Behold our remarkable compilation showcasing the 50 most exquisite castles and manor houses in Scotland. Renowned for its castles, Scotland boasts a multitude of ancient fortresses, some in ruins, while others still stand proudly.
Within this captivating gallery, you’ll find magnificent manor houses steeped in captivating history. Immerse yourself in their allure and grandeur.
1. Abbotsford House
Behold Abbotsford, an illustrious country house nestled in the picturesque Scottish Borders, near Melrose. This historic residence once belonged to the eminent Sir Walter Scott, a celebrated historical novelist and poet.
Following Sir Scott’s demise in 1832, Abbotsford emerged as a beloved tourist attraction. Sir Scott tenaciously clung to its ownership, even after facing near-bankruptcy in 1825.
Vital Information about Abbotsford:
Location: Melrose, Scotland
Era: 19th century
Architect: Sir Walter Scott
Architectural Style: Scottish Baronial style
Present Function: Tourist attraction
Current Owner: Scott Family
2. Ballindalloch Castle
Affectionately known as the “pearl of the north,” Ballindalloch Castle gracefully resides in Banffshire, Scotland, serving as the ancestral home of the Macpherson-Grants since 1546. Originally erected in 1546, the castle has witnessed the passage of numerous generations within the Macpherson-Grant family.
In 1645, despite being pillaged and burned by James Graham, the first Marquess of Montrose, the resilient Macpherson-Grants family valiantly rebuilt and restored the estate. To this day, the castle remains the cherished abode of the Russell and Macpherson-Grant families, opening its doors to visitors during the summer months.
Vital Information about Ballindalloch Castle:
Location: Banffshire, Scotland
Era: 1546
Builder: Unknown
Architectural Style: Renaissance style
Present Function: Private residence / Tourist attraction
Current Owner: Macpherson-Grants Family
3. Barrogill Castle
Gazing out over the enchanting Caithness region, on Scotland’s northern coast, the Castle of Mey stands as a testament to George, the 4th Earl of Caithness’s vision. Originally erected at his request, the castle served as a residence for his second son, William Sinclair.
Tragedy struck in 1573 when William, upon uncovering his older brother John’s plans for a prison escape orchestrated by their own father, was mercilessly slain by John. In a cruel twist of fate, John himself met his demise at the hands of an assassin, leading to the castle’s transfer to their youngest brother, George Sinclair. It was under his reign that the castle acquired its new name, Barrogill Castle.
Subsequent generations of the Sinclair family held sway over the castle, serving as the esteemed Earls of Caithness for over a century. In 1819, the castle underwent extensive renovations overseen by the twelfth Earl, who commissioned the esteemed architect William Burn for the task.
The Earls’ reign over the castle came to an end with the death of the fifteenth Earl, leaving the castle to change hands multiple times before finding itself graced by the presence of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother in 1952.
In a remarkable act of dedication, Her Majesty oversaw the castle’s meticulous restoration between 1953 and 1955. Following her passing in 2002, the property transitioned to the Queen Elizabeth Castle of Mey Trust, which opened the castle and its gardens to the public.
Vital Information about Barrogill Castle / Castle of Mey:
Location: Caithness, Scotland
Era: 16th century
Builder: George, the 4th Earl of Caithness
Architectural Style: Tudor Gothic style
Present Function: Open to the public
Current Owner: Castle of Mey Trust
4. Blackness Castle
Standing as a testament to the 15th century, Blackness Castle majestically overlooks the village of Blackness in Scotland. Originally constructed on the grounds of a previous fort built by Sir George Crichton, the Lord High Admiral of Scotland, in the 1440s.
Blackness Castle served as the primary stronghold of the Royal Burgh of Linlithgow during that era, one of the principal residences of the Scottish monarch. During his tenure as governor of Stirling Castle, Sir George ordered the construction of Blackness Castle, resulting in the destruction of his tower at Barnton in Edinburgh in 1444.
In 1453, Sir George Crichton relinquished the Crichton lands, including Blackness Castle, to James II. The castle remained in royal hands, serving as a prison under the watchful care of the Sheriff of Linlithgow.
Throughout the years, Blackness Castle fulfilled the role of a prison until it was designated as one of four Scottish fortresses to be maintained and garrisoned by the British Army following the Union of Scotland and England.
In later years, the castle once again transformed into a prison, this time housing French prisoners of war during various conflicts of the late 18th and early 19th centuries, including the Seven Years’ War and the Napoleonic Wars. Presently, Blackness Castle stands as a Scheduled Ancient Monument, meticulously preserved by Historic Scotland.
