Many
Scottish homes are named castles. The term castle may refer to
a defensive structure that was adapted for domestic purposes by
later generations. The historic houses in this section are a mixture
of those that started as castles and those built only for domestic
purposes. They are, on the whole, occupied today or habitable.
If you can't find a favorite place here, try looking under Ruined
Castles, Towerhouses and Palaces. It is best to check opening
times with the local TIC or the establishment itself before visiting,
as visiting times can change without notice. If you'd like to stay in a Scottish castle, see our Castle Hotels in Scotland page.
This was the home of Sir Walter Scott. He tore down a farmhouse on the site and built the house in 1822 in the medieval style. A wing was added during the 1850's after his death. In the house is an important collection of armour, a library of books and a collection of curiosities, including a glass of Robert Burns, Rob Roy souvenirs and a desk from George IV. The entrance hall is decorated with richly carved wooden panelling from Dunfermline Abbey Church.
Melrose,
Borders,
Scotland,
TD6 9BQ
The ancestral home of Earls of Mar and Kellie, built in 1497 and modified in 18th century. Alloa Tower is one of the largest surviving medieval tower houses in Scotland. It was home to the 6th Earl of Mar, who led the 1715 Jabobite Rebellion.
Alloa Park,
Alloa,
Central Scotland,
Scotland,
FK10 1PP
Town residence of Earls of Argyll. Most complete example of 17th century town home in Scotland, restored and furnished. Hall, dining room, drawing room, bedroom with hangings.
Castle Wynd,
Stirling,
Central Scotland,
Scotland,
FK8 1EG
Family seat of the Dundas family. Elegant Palladian mansion built in 1726 by architect William Adam and continued by his son John. Decorative stuccowork.
Edinburgh,
Lothian,
Scotland,
EH23 4RY
A 16th century tower house purchased by William Bruce, one of Scotland's leading architects. He laid out the formal terraced gardens and extended the tower house into a mansion. Dining room has beautiful frescoes and portraits.
Pittenweem,
Fife,
Scotland
A romantic castle in the heart of the whiskey country, home of the Macpherson-Grants since 1546. Ballindalloch Castle has been called 'The Pearl of the North', and when you see the fairy tale castle in its valley setting you can begin to appreciate why! The core of Ballindalloch is a traditional tower house, greatly altered in Victorian times.
Grantown-on-Spey,
Grampian,
Scotland,
AB37 9AX
The Scottish home of the Royal family, Balmoral Castle is a mid-19th century castle built of local granite in baronial style, for Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. The royal couple first leased the property in 1848, and four years later Albert purchased it for the queen.
Balmoral,
Ballater,
Grampian,
Scotland,
AB35 5TB
Set in beautiful Highland scenery, this is Scotland's most visited historic house, the home of the Atholl Highlanders, originally the only private army in Britain, now a ceremonial bodyguard. Gabled and turreted white exterior. Renovated from an earlier castle in the 18th century. Interior has plasterwork and marble chimney pieces, wood panelled entrance hall and fine carved panelled walls in the Picture Staircase. Thirty-two rooms contain furniture (five 4-poster beds), paintings, armour, china, costumes, Brussels tapestries, one of the 4 original copies of the National Covenant of 1638 and other treasures. Extensive grounds with walks, trails and deer park. 18th century walled garden.
Blair Atholl,
Pitlochry,
Tayside,
Scotland,
PH18 5TL
The turreted ashlar stone mansion, built by William Burn, is approached by a three-mile drive set with an avenue of lime trees along the River Girvan. Elegant entrance hall, picture gallery and furnishings. Walled gardens.
Kirkmichael,
Maybole,
Strathclyde,
Scotland,
KA19 7LZ
A historic house just west of Selkirk, in lovely woodland. Although built earlier, the house, as it stands, dates mainly from 1812 alterations. Bowhill contains one of the best art collections of any house in Britain, including Old Master paintings. Elizabeth Montagu, one of England's greatest heiresses, lived here, and there is a portrait of her by Reynolds and one of her husband by Gainsborough. The house also contains French furniture, tapestries and continental porcelain. A room is dedicated to Sir Walter Scott mementos. Surrounding the house is a country park with nature trails. Bowhill also features a 'Theatre in the Forest', with regular theatrical performances.
Bowhill,
Borders,
Scotland,
TD7 5ET
Home of the Farquharsons of Invercauld. L plan, brown-harled castle, built in 1628, burned and rebuilt. Round central tower and spiral staircase, barrel-vaulted ceilings, defensive curtain wall, yett (portcullis) and pit prison. Chippendale and Hepplewhite furniture, paintings. A 53 pound uncut cairngorm (semi-precious form of quartz) on display is believed to be the biggest in the world.
Braemar,
Grampian,
Scotland,
AB35 5TW
Attraction Type:
Historic House Heritage Rating:? Location: ½ mile east of Braemar, on the A93. Check the website to ascertain whether the castle is currently open to the public.
An early 18th century country house, home of the Earls of Dalhousie for over 250 years. The castle is built to an irregular rectangular plan, with a turreted central block overlooking a central courtyard. It stands on a formerly moated site above the River Southesk. The interiors feature richly panelled rooms with an extensive collection of fine art and furniture.
Dalhousie Estates,
Dalhousie Estates Office Brechin,
Tayside,
Scotland,
DD9 6SG
Red sandstone castle dates from the 13th century (extended twice) and became the property of the Dukes of Hamilton in 1500's. Silver, porcelain, paintings, fan collection, gilded heraldic ceiling in the drawing room. Victorian garden and outstanding rhododendron garden. Country park.
12 High Street,
Brodick,
Isle of Arran,
Ayrshire and Arran,
Strathclyde,
Scotland,
KA27 8HY
Originally a Z plan castle of 16th and 17th centuries, rebuilt after being burned. Contains French furniture, 18th century lacquer furniture, porcelain, timepieces and paintings (including Dutch Old Masters.) Dining room has ornate plasterwork ceiling. Woodland walk, wildlife observation hides, wild garden.
Forres,
Moray,
Grampian,
Scotland,
IV36 2TE
18th century townhouse, which belonged to the Murrays of Broughton and Cally. Home of the artist E.A. Hornel from 1901. The house contains a fine collection of antique furniture, an exceptional library and a notable manuscript collection. The garden is the highlight of a visit. Designed by Hormel, it backs onto the Dee estuary. It contains both Scottish and Japanese features and has been recently restored to its former fine state.
High Street,
Kirkcudbright,
Dumfries and Galloway,
Scotland
