DESTINATION SCOTLAND -CASTLES

DESTINATION SCOTLAND
-CASTLES
From magnificent city landmarks to mysterious ruins, Scotland is renowned for its iconic
castles. Whether you are looking to explore the largest in the country, follow a regional trail
or seek out those hidden gems, there is plenty of history to uncover as each castle has a
fascinating tale to tell.
Edinburgh Castle
A world famous icon of Scotland and part of the Old and New Towns of
Edinburgh UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The castle houses the Honours (Crown Jewels) of Scotland, the Stone of
Destiny, the famous 15th century gun Mons Meg (the One O' Clock Gun)
and the National War Museum of Scotland. In addition to guided tours
provided by the castle stewards, there is an audio guide tour available.
The Jacobite Room, Gatehouse Suite and Queen Anne rooms are all
available for private dining - making the Castle a perfect off-site dinner
option for up to 120 people. For larger groups of 250 to 800 people, the
whole of Edinburgh Castle can be hired for a drinks reception.
Stirling Castle
Stirling Castle is a great symbol of Scottish independence and a source
of national pride. A place of power, beauty and history, discover the
favoured residence of Scotland's Kings and Queens. Guests can visit the
castle for guided tours throughout the day or alternatively join in some of
the castle’s activities - for example designing your very own coat of arms!
Only a 20 minute drive from Gleneagles, in the evening the Castle can
host a dinner for the group split over the Great Hall and the Chapel
Royal. This is a unique dining experience and one the guests will be
talking about for years to come.
Blair Castle
With its roots in the 13th century, Blair Castle’s history extends over some
740 years, during which time it has welcomed countless generations of
visitors. At the gateway to the Grampian Mountains on the route north to
Inverness, the location was highly strategic.
Like many Scottish castles, Blair Castle has a long and illustrious history,
throughout which it has accumulated many fascinating historical artefacts,
including antique furniture, art, period dress and arms and armour.
Open 1 April – 30 October.
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DESTINATION SCOTLAND
-EDINBURGH
Linlithgow Palace
Best known as the birthplace of Mary, Queen of Scots, the magnificent
ruins of the Royal Palace are beautifully set in their own park beside
Linlithgow Loch.
The Palace is said to be haunted by the spectre of Mary of Guise, mother
to Mary, Queen of Scots
Glamis Castle
Glamis Castle is a living, breathing monument to Scottish heritage,
hospitality and enjoyment for all.
The family home of the Earls of Strathmore and Kinghorne, Glamis Castle
is the legendary setting for Shakespeare's Macbeth, the childhood home
of HM Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother and the birthplace of Princess
Margaret.
Steeped in history, Glamis Castle has evolved over the years to create a
stunning architectural treasure that is full of vitality to this day.
Craiglevar Castle
Found in the picturesque Aberdeenshire
countryside, Craigievar Castle sits 20 miles south
west of Inverurie. Resembling a fairytale castle
and an example of the best of Scottish Baronial
architecture, Craigievar fits naturally amongst
the rolling hills.
CRAIGLEVAR
CASTLE
(2.5 Hours)
BLAIR CASTLE (1 Hour)
SCONE PALACE (30 MINUTES)
HUNTINGTOWER CASTLE
(20 Minutes)
GLAMIS
CASTLE
(1 Hour)
STIRLING CASTLE (30 Minutes)
LINLITHGOW PALACE
(45 Minutes)
EDINBURGH
CASTLE
(1 Hour)
The Great Tower stands just as it was when
completed by Master William Forbes Danzig
Willie in 1626. Within its walls the castle’s
collection includes an excellent show of family
portraits. There is also original Jacobean
woodwork and some beautiful furniture,
including the ‘Craigievar table'.
Surrounding the castle are
extensive parkland grounds
with two waymarked
walks. There is also a
small Victorian
kitchen garden and
a Scottish glen
garden.
CAERLAVEROCK CASTLE (2.5 Hours)
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DESTINATION SCOTLAND
-EDINBURGH
Huntingtower Castle
Just up the road from Gleneagles on the outskirts of Perth, Huntingtower
Castle was originally the House of Ruthven and was built in the 15th
Century. King James VI was imprisoned here in 1582 when he was fifteen.
In revenge he killed the Ruthvens in 1600 and their lands were forfeited. The
name of the castle was changed to Huntingtower and it was given by the
Crown to the Murrays of Tullibardine in 1663 and passed to John Murray,
the first Duke of Atholl in 1676. Huntingtower Castle remained with the
Atholl family until 1805 when it was sold and used to house workers of a
nearby cloth-printing factory.
Today the grounds and the castle are beautifully cared for and it is a
popular venue for weddings – after all, Mary Queen of Scots honeymooned
here!
Scone Palace
Carry on your journey heading north east to Scone and the impressive
Scone Palace. 1500 years ago Scone (pronounced scoon) was the capital
of the ancient Pictish kingdom and from the middle ages the Kings of
Scotland were crowned there on the Stone of Destiny. The palace there
now was built in the early 1800s and is set in lovely grounds and gardens
which include a pinetum (a pine copse featuring varieties from all over the
world) and a maze. Guided tours of the Palace and its treasures are
available, along with a shop and informal dining restaurant situated in the
old kitchens.
Scotland has over 2,000 castles
from crumbling ruins to some
that still serve as residences.
The oldest castle dates back to
the 12th Century - that’s about
300 years before Columbus
discovered America!
Edinburgh Castle is Scotland’s
largest castle - the 10th largest
castle in the world. It covers an
area of 36,000 sq metres
Scottish castles have doubled as
locations in Game of Thrones,
Outlander, Macbeth, Monty
Python, Braveheart and more.
Caerlaverock Castle
With its moat, twin towered gatehouse and
imposing battlements, this awe-inspiring
castle near Dumfries is the epitome of the
medieval stronghold and one of the finest in
Scotland.
Although ruined, Caerlaverock is still a
substantial structure and you can explore
many different features within its unique
triangular ground plan. The castle's turbulent
history owes much to its proximity to England
which brought it into the brutal cross-border
conflicts and you can enjoy a fascinating
siege warfare exhibition
complete with
reconstructions of
medieval siege
engines.
There have been reported
hauntings at over 150 Scottish
Castles. Glamis Castle is said to
be the most haunted and has
been visited by the Devil himself.
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