The Castles of Scotland by Martin Coventry | Goblinshead | A comprehensive guide to 4,100 castles, towers, historic houses, stately homes and family lands
The Castles of Scotland by Martin Coventry | Goblinshead | A comprehensive guide to 4,100 castles, towers, historic houses, stately homes and family lands
The Castles of Scotland
The Castles of Scotland 

The Best Castles

There is an alphabetical list with links to the castles covered on the website. New material added most days.

 

There is a map just below…

 

Magnificent Ruins

Large and magnicient ruined buildings, most of which can be visited.

Scenic Castles

Castles which are especially scenic or are in a picturesque spot.

Grand Castles

Impressive castles, usually still roofed and many also furnished.

Stately Homes and Mansions

Grand, sometimes sumptuous houses, most furnished.

Feature Articles

Some places we liked or found of interest.

New Sites

Some new castles or old houses which were not in the fifth edition.

Other Articles

A miscellaneous selection of castles and other sites.

Map of Sites

Maps locating the castles, towers, mansions and other sites, also see below.

 

If your favourite castle is missing, of if you have any corrections or improvements, please let us know by emailing us.

The map has all places which can be visited, stayed at or viewed from nearby. This includes (or will eventually) all the places in the following sections: Magnificent Ruins, Scenic Castles, Grand Castles, Stately Homes and Feature Articles, and such places in New Sites and Other Articles which fall into this category.

 

You can move around the map, make it smaller or larger or full page (button in top right corner), and then click on a site of interest. The name will then appear and clicking on the name will load the page.

 

A wider version of the map is available here.

Alphabetical List of Castles Featured on this Website

Being compiled and still many more to add…when complete will be less than 15% of entries in the book.

 

Abercorn

Fine historic church near site of a castle of the Douglases.

Abbotsford

Baronial mansion of Sir Walter Scott with fine interior in picturesque grounds.

Abbot House

Old townhouse, by the impressive abbey church and palace ruin.

Aberdour Castle

Picturesque partly-ruinous castle of the Douglases with orchards and garden.

Aboyne Castle

Large and imposing castle, home to the Gordons (private).

Ackergill Tower

Impressive tower of the Keiths by the sea, hotel and wedding vernue.

Aikwood Tower

Fine restored tower of the Scotts, now offering accommodation.

Airlie Castle

Mansion in a scenic spot of the Ogilvys of Airle (private)

Airth Castle

Fine old castle and mansion of the Bruces, now a hotel.

Alloa Tower

Impressive large tower with fine interior of the Erskines of Mar.

Amisfield Tower

Gardens of the handsome tower and house, formerly of the Charteris family.

Amhuinnsuidhe Castle

Baronial mansion in lovely wild estate, accommodation and sporting estate.

Ancrum

Sites of towers (Nether Ancrum).

Ancrum House

Site of mansion and tower (Over Ancrum), held by the Kerrs and Scotts.

Arbuthnott House

Handsome house in splendid gardens, home to the Arbuthnotts for 800 years.

Archerfield

Fine mansion offering accommodation, cafe in walled garden.

Ardchattan

Good gardens and atmospheric priory ruins in a peaceful spot by Loch Etive.

Ardlamont

Mansion and former castle of the Lamonts, holiday cottages.

Archerfield

Fine old mansion, accommodation and wedding venue, and walled garden.

Ardmaddy Castle

Fabulous walled garden and grounds of the scenic old house.

Armadale Castle

Museum and gardens of the ruined mansion of the MacDonalds of Sleat.

Arniston House

Fascinating mansion with period interior of the Dundas family.

Aros Castle

Picturesque but crumbling ruinous castle on a headland in the Sound of Mull.

Ardvreck Castle

Lonely ruin in a wild and scenic spot.

Ardkinglas

Baronial mansion with impressive woodland garden nearby.

Argyll's Lodging, Stirling

Fine old town house in the historic burgh.

Athelstaneford

Site of castle of Hepburns, pretty village, church and doocot, flag centre.

Auchans

Large ruinous castle and mansion.

Auchavoulin

Former tower house, large baronial mansion (Castle Toward).

Auchendrane

Site of castle of the Mures.

Auchindoun Castle

Romantic ruinof the Gordons in a prominent spot.