Vital Information about Blackness Castle:
Location: Blackness, Scotland
Era: 15th century
Builder: Sir George Crichton, Lord High Admiral of Scotland
Architectural Style: Medieval architecture
Present Function: Tourist Attraction
Current Owner: Historic Scotland
5. Blair Castle
Erected in 1269 by John I Comyn, Lord of Badenoch, Blair Castle stands as a testament to centuries of history. During the 17th-century Wars of the Three Kingdoms, the castle served as a steadfast bastion of the Royalist cause, eventually falling to Oliver Cromwell’s invading army in 1650.
Lord John Murray valiantly sieged the castle, where Viscount Dundee, a resident at the time, refused to surrender, resulting in his untimely demise. Although Lord John Murray lost the battle and failed to retake the castle, it remained a symbol of resilience.
In 1996, Iain Murray, 10th Duke of Atholl, the last male Fraser in the direct lineage, passed away, leaving no suitable heir to inherit the castle. Consequently, Blair Castle and the majority of its estates were placed under the stewardship of the Blair Charitable Trust.
Vital Information about Blair Castle:
Location: Blair, Scotland
Era: 1269
Builder: John I Comyn, Lord of Badenoch
Architectural Style: Scottish Baronial style
Present Function: Tourist Attraction / Open for tourists
Current Owner: Blair Charitable Trust
6. Blair Drummond House
Originally constructed in 1715, Blair Drummond House captured the imagination of Sir John Kay, a tea merchant from Glasgow, who acquired the property in 1916. With no direct descendants to inherit, Sir John bequeathed the house to his nephew, Sir John Muir.
Decades later, Jamie Muir, the current owner, sold the house to the Camphill Movement, a charitable organization dedicated to caring for
people with special needs. Today, Blair Drummond House serves as a warm and loving home for adults with learning disabilities.
In addition to the house, Jamie Muir embarked on a new endeavor and created Blair Drummond Safari Park, opened in 1970 with the assistance of Jimmy Chipperfield. It became Britain’s second-ever safari park, following in the footsteps of Longleat Safari Park.
Vital Information about Blair Drummond House:
Location: Stirling, Scotland
Era: 1715
Builder: Unknown
Architectural Style: Neo-Gothic style
Present Function: Home for adults with learning disabilities
Current Owner: Camphill Movement
7. Braemar Castle
Nestled near the charming village of Braemar in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, Braemar Castle has witnessed centuries of history. Constructed in 1628 by John Erskine, Earl of Mar, the castle has served as a hunting lodge, fortress, garrison, and family home.
Following its purchase by John Farquharson, 9th Laird of Invercauld, the castle lay in ruins until 1748. In 1831, the withdrawing military garrison of Hanoverian troops returned the castle to the Farquharson clan.
Under the direction of the 12th Laird of Invercauld, the castle underwent restoration, preserving its historical significance. Presently, Braemar Castle is meticulously maintained by the Braemar Community Ltd and welcomes visitors from far and wide.
Vital Information about Braemar Castle:
Location: Braemar, Scotland
Era: 1628
Builder: John Erskine, Earl of Mar
Architectural Style: Medieval architecture
Present Function: Open to the public
Current Owner: Braemar Community Ltd
8. Brodick Castle
Originally established as a defensive fortress in the 15th century, Brodick Castle was granted by James III to his brother-in-law, James Hamilton, 1st Lord Hamilton. In due course, the castle fell into ruins, only to be resurrected by the Earl of Arran in the form of a magnificent tower house.
Throughout the years, the castle weathered simultaneous attacks and sieges until the 17th century, when it transitioned into a base for hunting excursions. In the 19th century, the castle served as the residence of William Hamilton, 11th Duke of Hamilton.
Upon his passing, the castle’s lordship passed to Alfred Douglas-Hamilton, a distant cousin of the Hamilton family. The illustrious reign of the Hamiltons drew to a close when Lady Mary Louise Douglas-Hamilton, the only daughter of Alfred, married James Graham, 6th Duke of Montrose in 1906.
Today, the castle and its captivating gardens have been acquired by the National Trust for Scotland, opening their doors to the public, allowing them to bask in the castle’s timeless splendor.
Vital Information about Brodick Castle:
Location: Brodick, Scotland
Era: 15th century
Builder: Unknown
Architectural Style: Gothic style
Present Function: Open to the public
Current Owner: National Trust for Scotland
9. Brodie Castle
Situated in Moray, Scotland, Brodie Castle stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of Clan Brodie. Built in 1567, this Category A listed building suffered the ravages of a devastating fire in 1645. However, in 1824, architect William Burn expertly restored the castle in the resplendent Scots Baronial style.
Owned by the National Trust for Scotland, Brodie Castle welcomes visitors to explore its remarkable history and architectural grandeur.
