Scottish Castles to Visit after Lockdown
Scottish Castles to Visit after Lockdown
It has been a strange few months with all these castles in Scotland closing their doors to visitors. But now as tours are gradually starting up again and lockdown is easing, gates are opening again. With social distancing being a priority booking in advance is a must. One-way systems, limited access to interiors of the buildings, hand sanitisers, masks must be worn, temperature checks, and other safety precautions will be in place. Below are a few castles that have already opened that you might consider visiting. Whether on your own or with a tour it is time to start exploring Scotland once again...
Edinburgh Castle (Royal Mile)
The castle rock has been inhabited for 3000 years and was once called Dunedin by the Votadini Tribe. Going into Edinburgh Castle you will be going back in time. The newest buildings on the outside and oldest on the inside. The Half Moon Battery was built in 1573-88 as the previous tower was destroyed in a 1-year battle (Lang Siege). Entering the second gate you approach the original Portcullis from the 16th century with it's Iron Gate (Yett) and Solid Oak Wooden Doors. By this time you will see what a difficult castle this was to attack!
The One O'Clock Gun has been fired every day from the castle since 1861 to let the sailors know what time it is. A new addition to the castle are white circles for social distance while viewing the gun firing. The Argyle Battery is the outer wall built in the 1730s as the castle transformed into a military barracks for the Red Coat Soldiers. When you enter the Foog Gate (Foggy Gate) you will then enter the medieval fortress built in the 16th century. Up here you will find a variety of important buildings to the castle including St Margaret's Chapel, the oldest building in Edinburgh. Built in the 1100s, dedicated to our special Queen Margaret. In front is the impressive 9 tonne cannon called Mon's Meg. At the moment entry into the Great Hall, War Memorial and Crown Jewels are restricted until further notice.
For now we are not able to bring you inside for a tour of the inside but would be more than happy to take you on a private tour of the Old Town and lead you to the castle, for more details click here.
Stirling Castle (Stirling)
This was the Pleasure Palace of the Stuart Dynasty and a favourite of kings like James IV. Stirling is most vulnerable castle in the country and was once known as the Key to Scotland. From the esplanade you see great views of the National Wallace Monument and Stirling Bridge which the place of a famous battle was commanded by William Wallace. Outside the castle is a statue Robert the Bruce standing proudly in front of the castle he retook in 1314.
Entering the castle, we go through the Queen Anne Battery constructed in the 1700s made of earth to deflect cannon balls. The next gatehouse you will see is the original built by James IV as part of his fairy-tale castle. It had double Towers on both sides with conical roofs about 3 times the height you see know all painted gold. Seen from miles away it was an impressive sight to see. But in 1651 Cromwell's army lead by General Monck blasted on the towers which was the last successful siege of the castle.
The buildings of the inner close is where the Royal Family lead their daily lives. The Great Hall was used for the elaborate parties the Stuarts held. The Chapel Royal is the newest building of the close, built in 1594. The previous chapel was where the coronation of Mary Queen of Scots took place. Mary was crowned queen as a baby and cried through the entire ceremony.
The Palace was built 1500s by King James V for his French bride, another Stuart King with style. The exterior of the palace has some very detailed statues including one that is believed to be himself dressed as a common person. His alter ego was the Guid Man of Ballengeich.
The interior spaces will not be open until late August but as of now you can still visit the grounds. Hop on a group tour to Stirling Castle and Loch Lomond or enquire about a private tour.
Urquhart Castle (Loch Ness)
A perfect location to go Nessie Hunting! Located on the famous Loch Ness this is another Royal Scottish Castle. Its origins start as a Pictish Fort visited by St Columba in 580 AD. Its original chapel location was on the upper part of the castle. Urquhart is now left as a Romantic Ruin but is not hard to imagine how big it was in those days.
In 1692 it was attacked by the Jacobite Rebels unsuccessfully. After the occupiers decided to vacate the castle but stuffed it full of gun powder as they left. You can see parts of the castle laying about the entrance left over from the large explosion.
The castle was eventually gifted to Clan Grant who then became a victim of raids by the MacDonalds. The Watergate would have been their way of getting in. The Grant Tower still remains and has great views from the top. In 1715 part of the wall crashed after a violent storm leaving what looks like a diagram of a medieval castle tower.
Join a group tour from Inverness or ask us about a private tour.
Blair Castle (Perthshire)
The great white castle of the Clan Murray Chief (Duke of Athol) sits in the centre of the Highlands. Guardians to the Grampian Mountains. This castle has seen some very important visitors in its days. Mary Queen of Scots came here in 1564 on a hunting expedition and had a feast in the Great Hall. Blair Castle was the last castle sieged in Scotland during the Jacobite Uprising in 1746 by its own family, member George Murray. Queen Victoria stayed here while house hunting in Scotland. During her visit she granted the Athol Highlanders the Right to Bear arms which still makes them Europe's only Private Army.
As you enter you will be impressed by its Baronial style Entrance Hall with its weapons display, most used during the Battle of Culloden. A walk through the castle will take you through the dining room, drawing room and Tapestry room to the Ball Room. The castle is offering pre-booked guided tours of its interior.