Auldhame

Shattered but scenic ruin above the fabulous beach of Seacliff.

Baldoon Castle

Little remains of the haunted castle, once of the Dunbars. 

Balbirnie House

Maginifcent classical mansion of the Balfours, hotel and country park.

Balgone House

Mansion, formerly of the Grant-Sutties, self-catering accommodation.

Balgonie Castle

Impressive partially restored castle and courtyard, tours and weddings.

Ballinbreich Castle

Ruinous and overgrown old stronghold of the Leslies.

Ballindalloch Castle

Grand but homely castle and gardens of the Macpherson-Grants.

Balmoral Castle

In fine grounds, the baronial mansion of the royal family.

Baltersan Castle

Imposing ruinous tower of the Kennedys.

Balvaird Castle

In an elevated pretty spot stands the impressive castle of the Murrays.

Balvenie Castle

Imposing castle and curtain wall in a peaceful and scenic spot.

Bankton House

Attractive orange-washed house, one home to Colonel Gardiner.

Barcaldine Castle

Handsome old tower house of the Campbells, now a guest house.

Bargany

Fine house with lovely gardens.

Barholm Castle

Restored old castle of the MacCullochs.

Bass Rock

Ruin of the castle on the bird-whitened island in the Firth of Forth.

Bemersyde

Gardens of the impressive old castle and mansion of the Haigs.

Biel

Fine old house, long held by the Hamilton Lords Belhaven.

Blackness Castle

Grim and intriguing old fortress and prison by the sea.

Blair Castle, Blair Atholl

Grand castle of the Dukes of Atholl with an imposing interior.

Blair Castle, Dalry

Fine old pile in scenic grounds, now wedding and events venue.

Blair Castle, Kincardine

Attractive classical mansion, now a convalescent home, events venue.

Bombie

Site of once important castle of the MacLellans.

Bonshaw Tower

Stark tower and later mansion of the Irvines, wedding venue.

Borthwick Castle

Massively impressive tower house, now a hotel.

Bothwell Castle

Magnificent old stone castle in a lovely spot above the Clyde.

Bowhill

Grand, sprawling mansion with lavish interior in great grounds.

Braemar Castle

In a picturesque area is the interesting tower of the Farquharsons.

Branxholme Castle

Fine old castle of the Scotts of the Bucceluch.

Breachacha Castle

Handsome old castle and newer mansion in a breath-taking location.

Brechin Castle

Gardens of the imposing home of the Ramsay Earls of Dalhousie.

Brims Castle

Ruinous old tower and courtyard of the Sinclairs, near the sea.

Brodick Castle

Old castle and later mansion and gardens of the Dukes of Hamilton.

Brodie Castle

Fine castle and mansion with a period interior in lovely policies.

Broughty Castle

Impressive tower by the harbour, now housing a museum.

Broxmouth

Attractive classical mansion, formerly of the Kerrs, now wedding venue.

Brunston

Site of castle or old house of the Kennedys.

Buccleuch

Site of an old castle  of the Scotts of Buccleuch.

Buck o' Bield

Site of old house or tower of the Rutherfords, then the Gordons.

Bughtrig House

Fine formal gardens of the classical mansion.

Burleigh Castle

Interesting ruinous castle of the Balfours by the roadside.

Cadzow Castle

Much reduced ruin of a once strong castle in a wooded spot.

Caerlaverock Castle

Grand and romantic triangular ruin with a wet moat.

Cairnbulg Castle

Grand castle and seat of the Frasers of Philorth.

Caisteal Bharraich or Castle Varrich

Ruinous and crumbling old castle in a wild and pretty spot.

Caisteal na Nighinn Ruaidhe

Ruinous castle on wooded isle in the beautiful and peaceful Loch Avich.

Cally

Fragments of Cally Castle, replaced by Cally Palace Hotel.

Callendar House

Large, imposing but slightly sinister house in lovely public park.

Cardoness Castle

Stark ruin of a once comfortable tower house of the MacCullochs.

Carnasserie Castle

Brooding and interesting castle in scenic Kilmartin Glen.

Carolside

Fine gardens of the impressive mansion, long held by the Homes.

Carrick Castle

Striking tower in a pretty spot on the banks of Loch Goil.

