Scottish castles

Scottish Castles

CONTENTS

1. Introduction........................................................................................................................2

2.  The reasons of appearance.............. ...........................................................................................3

3. A bit of history.............................................................................................................................3

4. Glamis Castle..............................................................................................................................5

5. Ardvreck Castle.......................................................................................................................6 -7

6. Crookston Castle………………………………………………………………………………..8

7. Kisimul Castle…………………………………………………………………………………..9

8. Hermitage Castle…………………………………………………………………….…….10-11

9. Findlater Castle…………………………………………………………………………….12-13

10.Eilean-Donan Castle………………………………………………………………………….14

11. Сonclusion……………………………………………………………………………..……15

12. Bibliography…………………………………...…………………………………………….16

Introduction

Scotland is one of the most picturesque countries in the world. It's a wonderful country to visit. There is a lot to see and do there.  There are many fine attractions in Scotland that are definitely worth seeing. Ancient castles have long been a historical and cultural symbol of Scotland. You can see their photos  in almost every tourist brochure.  If you go to Scotland, then you will certainly visit one of its numerous castles. No visit would be complete without seeing at least one of them.

Towering spires, thick stone walls and dramatic settings - whatever pops into your mind when you imagine a castle, you'll find it in Scotland. From magnificent city landmarks to mysterious ruins, Scotland is bursting with fascinating castles to visit. Castles are imposing, romantic and sometimes down right spooky! Some of the castles which are now in ruins create such a romantic setting that they are some of the most photographed structures in the country. If United Kingdom has some of the best castles in the world, Scotland has some of the best in United Kingdom. Much of the effect is created by the expressive scenery around the castles. Scotland is a country of castles. Did you know that there are over 3000 castles in Scotland, that's roughly one for every 100 square miles - a pretty impressive figure.

Do you like picturesque landscapes?  Do you want to know more about past? Are you interested in local legends and myths? Or maybe you prefer stories about ghosts? Do you want to touch with Scottish culture? Then I advise you to visit some of them. The castles of Scotland ARE this countrys' history, and they're right here waiting for you to explore them. It's an experience no visitor to Scotland should miss.

Almost every castle deserves a mention, but time and space does not afford that luxury, here I give an overview of some of them.

The  reason of appearance 

Scottish Castles have a long and colourful history. There are many to be found throughout the country, and some of them are said to be holding sinister secrets. There are around 3,000 castles in Scotland. They come in every size and stature, from simple farmhouses to royal residences, each with a story. Some are ruins, others are used for accommodation and some even cater for wedding receptions.

Why does Scotland have so many castles? It's because this nation has a very contentious, battle-strew and bloody past, with numerous invasions (the Normans, vikings and Romans to name a few), and (until the 18th Century) an ongoing, almost continual, conflict between Scotland and the rest of Britain!

Although some were built at the location of previous fortresses, or abbeys, in general Scotland castles were built with military purposes in mind, and that's why you'll find them in some of the most spectacular locations. Scottish castles are closely tied to the Clans of Scotland and the Scottish monarchy. Each clan would have a castle within their territory, where the Clan Chief and his family would live. Sometimes these castles would 'change hands' (often several times) between warring clans, and between governments and royalty.

They   offer visitors a unique opportunity to touch the past. Go through the narrow spiral staircase,   dine under the bagpipe sounds in the ceremonial hall, as did the noble Lords, or even stay in the apartment  royals,   And yet (where possible) to climb the walls and towers to enjoy the spectacular views of the surrounding  natural  landscape.

A bit of history

The first castles were built in Scotland in the 11th and 12th centuries thanks to the Norman influence. Around 1200s, the motte castles were replaced by stone built ones. Between the 14th and 17th centuries, the castles had modest tower houses and rather modest defenses.

By the late 18th century, the medieval style architecture was revived and the castle like structures appeared again. Although they had no defensive role, the architecture used made them real works of art.

Most, extant Scottish castles was founded in XIII - XIV centuries, when replacing wooden fortifications came from the stone structures.  

In the XV century in Scotland are spreading the so-called tower houses residential towers. They had thick walls and small windows. The tops of the towers crowned with battlements, which served as a shelter in repelling the attack to its defenders. Often these buildings had no input from the level of the first floor, and a temporary wooden staircase leading directly to the second floor. When the enemy’s attack those stairs naturally cleaned.

