth visiting.

Traquair House

Traquair House
Innerleithen, Peeblesshire EH44 6PW, Scotland Telephone: +44 (0)1896 830323
The oldest continuously inhabited house in Scotland.

From the website: Dating back to 1107, Traquair was originally a hunting lodge for the kings and queens of Scotland. Later a refuge for Catholic priests in times of terror the Stuarts of Traquair supported Mary Queen of Scots and the Jacobite cause without counting the cost.
Today, Traquair is a unique piece of living history welcoming visitors from all over the world, providing a magical and romantic setting for weddings, hosting a wide range of summer events and a superb venue for corporate groups. You can even stay here in the luxurious Bed & Breakfast accommodation.

Traquair House Brewery

The Traquair House Brewery was originally built in 1700, abandoned in 1800, and reopened in 1965 by Peter Maxwell Stuart, 20th Laird of Traquair. Since his death in 1990 the brewery has been managed by his daughter Catherine Maxwell Stuart. In 1997, the brewery was formed into a limited company.

From the website: The brewery was originally an 18th century domestic brewery producing beer for the house and estate workers. It was disused some time after 1800 but the vessels and equipment remained untouched until it was rediscovered in 1965.

Neidpath Castle

Neidpath Castle
Peebles, Peeblesshire EH45 8NW, Scotland Telephone: +44 01721 720 333
15 minutes west of Traquair House.

From the website: It was built in the 14th century by Sir William de Haya, Sheriff of Peebles, replacing an earlier castle which belonged to the Fraser family. The Hays owned the castle until 1686, when it was sold to the Duke of Queensberry, who gave it to his son, the Earl of March. In the 16th century, Neidpath was known as "Jedderfield". Today, it is privately owned by the Earl of Wemyss but is sometimes open to the public, and it can be hired for functions.

Mary, Queen of Scots visited this castle in July 1563 during her third progress through her realm.

Abbotsford House

Abbotsford House
The home of novelist Sir Walter Scott
Abbotsford, Melrose, Roxburghshire TD6 9BQ Telephone: +44 (0)1896 752043
2 miles from Melrose in the heart of the Scottish Borders

From the website: Abbotsford acts as a gateway to exploring the beautiful countryside of the Scottish Borders, its history and its culture. Many of the great families and estates, such as the Dukes of Buccleuch at Bowhill and the Maxwell Stuarts at Traquair, have close connections to Sir Walter Scott and his descendants. Abbotsford provides a fantatstic experience for visitors with all the history of the house combined with the beautiful formal gardens and scenic woodland and riverside walks through the wider estate.

Melrose Abbey

Melrose Abbey
While in the area, why not visit Melrose Abbey?
Abbey St., Melrose, Scotland

From the website: Melrose Abbey is a Cistercian abbey in the Borders region of Scotland, founded in 1136 and now in picturesque ruins. It is said to enshrine the heart of Robert the Bruce.

Stirling Castle

Stirling Castle
Castle Wynd, Stirling, FK8 1EJ Telephone: +44 (0) 1786 450 000
Stirling Castle is situated in the centre of Stirling

The finest example of renaissance architecture in Scotland
Mary was crowned Queen of Scots here when she was 9 months old

From the website: Stirling Castle is a great symbol of Scottish independence and a source of enduring national pride. The castle's long, turbulent history is associated with great figures from Scotland's past, such as William Wallace, Robert the Bruce and Mary Queen of Scots.

William Wallace (Braveheart) Monument

The National Wallace Monument
Nearby to Stirling Castle is the monument to Braveheart — William Wallace.
Abbey Craig, Hillsfoot Rd, Causeway Head FK9 5LF Telephone: +44 (01786) 472140

From the website: ...standing tall and proud outside the city of Stirling, and overlooking the scene of Scotland's victory at The Battle of Stirling Bridge. This is a place where history is something you can touch and feel, as you follow the story of Sir William Wallace, patriot, martyr, and Guardian of Scotland. For over 140 years, this world-famous landmark has fascinated visitors with its exhibits and displays, telling the story of Sir William Wallace.

Doune Castle

Doune Castle
Castle Rd, Doune, Perthshire FK16 6EA Telephone: +44 01786 841742
14th century enclosed fortress with two huge towers

From the website: Doune Castle was built at the end of the 1300s for Robert Stewart, Duke of Albany... The exact date of construction is not known and it is believed that the end result is not exactly what was originally planned. But the combination of buildings that emerged met all the military and domestic requirements of a royal castle.

King James I used the castle as a hunting lodge.
It was more recently used in the film Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

Culzean Castle

Culzean Castle & Country Park
Maybole, Ayrshire, KA19 8LE Telephone: +44 0844 493 2149
Culzean Castle is located 12 miles south of Ayr and 4 miles west of Maybole

From the website: Culzean is one of Scotland's best loved Castles, offering something for everyone to enjoy.
The first written reference to a Tower House at Culzean dates to the 1400's, although it is possible there was a building here even earlier. Then, it was known as 'Coif Castle', or the 'House of Cove', taking it's name from the caves below. This name was altered to 'Cullean Castle' in the 1600's and the present spelling adopted sometime in the 18th century.

Although spelled "Culzean" it is pronounced "Culane," referring to its previous spelling of Cullean.

Burns Cottage

Robert Burns Birthplace Museum
While in the area, be sure to visit the birthplace of poet Robert Burns
Murdoch's Lane, Alloway, Ayr, KA7 4PQ Telephone: +44 0844 493 2601

From the website: Perfectly located within easy reach of Scotland's busiest cities and some of her most beautiful coastal scenery and less than 10 miles from an international airport Robert Burns Birthplace is an excellent destination for either a day out or as the ideal base for exploring Burns Country.