Carscreugh Castle

Very ruinous castle and house of the Dalrymples.

Carsluith Castle

Compact but interesting ruin of a tower.

Cassillis House

Tower and mansion, formerly of the Kennedy Marquises of Ailsa.

Castle Fraser

Large and imposing building, seat of the Frasers, in fine grounds.

Castle Hill, North Berwick

Site of castle on mound in the attractive park by the beach.

Castle Kennedy

Large ruinous scenic castle in picturesque gardens.

Castle Leod

Great castle in a fine location, held by the Mackenzies.

Castle Menzies

Large and atmospheric tower house with many rooms to explore.

Castle of Mey

With fine gardens, the castle and former home of the Queen Mother.

Castle Stalker

Scenic and much photographed tower of the Stewarts on an island.

Castle Stuart

Large and impressive tower house, formerly of the Stuart Earls of Moray.

Castle Sween

Impressive ruin on the banks on Loch Sween.

Castle Lachlan

On the banks of Loch Fyne is this stark but imposing ruin.

Cawdor Castle

Impressive large castle with beautiful gardens and grounds.

Cessford Castle

Strong and grim old ruinous castle of the Kerrs.

Cessnock Castle

Substantial old castle and former seat of the Campbells.

Clackmannan Tower

In a prominent spot stands the imposing tower of the Bruces.

Claypotts Castle

Well-preserved and interesting castle.

Clonbeith Castle

Ruinous old castle in a farm, formerly of the Cunninghams.

Cockburnspath

Remains of old castle, and attractive village with manor house and church.

Cockenzie House

Dour but impressive mansion of the Caddells in beautiful gardens.

Coldingham Priory

Attractive church, remodelled from chancel of priory, in scenic village.

Colinton Castle

Old ruin in the grounds of Merchiston Castle School.

Comlongon Castle

Impressive tower with later mansion of the Murrays, now wedding venue.

Congalton

Site of castle of the Congalton family.

Corgarff Castle

In a lonely spot is the old castle, later remodelled as a barracks.

Cortachy Castle

Grounds of the impressive old castle and mansion of the Ogilvys of Airlie.

Cowane's Hospital, Stirling

Fine old building and gardens in the historic burgh.

Coxton Tower

Well-preserved old tower of the Innes family,

Craigcrook Castle

Attractive old castle in fine grounds, built by the Adamsons.

Craigdarroch

Elegant classical mansion incorporating tower, long held by the Fergussons.

Craighouse

Fine old mansion in the grounds of former hospital, then university.

Craigie Castle

Shattered and overgrown ruinous castle, held by the Wallaces.

Craigie House

Fine classical mansion in parkland, once held by the Wallaces.

Craigievar Castle

Exceptional tower with many original features, held by the Forbes family.

Craigmillar Castle

Fascinating substantial edifice with many chambers to explore.

Craignethan Castle

Once strong artilley castle of the Hamiltons in a scenic wooded position.

Crandart

Site of castle of the MacCombies.

Crathes Castle

Massive tower with painted ceilings and fabulous walled garden.

Crawford Priory

Large and impressive ruinous but once sumptuous mansion.

Crichton Castle

Palatial ruinous castle in an atmospheric spot above River Tyne.

Crichton House

Plain old house, which replaced Crichton Castle.

Crookston Castle

Unusual ruinous castle, besieged by Mons Meg.

Crossraguel Abbey

Two fortified towers among the substantial ruins of the abbey.

Culcreuch Castle

In a picturesque spot, fine old castle of the Galbraiths, now a hotel.

Culloden House

In fine grounds, the attractive mansion of the Forbes family, now a hotel.

Culross Palace

In the historic burgh is the palace with original painted interiors.

Culzean Castle

Clifftop castle of the Kennedys with sumptuous interior in fine grounds.

Dalcross Castle

Large and impressive castle, wedding venue and cottages.

Dalgety

Ruinous church and tower in interesting old burial ground in pretty spot.

Dalhousie Castle

Grand castle and mansion of the Ramsays, now a hotel.

Dalkeith Palace

Scenic park around the magnificent mansion of the Dukes of Buccleuch,

Dalmeny House

Elegant house with many interesting rooms of the Earls of Rosebery.