Later XVI century     locks have undergone a number of changes. The locks began to lose its defensive value, turning into a master's residence. At the end of the XVIII century after the last  Jacobite uprising, the Scottish nobility, no longer wished to live in uncomfortable buildings "barbaric times."  At the same time built a lot of new and elegant mansions and     the old locks are left to fend for themselves.

The final step in the emergence of a Scottish castle, became the middle of the XIX century. The impetus for this was the next event. In 1842 Queen Victoria and Prince Albert visited the North East of Scotland. On this trip, they enjoyed it so that when they decide to purchase a local small Balmoral Castle, located in the valley of the River Dee. Since the acquired dwelling does not correspond to the size for the needs of the royal family, then for three years there was a shiny new castle in its place. In the following years, when the Queen began to spend the summer months here in a long time, many of her close, too began to build near their own estates, often copying the style of Balmoral Castle, with its elegant towers. In consequence 40-50 ies of XX century, most of the owners of such locks sold them at hotels, which to this day offers guests excellent, comfortable accommodation.

Glamis Castle

Glamis Castle Details

• Access: Public Access
• Condition: occ
• First build century: 14th

• Closest To: Glamis, Forfar, Kirriemuir
• Grid Ref: NO386781
• Last use century: 21st

Anyone who has ever been in Scotland has seen an image of Glamis Castle: it features on the Bank of Scotland ten pound note. Glamis Castle is best known as the childhood home of Queen Elizabeth’s mother, the Late Queen Mother. In fact, the Queen’s sister, Princess Margaret was born at Glamis.

Today the castle is one of the most beautiful castles in Scotland. It rises amid lush green trees and grass. It really is impressive. You can enjoy a stroll through the magical gardens, as well as look into the castle and see the old rooms and furniture.

The castle was thrown open to the public in1950 and is available for corporate events, weddings and private parties. There is a tea room and gift shop. The incredibly beautiful castle has luxuriously furnished rooms. The Great Hall of yore is now the Drawing room and is filled with family portraits. The plasterwork of the magnificent ceiling is covered with the lions of the Lyon family, the thistles of Scotland, and the roses of England and is one of the finest in Scotland. The Queen Mother’s sitting room, bedroom and the King’s bedroom make up the Royal Apartments, a private suite arranged by her mother for their visits to Glamis.

Interesting Facts

Myths and legends always accompany Glamis Castle throughout the centuries.  It is supposed to have more dark secrets than any other castle in Britain. It was believed that King Malcolm II was murdered here during the eleventh century. The widow of Lord Glamis named Lady Janet Douglas was burned at the stake in 1540 because James V believed that she was a witch. Rumors also spread that the castle has a secret room inside where a nobleman is said to be playing cards with the devil himself until doomsday comes.

The most famous legend connected with the castle is that of the Monster of Glamis, a hideously deformed child born to the family. In the story, the monster was kept in the castle all his life and his suite of rooms bricked up after his death. Another monster is said to have dwelt in Loch Calder near the castle.

There is an old story that guests staying at Glamis once hung towels from the windows of every room in a bid to find the bricked-up suite of the monster. When they looked at it from outside, several windows were apparently towel-less.

Ardvreck Castle

Ardvreck Castle Details

• Access: Public Access
• Condition: ruin
• First build century: 16th

• Closest To: Inchnadamph, Assynt, Lochinver
• Grid Ref: NC239236
• Last use century: 18th

 The landscape around Ardvreck Castle is stunning and from a plan in the car park you can see there are a number of historic sites in one location. The castle sits on a small island spit off the mainland at the side of Loch Assynt and is accessible by foot. On the island itself sits the remains of Ardvreck Castle, together with it's rampart, walled garden and the remains of a kiln barn. You can also see the remains of a wooden jetty, used in the early 20th century.

Ardvreck Castle is a ruined castle dating from the 16th century. Close by stands Calda House, which replaced the castle in the 17th century as home of the Mackenzies.

 A visit to Calda House requires a short walk alongside the road: but intending visitors should be aware that this remains a dangerous structure which can only be viewed from beyond the range of falling masonry. And Ardvreck Castle is only a fragment of its former glory.

But the walk to it is enjoyable, and the views from the near island on which it stands are utterly beautiful, taking in some of the best mountain landscapes in central Sutherland. 

The MacLeods were traditional lairds of Assynt and Sutherland and construction is sometimes attributed to Neil MacLeod. Sometime in the late 16th century Donald Ban IX added a tower, vaulted cellars with gunloops, and a vault above the great hall to create the outline we see today. As is common with Scottish tower houses there is a projecting stair tower corbelled outward in the angle of the 'L', topped by caphouse.