Vital Information about Brodie Castle:
Location: Moray, Scotland
Era: 1567
Builder: Clan Brodie
Architectural Style: Gothic style
Present Function: Open to the public
Current Owner: National Trust for Scotland
10. Caerlaverock Castle
Nestled within its moated embrace, Caerlaverock Castle is a captivating triangular fortress dating back to the 13th century. Throughout the ages, this castle served as the steadfast stronghold of the Maxwell family until its abandonment in the 17th century.
With a rich history shaped by the Wars of Scottish Independence, Caerlaverock Castle underwent several demolitions and reconstructions. Today, it stands proudly as a cherished tourist attraction and a protected scheduled monument under the care of Historic Environment Scotland.
Vital Information about Caerlaverock Castle:
Location: Caerlaverock, Scotland
Era: 13th century
Builder: Maxwell family
Architectural Style: Medieval architecture
Present Function: Tourist attraction / Scheduled Monument
Current Owner: Historic Environment Scotland
11. Callendar House
The captivating Callendar House boasts a storied past, dating back to the 14th century. This splendid Gothic-style structure is nestled within the enchanting grounds of Callendar Park in Falkirk, Scotland. Originally intended to serve as the seat of the Callander family, Thanes of Callander, the estate’s ownership passed through various hands over the centuries.
In the 18th century, the Callendar lands came under the ownership of William Forbes through an auction. The Forbes family, seeking to leave their mark, commissioned a transformation of the house into the elegant French Renaissance style. Eventually, in the 20th century, Falkirk Burgh Council purchased Callendar House.
Today, Falkirk Community Trust administers the house, while the majority of the estate remains in the hands of the family company, Callendar Estate.
Vital Information about Callendar House:
Location: Falkirk, Scotland
Era: 14th century
Builder: Callander family / Forbes family
Architectural Style: Gothic style / French Renaissance style
Present Function: Gallery / Museum / Open to the public
Current Owner: Callendar Estate
12. Balmoral Castle
Since its inception in 1390 by Sir William Drummond, Balmoral Castle has stood as an emblem of regal grandeur. Over the centuries, this majestic castle underwent several transformations, most notably in the late 18th century when Sir Robert Gordon reconstructed the original structure into a resplendent Scottish Baronial architecture, based on the design by John Smith of Aberdeen.
In 1852, the estate house was privately acquired by Prince Albert, husband of Queen Victoria. It began as a private residence but soon evolved into the official residence of the British royal family, exuding the charm and allure of Scottish baronial architecture, thanks to the designs by William Smith of Aberdeen.
Vital Information about Balmoral Castle:
Location: Aberdeenshire, Scotland
Era: 14th century / Reconstructed in the 19th century
Builder: Reconstructed by Prince Albert
Architectural Style: Scottish Baronial architecture
Present Function: British royal family residence
Current Owner: British royal family
13. Castle Fraser
Originally known as Muchall-in-Mar, Castle Fraser reigns supreme in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. Constructed between 1575 and 1636 by the 6th Laird, Michael Fraser, this Category A listed building underwent further renovations between 1820 and 1850 under the watchful eye of architects John Smith and William Burn, following the instructions of Charles Fraser.
Castle Fraser served as the esteemed seat of the Lords of Fraser, but tragically, the last male Fraser of the direct line, Frederick Mackenzie Fraser, passed away without an heir. Consequently, his widow, Theodora, made the difficult decision to sell the castle due to the absence of a suitable successor.
In 1977, the castle found a new owner in Weetman Pearson, 1st Viscount Cowdray. With great care and dedication, the Pearson family restored the castle to its former glory. Eventually, in 1976, the property was entrusted to the National Trust for Scotland.
Vital Information about Castle Fraser:
Location: Aberdeenshire, Scotland
Era: 1575-1636
Builder: 6th Laird, Michael Fraser
Architectural Style: Tudor architecture
Present Function: Tourist attraction
Current Owner: National Trust for Scotland
14. Castle Stalker
As one of western Scotland’s best-preserved medieval tower-houses, Castle Stalker stands as a testament to its historical legacy. This Category A listed building originated as a small fort in the early 14th century under the ownership of Clan MacDougall, who were the Lords of Lorn at the time.
In the late 14th century, the Clan Stewart of Appin assumed control of the Lordship of Lorn and erected the present castle during the mid-15th century. Eventually, the ownership passed to Clan Campbell. Unfortunately, in 1840, the castle lost its roof and was left abandoned.
In 1908, Charles Stewart of Achara purchased the castle and undertook minor repairs. Lt. Col. D. R. Stewart Allward later acquired the castle in 1965 and meticulously restored it to its former glory. Castle Stalker currently remains under private ownership while graciously opening its doors to the public during the summer months.