Dalmunzie

Large rambling mansion of the Mackintoshes, now a hotel.

Dalquharran Castle

Ruinous castle and derelict large later mansion of the Kennedys.

Darnaway Castle

Impressive mansion with old hall from castle of the Earls of Moray.

Darnick Tower

Fine old tower house, long a property of the Heiton family.

Dean Castle

Grand old restored castle of the Boyds of Kilmarnock in a public park.

Delgatie Castle

Interesting old stronghold of the Hays with some good interiors.

Dirleton Castle

The best castle to visit and explore. Has everything except a dragon.

Dolphingstone

Doocot all the survives from all old castle and house.

Donibristle

Only wings survive from a mansion of the Earls of Moray.

Dornoch Palace

Imposing castle of the Bishops of Caithness, now a hotel.

Douglas Castle

Only fragments survive of original castle and later mansion of the Douglases.

Doune Castle

Substantial and imposing castle of the Duke of Albany in a fine spot.

Drochil Castle

Unusual castle, built by James Douglas, Regent Morton.

Drum Castle

Stark tower and later large mansion of the Irvine clan.

Drumlanrig Castle

Handsome mansion and grounds of the Dukes of Bucceluch in a lovely spot.

Drummond Castle

The beautiful formal gardens of the imposing castle.

Drumcoltran Tower

Well-preserved tower of the Maxwells among farm buildings.

Dryhope Tower

Standing in a pleasant spot is the gaunt old tower of the Scotts.

Duart Castle

Atmospheric castle of the Macleans in an impressive location.

Duff House

Grand early Adam mansion of Duff family, now art gallery.

Duffus Castle

Interesting motte bailey castle with ruinous tower of the Sutherland family.

Dumbarton Castle

Impressive double hill site with some remains of castle and later fortifications.

Dumfries House

Elegant house with sumptuous interior of the Marquesses of Bute.

Dun an Sticer

Interesting island stronghold with causeways across loch.

Dunbar Castle

Crumbling remains of once important castle by the harbour of the burgh.

Dunbeath Castle

Impressive castle on clifftop above sea, gardens, cottages, weddings.

Dundas Castle

Attractive rambling tower and later mansion, now a wedding venue.

Dundonald Castle

Imposing and interesting ruin in a prominent position.

Dunfermline Palace

Ruined palace and abbey buildings with royal connections.

Dunglass

Fine collegiate church near the site of a castle and mansion.

Dunira

Site of castle and mansion and the fine associated gardens.

Dunninald Castle

Impressive baronial mansion in fine grounds and gardens.

Dunnottar Castle

Spectacular location and impressive entrance of the Keith Earls Marischal.

Dunollie Castle

Grim old tower on headland above sea of the MacDougalls, museum.

Dunoon Castle

Little remains but a mound in the pretty gardens by the sea.

Dunrobin Castle

Fabulous fairytale castle with fine gardens of the Dukes of Sutherland.

Dunskey Castle

Crumbling but impressive ruin on cliffs, once held by the Adairs.

Dunstaffnage Castle

Gaunt ruin and atmospheric chapel in pretty wooded spot of the Campbells.

Dunsyre Castle

Site of old castle, once held by the Hepburns.

Duntarvie Castle

Large and impressive castle, now being restored, 

Duntrune Castle

Garden and estate of the scenic old castle of the Malcolms of Poltalloch.

Duntulm Castle

Much reduced ruin on dizzying sea-girt cliffs, held by the MacDonalds.

Dunure Castle

Gaunt old ruin of the Kennedys by the sea.

Dunvegan Castle

In a pretty spot, impresive castle and seat of the clan MacLeod.

Earlshall

Beautiful gardens of the fine castle, formerly of the Bruces.

Earlstoun Castle

Renovated old tower house of the Gordons.

Edinburgh Castle

On a rock above the capital,the large, imposing stronghold with many treasures.

Edzell Castle

Interesting ruin with formal walled garden and summerhouse.

Eglinton Castle

Some walls remain of this once important house of the Montgomerys.

Eilean Donan Castle

Scenic and much-photographed castle in a beautiful spot.

Elcho Castle

Great castle, fortified yet once sumptuous residence, held by the Wemyss family.

