Explore Scotland’s finest castles

I have been fortunate to view Scotland from the air and capture many images. Aside from the varied land and seascape, my attention was quickly drawn to castles on cliffs towering above the sea. Not only were they dramatic from above, each castle gradually revealed a tale which played a part in the rich tapestry of the story of Scotland. The twists and turns of fate, power struggles and battles form the expected part of the picture but there are surprises woven into the following pages. For example, the last court jester in Scotland who saved his clan as fire raged around him and the traitor rewarded with gold which was the death of him.

Scotland has more than 2,000 castles, which I consider as defendable homes or forts occupied in the past or present time by persons of high status. Around 500 of these have been listed as structures considered of special architectural and historical importance by Historic Environment Scotland. From my image library I have selected photographs of over 50 and added a short history with location and access information. The background to some of the many clans who occupied these castles has also been included. The invaluable help of Robbie Roberts as my pilot on castle flights is appreciated. Also a big thanks to Suzanne Sutherland for checking my typing.

Summary

This publication gives details of more than 50 castles in Scotland, with location, access, websites and historical background. New aerial photography shows them clearly to help readers decide which to visit and encourage exploring beyond the well known.

Notes on clans connected with the castles detail their turbulent pastimes and current chiefs with websites highlighted.

A timeline of the history of Scotland is included to unravel the sequence of events.