Ask us about our private tour to Blair Castle and Perthshire Highlands
Inveraray Castle (Western Highlands)
Based in the Western Highlands this Fairy-tale castle should be on all of our bucket lists. It is the seat of the Chief of the Clan Campbell who is also the Duke of Argyll. There has been a castle on the shores of Loch Fyne since the 1400s. The one we see today was designed in 1746 by the famous architect William Adam who died before it's completion. It was finished by his sons, James and Robert Adams in true Castle Style.
Inside you will find the Armour Hall which is the highest (21m) ceiling in Scotland. An extensive collection of muskets and swords from 16th to 18th century. Including the dirk and sporran belonging to the famous Scottish Outlaw; Rob Roy MacGregor. Inveraray is also known as a haunted castle with many ghosts, including the Grey Lady.
Discover your clan heritage at Inveraray Castle. It was also used as Duneagle Castle in Downton Abbey. Bookings are essential and can only be made within one month in advance. Join one of our group tours or ask about our private tour.
Eilean Donan Castle (Lochalsh)
A tour around Scotland is not complete without a picture of Eilean Donan Castle. This is one of the most photographed castles in Scotland. It has been used in film many times such as the cult classic 80's movie Highlander with Sean Connery.
The origins of the castle's name comes from St Donan who had a church dedicated to him on the island in 580 AD. Eilean Donan was one of many castles built along the west coast in the 13th century to defend Scotland against the Vikings. The castle then became part of the Mackenzie and Macrae Clans. In 1719 the castle was garrisoned by Spanish soldiers supporting the Jacobite cause. It was then destroyed in a conflict with the Royal Navy. The castle lay in ruins for 200 years until it was purchased and rebuilt by Lt Colonel John Macrae-Gilstrap in 1911.
Inside there are many artefacts of local history, Clan Macrae and the Jacobites including a cannonball fired during the 1719 bombardment. Furniture designed by Chippendale and a Banqueting Hall with a timber ceiling of Douglas Fir shipped from Canada.
Booking in advance is essential. From Edinburgh you can join a 2 day tour, from Inverness there are 1 day group tours or ask us about our private tours.
Dunnottar Castle (Aberdeenshire)
Located on the North East Coast of Scotland, about a 30-minute drive from Aberdeen. This is another stunning picturesque castle which was said to be the inspiration for the Pixar movie Brave. Dunnottar played a key part in the survival of the Scottish Crown Jewels. In 1652 during a siege by Cromwell forces the Sword, Crown and Sceptre were smuggle out of the castle and buried under a church nearby. Eventually it became the home to Earl Marischal, which was one of the most powerful families in Scotland.
To get to the castle you need to walk down the long pathway the climb over 200 steps to reach the clifftop. Enter through the Portcullis Gate and through the Vaulted Tunnel to reach the 14th century keep. Explore the Lodging and West Range from the 17th century. If you dare enter the Whig's Vault which is haunted by the Green Lady.
Bookings are made by time slots. Join a group day tour from Aberdeen or ask about our private tour.
Scone Palace (Perthshire)
Scone is near the city of Perth, Scotland's ancient capital, and the place of our first parliament. It was here where Kings of Scotland were crowned as they sat upon the Scone stone. The Stone of Destiny was stolen by the English in 1296 and returned to Scotland in 1996 to Edinburgh Castle. But there is a replica here at Scone.
The Palace became the home of the Earl of Mansfield who in the 1803 transformed it into a Gothic Georgian Mansion. Inside you will find the Inner Hall, which is the longest room in Scotland (45 metres). Make sure to explore the gardens and Old Scone. There is a Douglas Fir that is almost 200 years old.
To enter the castle you must book in advance. Ask about our private tour.
Glamis Castle (Angus)
See one of the most attractive castles in Scotland with a long history. The castle even has links to Shakespeare as it was the place where King Malcom II was murdered in his story (not historically). It has been the home to the Lyon family since 1372. It was also the childhood home of Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, wife of King George VI, and mother to Queen Elizabeth II.
Glamis has many spooky stories to tell. The chapel is haunted by Lady Janet Douglas's ghost who was accused by James V to be a witch and was burned at Edinburgh Castle esplanade. In the old keep Earl Beardie's moans can still be heard. He is said to of played cards with the devil until doomsday.
Booking in advance is essential. Ask about our private tour.
Duart Castle (Isle of Mull)
Take a trip to the rugged Isle of Mull to visit Black Point, or Dubh Ard in Gaelic. Seat of the Clan Mcleans since the 13th century. The castle has a bit of a dark history. In 1520 the wife of the 11th Chief, Lachlan, failed to produce an heir so she was then left stranded on a rock island now called Lady's Rock. In 1650, The Swan, a Cromwell Warship tried to kidnap the 10-year chief but was sunk. The wreckage is in the water below Duart Point.
The 26th Chief, Fitzroy Maclean, purchased the house and restored it. Explore the 14th century Castle keep, Great Hall, State Bedroom and Clan Exhibition.
Ferries to Mull are accessed from Oban. Ask about our private tour.
A few other castle grounds to visit...
Some castles will not open their doors until a later date but you can still visit the grounds for a great photo opportunity. Here are a few to look up: Caerlaverock Castle, Doune Castle, Tantallon Castle, Falkland Palace, Dunvegan Castle, Crathes Castle, Drum Castle, Fyvie Castle and more. For more details check the websites of Historic Environment Scotland, National Trust for Scotland and private castles...
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