Elphinstone Castle

Little remains of a substantial tower of the Elphinstone family.

Erchless Castle

Substantial, impressive and well-preserved tower of the Chisholm clan.

Falkland Palace

Grand palace, once home of monarchs, in lovely grounds with real tennis court.

Falside Castle

Prominent and substantial castle with great views.

Fasque

Impressive mansion in fine grounds of the Gladstones, exclusive use.

Fenton Tower

Scenic restored castle on hill, used in Balamory, offers accommodation.

Fenton Barns

Site of tower or old house.

Fernie Castle

In wooded grounds, the large old tower house, now a hotel with treehouse.

Ferniehirst Castle

Old stronghold of the Kerrs in a pleasant spot.

Fingask Castle

Fine old castle of the Thriepland family in lovely gardens and grounds.

Finlaggan

Reduced ruins on islands of the seat of the MacDonald Lords of the Isles.

Finlarig Castle

Overgrown and scenic ruin in pretty wooded setting.

Finlaystone House

Country park around the baronial mansion, now of the MacMillans.

Floors Castle

Massive imposing mansion of the Dukes of Roxburghe with lavish interior.

Forter Castle

Restored tower house, formerly of the Ogilvies, accommodation/weddings.

Fowlis

Site of castle of the Earls of Strathearn, fine church and stones at Fowlis Wester

Frendraught Castle

Attractive castle and mansion, held by the Crichtons for many years.

Foulden

Site of mansion and bastle, unusual 'tithe barn' survives.

Fyvie Castle

Splendid massive castle with grand interiors and a Green Lady.

Gight Castle

Ruined castle in a pretty spot, once home of Lord Byron's family.

Girnigoe Castle

Ruin on cliffs of a once palatial stronghold of the Sinclair Earls of Caithness.

Glamis Castle

Grand massive tower and castle of the Lyon family with fabulous interior.

Glenbuchat Castle

Fine ruin of Z-plan tower house of the Gordons.

Glasgow Castle

Site of a once large castle, near to the cathedral.

Glengorm Castle

Impressive baronial mansion in a lovely spot, cafe and holiday accommodation.

Goldielands Tower

Ruinous old tower house of the Scotts.

Gordon Castle

Walled garden of the reduced but impressive mansion of the Dukes of Gordon.

Gorrenberry Tower

Site of tower of the Elliots, then the Scotts, holiday accommodation

Gosford House

Palatial mansion in lovely pleasure grounds of the Earls of Wemyss and March.

Gowrie House, Perth

Site of imposing old town house, scene of the infamous Gowrie Conspiracy.

Grandtully Castle

Impressive castle, held by the Stewarts, and nearby church with painted ceiling.

Greenknowe Tower

Attractive ruinous tower with impressive old trees.

Gunsgreen House

Imposing but compact mansion by John Adam, associated with smuggling.

Guthrie Castle

Lovely old tower and later mansion in fine grounds, weddings / accomodation.

Gylen Castle

By the Firth of Lorn is this elegant compact tower of the MacDougalls.

Haddo House

Impressive mansion with period interior of the Gordon Earls of Aberdeen.

Hailes Castle

Scenic sprawling ruin on a rock above the River Tyne.

Hamilton House

Fine old house of the Hamiltons in Prestonpans.

Hamilton Palace

Site of the magnificent mansion of the Dukes of Hamilton.

Harden

Country house incorporating an old tower of the Scotts.

Harlawhill House

Old mansion of the Hamiltons, then the Fowlers, semi-derelict.

Hawthornden Castle

Picturesque old castle, long held by the Drummonds, now a writers' retreat.

Helmsdale Castle

Site of old castle, location of an infamous case of poisoning.

Hermitage Castle

Oppressive old haunted fortress in a somewhat bleak location.

Hill of Tarvit

Lovely house with fine interior in beautiful grounds.

Hopetoun House

In scenic grounds is the large and impressive seat of the Earls of Hopetoun.

Hospitalfield House

Imposing baronial mansion, now arts centre.

House of Dun

Compact and elegent house of the Erskines in lovely surroundings.

House of Tongue

Gardens of the old rambling house of the Countess of Sutherland.

Humbie Old Place

Old castle replaced by a mansion, held by the Lawsons and Hepburns.