Vital Information about Castle Stalker:
Location: Appin, Scotland
Era: 14th century
Builder: Clan MacDougall
Architectural Style: Medieval architecture
Present Function: Open to the public during summer
Current Owner: Private owner
15. Cawdor Castle
Nestled in the enchanting surroundings of Cawdor, Cawdor Castle is a remarkable category A listed building. Dating back to the 15th century, it was originally under the ownership of Clan Cawdor before eventually passing into the hands of the Campbells in the 16th century.
Cawdor Castle is renowned for its literary connection to Shakespeare’s tragedy, Macbeth, where the title character is famously made “Thane of Cawdor.”
Vital Information about Cawdor Castle:
Location: Cawdor, Scotland
Era: 15th century
Builder: Clan Cawdor
Architectural Style: Medieval architecture
Present Function: Tourist attraction
Current Owner: Clan Campbell
16. Craigievar Castle
Nestled in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, Craigievar Castle captivates visitors with its distinctive pinkish hue. Built by an Aberdonian merchant named William Forbes in the early 17th century, this Scottish Baronial castle stands as a testament to the grandeur of its era.
Since 1963, the castle has been under the ownership of the National Trust for Scotland, which graciously opens its doors to the public.
Vital Information about Craigievar Castle:
Location: Aberdeenshire, Scotland
Era: 17th century
Builder: William Forbes
Architectural Style: Scottish Baronial architecture
Present Function: Open to the public
Current Owner: National Trust for Scotland
17. Crathes Castle
Steeped in history, Crathes Castle is a magnificent 16th-century fortress located near Banchory in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. It was originally gifted to the Burnett of Leys family by King Robert the Bruce in 1323.
For nearly 400 years, the castle served as the beloved family residence until the 13th Baronet of Leys, Sir James Burnett, generously donated it to the National Trust for Scotland in 1951.
Vital Information about Crathes Castle:
Location: Aberdeenshire, Scotland
Era: 16th century
Builder: Burnett of Leys family
Architectural Style: Renaissance style
Present Function: Open to the public
Current Owner: National Trust for Scotland
18. Culzean Castle
Culzean Castle, with its breathtaking beauty, carries the weight of centuries of history. Originally commissioned by the 10th Earl of Cassilis, David Kennedy, this L-plan castle underwent a remarkable transformation at the hands of renowned architect Robert Adam.
The Kennedy family bestowed the castle and its grounds to the National Trust for Scotland in 1945. The castle is famous for its tales of ghostly encounters, with sightings ranging from a young woman in a ball-gown to a ghostly gray mist and a piper haunting the grounds.
Vital Information about Culzean Castle:
Location: Maybole, Scotland
Era: 18th century (1777-1792)
Builder: David Kennedy, 10th Earl of Cassilis
Architectural Style: Baroque architecture
Present Function: Open to the public
Current Owner: National Trust for Scotland
19. Dalhousie Castle
Dalhousie Castle, a medieval stronghold, has witnessed centuries of history unfold within its ancient walls. Originally constructed in the 13th century, this castle played a significant role in Scotland’s past as the seat of the Earls of Dalhousie, chieftains of Clan Ramsay.
Notably, Dalhousie Castle hosted King Edward I during his journey to meet Sir William Wallace at the Battle of Falkirk. In the 15th century, Sir Alexander Ramsay valiantly defended the castle against a six-month siege by English forces led by King Henry IV.
Though the Ramsay family maintained ownership of the castle for generations, the seat of Clan Ramsay eventually relocated to Brechin Castle in 1977. Today, Dalhousie Castle has been transformed into a splendid hotel, offering guests a unique and historic experience.
Vital Information about Dalhousie Castle:
Location: Edinburgh, Scotland
Era: 13th century
Builder: Clan Ramsay
Architectural Style: Medieval architecture
Present Function: Hotel
Current Owner: Robert Parker
20. Dornoch Castle
Nestled in the idyllic village of Dornoch, Dornoch Castle holds a storied past that stretches back to the early 16th century. Originally established as the residence of the bishops of Caithness, it was gifted by Bishop Robert Stewart to John Gordon, 11th Earl of Sutherland, in 1557.
Throughout the centuries, the castle endured periods of decay and restoration. In 1813-1814, it even served as a school and jail. Finally, in 1947, Dornoch Castle was transformed into the charming Dornoch Castle Hotel, providing a delightful retreat for visitors.
Vital Information about Dornoch Castle:
Location: Dornoch, Scotland
Era: 16th century
Builder: Bishops of Caithness
Architectural Style: Renaissance style
Present Function: Hotel
Current Owner: Private owner