Ardvreck was never large, so the castle promontory required a range of other buildings, including stables, kitchens, and living quarters for servants. The outline of a kiln barn can be found on the southern edge of the promontory, near the site of a small walled garden, and there are stone rampart walls and a ditch near the promontory neck. On the mainland, near the promontory, is evidence of iron working, and a small mill to the north. On a small rise overlooking Ardvreck is a small chambered cairn.

Ghosts and legends of Ardvreck

The castle is said to be haunted by two ghosts, one a tall man dressed in grey who is supposed to be related to the betrayal of Montrose and may even be Montrose himself. The second ghost is that of a young girl. The story tells that the MacLeods procured the help of the Devil to build the castle and in return the daughter of one of the MacLeod chieftains was betrothed to him as payment. In despair of her situation, the girl threw herself from one of the towers and was killed.

A number of ghost sightings have been recorded around the area of the Calda ruins, including that of a ghostly woman who haunts the site itself. Strange lights have also been seen there at night, and several people have claimed that they have seen car headlights approach them on the road there at night, but after waiting for the vehicle to pass, no car has appeared.

Visiting Ardvreck Castle

Access to Ardvreck is extremely easy. There is a small parking area on the A837, north of Inchnadamph. There are interpretation panels and a short walk along the shore to the castle promontory. Be aware; this is the Highlands, and the ground can be very wet. Waterproof footwear is always a good notion! The castle ruins are not extensive, and you can easily wander around the entire site in 5 minutes. The castle is accessible at any time.

Ardvreck is set in stunning Highland landscape; it truly is a wonderfully romantic ruin, and well worth a visit for the atmosphere alone! Once you are at what looks like a small pebble beach, look to your right and you may see a waterfall cascading down the hillside, it will depend on the time of year you visit and if there has been any recent rain. the castle is a tourist attraction for the area and a great photo opportunity.

Crookston Castle

Crookston Castle Details

• Access: National Trust for Scotland
• Condition: ruin
• First build century: 15th

• Closest To: Paisley, Glasgow, Rutherglen, Barrhead, Renfrew
• Grid Ref: NS525627
• Last use century: 17th

Crookston Castle affords beautiful views of southwest Glasgow and is one of the most important historical fortifications in this area. On top of a natural hill, Sir Robert de Croc built the original castle in the 12th Century from wood. The remains that are found now are mainly those found from the 15th Century castle that was constructed by the Stewart Earl of Wessex who rebelled against James IV. The property is now operated and maintained by Historic Scotland.

Verse

The poets Robert Burns, William Motherwell and Robert Tannahill have all mentioned the castle in their works, while Sir Walter Scott suggested Mary, Queen of Scots, watched the Battle of Langside from its towers, although the topography makes this impossible.

Opening Times

April to September, 9.30am - 5.30pm. October to March, 10.00am - 4.00pm, closed Thursdays and Fridays.

An interesting castle set within 12th century earthworks, but its main attraction is its setting with panoramic scenery over the Clyde Valley and South West Glasgow.  

Kisimul Castle

Kisimul Castle Details

• Access: Historic Scotland
• Condition: ruin
• First build century: 16th

• Closest To:
• Grid Ref: NL665979
• Last use century: 20t

Kisimul Castle can be reached by taking a small boat from Castlebay (five minute trip, weather permitting). It is recommended visiting with a helper due to the boat crossing, difficult terrain and various levels within the castle.

Kisimul Castle is a small medieval castle located in the centre of Castlebay on the island of Barra in the Outer Hebrides, Scotland. It is known locally as the "Castle in the Sea". Kisimul Castle is the only significant surviving medieval castle in the Western Isles. Construction of Kisimul Castle was started by Niall of Barra around 1039, making it one of the oldest castles in Scotland. Since that time, Kisimul has been the stronghold of Clan MacNeil. It is built on a rocky outcrop in the bay, completely surrounded by water. Many of the buildings within the curtain wall are still standing. The castle is open to the public every day from April to September. Much of the interior of the castle is accessible, although some of the rooms are still used by the MacNeil family. There are magnificent views of Castlebay from the walkway around the curtain wall.

The earliest structures standing today probably date from the early 15th century. The original design was a three story tower house surrounded by a curtain wall. Inside the wall a number of other structures were built, including the hall that still stands, and the chapel. In the late 15th century or early 16th century a range was built adjoining the tower house, and the curtain wall was raised. By the mid 18th century the castle was abandoned, and some time later was gutted by fire. In 1838 the MacNeils became bankrupt and were forced to sell Barra to Colonel Gordon of Cluny. In 1937 the American architect Robert MacNeil purchased most of the Barra estate including Kisimul Castle. He started restoring the castle, and restoration was completed in 1970. In 2001 the castle was leased by the chief of Clan MacNeil to Historic Scotland.