Hume Castle

Remodelled ruin of a once strong castle, long held by the Homes.

Huntly Castle

Grand ruinous castle and palace of the Gordons of Huntly.

Huntly House

Fine townhouse of the Gordons of Huntly, now Museum of Edinburgh.

Huntingtower Castle

Solid and impressive castle with some original decoration.

Inch Colm Abbey

Well-preserved abbey ruins on fascinating island in Firth of Forth.

Innerwick Castle

Attractive ruinous old stronghold in a wooded valley.

Inveresk Lodge, House and The Manor House

Old houses in the pretty and peaceful village of Inveresk.

Inveraray Castle

Muscular mansion and lovely gardens of the Campbell Dukes of Argyll.

Invergarry Castle

Scenic ruined castle of the MacDonalds in grounds of Glengarry Castle Hotel.

Inverlochy Castle

Picturesque and well preserved old castle in a scenic spot.

Jedburgh Castle

Site of royal castle, now occupied by Jedburgh Castle Jail and Museum.

Jerviswood House

Old tower house of the Baillies, later Earls of Haddington.

Kailzie

Fine gardens of the demolished mansion.

Keiss Castle

Picturesque and romantic ruinous castle of the Sinclairs on cliffs above the sea.

Kelburn Castle

Fine castle in scenic grounds of the Boyle Earls of Glasgow.

Kellie Castle

Attractive castle with fine interior and beautiful gardens.

Kelso Abbey

Shattered ruin of the abbey church, once part of a rich monastery.

Kenmure Castle

Large impressive ruin of a castle and mansion of the Gordons.

Kerelaw Castle

Large, ruinous tower built by the Cunningham Earls of Glencairn.

Kilchurn Castle

Picturesque and much-photographed ruinous castle by Loch Awe.

Kilmarnock House

Demolished townhouse of the Boyd Earls of Kilmarnock, garden.

Kilmartin Castle

Restored tower house in the pleasant village. AirB&B.

Kilmaurs Place

Old tower and house of the Cunninghams of Glencairn.

Kilmun

Tower, church and mausoleum of the Dukes of Argyll in interesting cemetery.

Kilravock Castle

Impressive castle of the Rose family in a scenic spot, bunkhouse, weddings.

Kilspindie Castle

Virtually nothing remains of the castle by the attractive church in Aberlady.

Kindrochit Castle

Not much more than foundations of the old castle in Braemar.

Kinfauns Castle

Imposing baronial mansion in the site of an old castle of the Charteris family.

Kinghorn Castle

Site of old castle of the Lyon Earls of Kinghorne.

Kinnaird Head Castle

Scenic white-washed tower of the Frasers, part of lighthouse museum.

Kinneil House

Gutted building but retains some of the best painted rooms in Scotland.

Kinross House

Fabulous late 17th-century mansion in fine grounds, available for exclusive use.

Kirkcudbright

Earthworks remain from the royal castle of Kirkcudbright.

Kisimul Castle

Scenic castle of the MacNeils on island off Castlebay in Barra.

Ladykirk

Gloomy but impressive old church near the site of the mansion.

Lainshaw Castle

Site of castle of the Montgomerys, replaced by elegant mansion.

Lauriston Castle

Standing in a fine park, castle and mansion with Edwardian interior.

Leith Hall

Handsome mansion in fine grounds of the Leith family.

Lennoxlove

Fine old castle and mansion, now owned by the Dukes of Hamilton.

Lews Castle

Baronial mansion in extensive parkland, museum and holiday accommodation.

Linlithgow Palace

Magnificent ruinous royal palace in pretty park with pond.

Loch an Eilein Castle

Ruinous castle of an island in the loch in a beautiful spot.

Loch Doon Castle

Unusual 11-sided castle, moved from island, associated with Robert the Bruce.

Lochindorb Castle

Ruinous castle of an island in the loch in a beautiful spot.

Lochinvar Castle

Remains of castle on an island of the Gordons.

Lochleven Castle

Tower and courtyard of the Douglases on a lovely sylvan island in loch.

Lochmaben Castle

Very ruinous castle in a wooded spot by Castle Loch nature reserve.

Lochnell House

Large house, damaged after a fire, of the Campbells, then the Cochranes.

