Whilst a certain Gwrych Castle in Wales may be in the limelight for the next three weeks, we thought we’d take a look at some of Scotland’s great castles too… ready for when once more we can set out to explore!
Our starting point has to be Edinburgh Castle, poised high upon Castle Rock, it dominates the skyline of Scotland’s capital city. One of the oldest fortified sites in Europe, interestingly the castle is the most besieged place in Britain – it has known times as a military fortress, a royal residence and a war-time prison. Highlights include the Great Hall, once the venue for grand banquets and state events, today home to a display of weaponry and armour, The Royal Palace, a grand residence for kings and queens and then each day (except Sundays), visitors can watch a custom originating from 1861 that takes place at one o’clock with the firing of the gun from the Mills Mount Battery. Steeped in history, the visitor experience at this iconic castle is sure to capture the imagination…
Re-opening April 2021, Dunrobin Castle, is the most northerly of Scotland’s great houses, situated on the east coast of the northern highlands overlooking the Moray Firth. This splendid castle resembles a French chateau with its fairy-tale spires and turrets and with 189 rooms, it is the largest in the northern highlands. The setting is magnificent with surrounding mountains, moors and beaches. There is a Museum in the formal castle grounds housing one of the most remarkable private collections in the British Isles.
Fyvie Castle, a magnificent 800 year old fortress in the heart of Aberdeenshire, holds within its walls one of the most impressive collections in the care of the National Trust for Scotland including 13 Raeburn portraits! There is more intrigue than meets the eye here though…reportedly the castle harbours two curses, one relating to a sealed medieval dungeon and the other the ‘Curse of the Weeping Stones’ and not to mention the resident ghost, Lilias Drummond, the Green Lady!
Cared for by the National Trust for Scotland, Brodie Castle, a grand 16th century turreted castle, is set amongst the stunning Moray countryside and not far from a small hill known as ‘Macbeth’s Hillock’ where Shakespeare’s well-known character is said to have met the three witches! The castle stands on land confirmed to the Brodies by Robert the Bruce. The castle grounds also have much to offer including a nature trail, an adventure playground, a Pictish Monument known as ‘Rodney’s Stone’ and the Playful Garden, home to Scotland’s biggest rabbit sculpture! Visit in spring to see a vibrant display of over 100 varieties of daffodils.
Check out our superb collection for your accommodation needs.
* Covid-19 Coronavirus – We would advise that you check the latest information before you travel.
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