A visit to Kisimul Castle is a fascinating experience, in part because it was until recently a family home. As you wander around it's easy to overlook the 200 year period of decline and ruin. Instead what comes over is the very unusual feeling of being in a real and living castle.

Hermitage Castle

Hermitage Castle Details

• Access: Historic Scotland
• Condition: ruin
• First build century: 13th

• Closest To: n/a
• Grid Ref: NY497960
• Last use century: 18th

Nothing truly prepares you for your first glimpse of Hermitage Castle.

It rises stark and seemingly impregnable from among the rolling hills of Liddesdale in the Scottish Borders. And, with its massive towers and archways, resembles a titan with its great jaws agape, ready to devour any foolish enough to test its resolve.

Hermitage Castle may not be the largest or finest castle in Scotland, but it is without question the most intimidating. After all, it needed to be.

For 400 years Hermitage served as the "guardhouse of the bloodiest valley in Britain". The first Hermitage castle was a timber and earthwork castle. The Wars of Independence saw Hermitage Castle change hands several times. It came into the possession of Sir William Douglas in 1338, but after his murder in Ettrick Forest in 1353, his widow married and Englishman, Lord Dacre. Around about 1360, Lord Dacre began to replace the timber castle with a more domestic, fortified manor house.    The castle is steeped in folklore and legend, and there have been reports of varied strange phenomena in recent years.

 Folklore and Legends
The castle has attracted legend and folklore throughout its history, before the castle was built the area may have been the retreat of a holy man or a group of holy men as the name suggests. The most famous piece of folklore concerns a character known as Bad Lord Soulis who owned the castle in the past. In local legend he was a practitioner in black magic and responsible for the disappearance of local children. To help him in his nefarious dealings he had an assistant familiar called Robin Redcap who has some similarities to the Red Caps who haunt the border regions.

 This is one of the most impressive Scottish castles. The central part of the castle dates back from the 13th century. Now in ruins, the castle can only be visited in the summer if you want to see the interiors. It’s opened from April to September (9:30 AM to 6:30 PM during the weekdays and 2:00 PM to 6:30 PM during the weekends).

Findlater Castle

Findlater Castle Details

• Access: Public Access
• Condition: ruin
• First build century: 14th

• Closest To: Cullen, Portsoy
• Grid Ref: NJ541672
• Last use century: 17th

The ruins of Findlater Castle stand on a rocky promontory projecting out into the sea some two miles east of Cullen and a mile west of Sandend. Brown tourist signs direct you from the A98 to a parking area at a farm, Barnyards of Findlater, and from here it is a half mile walk along a good grassy path to the interpretive board on the cliffs behind the castle.

And, unless you want to follow the path along the cliff towards Sunnyside Beach to the west, that is about as far as we would recommend you go. Scotland has no shortage of dangerous structures, but few give off such an aura of genuine risk as Findlater Castle. The presence of paths down the cliffs behind the promontory, and then out along it, show that people can and do explore the promontory and castle itself. But the cliff paths are steep and slippery and once out among the remains of the castle there seems considerable risk of slips into the sea 50ft below, or of collapses into underground vaulted areas, or of falling masonry from what seem to be unstable structures which in places still stand to a considerable height.

To today's visitor it is easy to see why someone might have wanted to fortify such an inaccessible site: but far more difficult to see how they might have gone about actually doing so. The name "Findlater" seems to come from the Gaelic "fionn leitir", meaning "white cliff", and the first record of a castle here dates back as far as 1246. In the early 1260s the existing castle here was strengthened by King Alexander III in preparation for an expected invasion by King Håkon IV of Norway. Though this invasion concluded in defeat for Håkon at the Battle of Largs, the Norse do seem to have occupied Findlater, and nothing is known about this early castle on the site.

The remains you see today appear to date back to the castle built here, presumably incorporating earlier work, in the 1450s by Sir Walter Ogilvy. This is sometimes said to have been based on the design for Rosslyn Castle: though whether this is really the case, or it is simply that both were constrained by similar sites on spurs of rock surrounded by precipitous drops, is unclear. The interpretive board on the cliffs above shows a building that actually looks oddly reminiscent of Eilean Donan Castle, though on a much smaller site. This was built up to a considerable height from the rock on which it stood and has a footprint which seemed to wholly cover the end of the promontory. At the landward end access was via a walkway raised on a stone causeway considerably above the surrounding rock, which had two gaps crossed by drawbridges. Residents would have felt completely safe from unfriendly visitors, but perhaps less so from coastal erosion.

And there were unfriendly visitors. In 1560 the castle passed to Sir John Gordon, son of the 4th Earl of Huntly. In the Autumn of 1562 the Gordons rose in rebellion against Mary Queen of Scots, and Findlater Castle was besieged by Mary's forces. On 28 October 1562 Mary defeated the Gordons at the Battle of Corrichie, near Aberdeen, and Sir John was executed. Findlater Castle returned to the Ogilvy family, who abandoned it in favour of a more modern residence, Cullen House, in Cullen at the beginning of the 1600s.

Half way between the car park and the cliffs is Findlater Doocot, a beehive doocot probably built here in the 1500s, which would have meant it stood here for the final century during which the castle was occupied. It was restored in 1992.

Eilean –Donan castle

 Eilean Donan Castle Details

• Access: Public Access
• Condition: occupied
• First build century: 13th

• Closest To: Kyle of Lochalsh
• Grid Ref: NG881258
• Last use century: 18th

One of the most photographed castles in Scotland is considered to be refined Eilean Donan-erected on the shores of Loch Dui, silvery ribbon sandwiched between the high and picturesque hills. Not only did the fortress beauty attracts many tourists every year, so more and movie industry regularly draws on his own electoral eyes. Construction lit in such famous films as "Highlander" (1986), "The World Is Not Enough" (1999), "A friend of the bride" (2008) and many others.

Eilean Donan Castle, one of the most beautiful and breathtaking Castles in Scotland, stands proud on the main tourist route to the Isle of Skye, and it’s worth visiting.

The Castle sits in one of the most stunning locations, on its own island, where three great sea-lochs meet, and surrounded by the most spectacular mountain scenery. The name 'Eilean Donan' comes from the Gaelic meaning 'Island of Donan' ('Eilean' being 'Island' and the 'Donan'.

This castle is believed to have been named after the 6th Century Irish Saint, Bishop Donan, who lived in Scotland during the latter part of the 6th century AD). It was built in the mid 13th century as a fortified castle, for Alexander II as a defence against the Vikings.

Even if you have no interest in history, this magnificent structure is worth visiting for the breathtaking scenery of the area surrounding it. Set amidst hills and trees in a somewhat romantic setting, everything about this place is bound to enchant you.

Today, you can explore nearly every part of the castle, and enjoy a journey through the history of the area. Eilean Donan now has its own visitor centre, where you will find the ticket office, gift shop, coffee shop, and toilets. When the castle is not open, you can walk over the bridge and around the perimeter, and if the tide is out, go down to the slipway and rocks to see it from a different angle.

When the weather and tide are right, you can capture the castle’s reflection here.

Eilean Donan Castle has featured in many films, including the 1995 movie “Loch Ness” starring Ted Danson. This castle is most famous for appearing in many hollywood movies, including Highlander

Сonclusion.

With the struggles, history and pride that surround these castles, you’re guaranteed to find something interesting to see and experience. Unlike palaces, which were built for enjoyment, Scotland's castles were built for strength and protection. Their main purpose was to withhold enemy attacks and keep their occupants safe - needless to say each castle has seen plenty of dramatic stories unfold over the centuries!

It is no secret that the ancient and medieval castles of Scotland are the most attractive sights of the British Isles.   Without a doubt, the UK castles - is it a historical treasure trove, about the life of heroes and ordinary people of that powerful country.

Every medieval Scottish castle in its own charming and unique and, of course, has its mystical legend. Scotland has even been called "the island of the spirits" in connection with numerous stories and myths about ghosts.

Scotland’s turbulent history that has seen centuries of bloody battles, fallen monarchs and various uprisings, has left a lasting mark on the landscape in shape of many amazing castles, fortresses and tower houses that with their charm and uniqueness regularly top visitors’ list of ‘must see’ attractions. Home to 3,000 great castles, each with a long and colorful history and some holding sinister secrets, Scotland is waiting for you!

 I hope I  could give you a little information  about Scottish attractions,  and it will help you decide for yourself.

Bibliography

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http://www.travelvivi.com/famous-scottish-castles-to-visit/

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http://www.scotlandlogue.com/castles  

https://www.scotsmagazine.com/articles/

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