Lochranza Castle

Fine ruinous castle between the sea and the mountains of Arran.

Lordscairnie Castle

Stark ruin of a tower of the Lindsay Tiger Earl of Crawford.

Loudoun Castle

Ruinous but impressive ruin of a once palatial building of the Campbells.

Luffness Castle

Fine old castle and mansion, built by the Hepburns, near Friary remains.

MacLellan's Castle

Once comfortable but still impressive edifice of the MacLellans.

Mains Castle, Dundee

In Caird Park, the impressive tower and courtyard of the Grahams.

Malcolm's Tower. Dunfermline

Little remains of a large tower, may have been built by Malcolm Canmore.

Malleny House

Fine gardens of the attractive old house.

Maltan Walls

Site of residence of the Bishops of Glasgow in Ancrum.

Manderston

Elegant house with lavish interior and silver staircase in fine grounds.

Mangerton Tower

Very ruinous tower, once stronghold of the Armstrongs.

Mar's Wark, Stirling

Ruined renaissance mansion near Stirling Castle of Earls of Mar.

Mary Queen of Scots House

Old tower house in garden, visitor centre associated with Mary Queen of Scots.

Maybole Castle

Imposing but gloomy castle of the Kennedys in the pleasant burgh.

Maxwelton

Attractive old house in fine grounds, formerly of the Cunninghams of Glencairn.

Meggernie Castle

Handsome old castle in lovely location, formerly held by the Menzies family.

Melgund Castle

Large restored castle, built by Cardinal David Beaton.

Mellerstain

Fantastic house with spectacular Adam interior in lovely gardens and grounds.

Melville Castle

Impressive mansion of the Dundas Lord Melville, now a hotel.

Menstrie Castle

Castle in the village, now a museum.

Merchiston Castle

Old tower of the Napiers, engulfed by Napier University.

Mertoun House

Gardens of the old house and later mansion, now of the Duke of Sutherland.

Midhope Tower

Handsome old tower house, interior derelict, exterior accessible.

Milne Graden

Site of tower, replaced by the fine mansion, in a pretty spot.

Monteviot House

Fabulous gardens by the Teviot of the sprawling mansion of the Kerrs.

Monzie Castle

Impressive mansion with old tower in a lovely wooded location.

Morton Castle

In a pretty spot by a loch stands the old castle of Regent Morton.

Mount Stuart

In beautiful grounds is the awe-inspiring house of the Marquesses of Bute.

Moy Castle

Stark old tower of the MacLaines in a beautiful spot by the sea and mountains.

Muchalls Castle

Impressive tower house by the sea, long held by the Burnetts.

Mugdrum

Old house in a pleasant wooded spot by the banks of the Tay.

Muness Castle

Most northerly castle in Britain, ruinous Z-plan tower of the Bruces.

Myres Castle

Handsome old tower house in lovely gardens, weddings and luxury B&B.

Neidpath Castle

Impressive castle, long held by the Hays, above the Tweed.

Newark Castle, Bowhill

Large and impressive ruinous tower, scene of a massacre.

Newark Castle, Port Glasgow

Atmospheroc stronghold of the Maxwells with some original interiors.

Newbattle Abbey

Magnificent mansion of the Kerr Marquises of Lothian, now a college.

Newbyth

Castellated mansion in pleasant grounds, estate long held by the Bairds.

Newhailes

In wide parkland, gloomy old house with fabulous atmospheric interior.

Newliston House

Fine Adam mansion in scenic grounds.

Newton Castle, Ayr

Site of a castle, held at one time by the Wallaces of Craigie.

Niddrie Marishcal

Large impressive old house, demolished and replaced by a housing estate.

Niddry Castle

Restored and imposing tower of the Setons.

Noltland Castle

Grim, impressive ruinous castle of the Balfours with a profusion of shotholes.

Northfield House

Large and atmospheric old house in a pleasant spot in Prestonpans.

Old Gala House

Old tower and mansion of the Pringles and Scotts, now museum and gallery.

Old Kilmun

Old house, formerly a property of the Campbells, holiday accommodation.

Old Thirlestane

Ruinous tower of the Maitlands, predecessor of Thirlestane Castle, Lauder.

Orchardton Tower

Unique tower house, round in plan, held by the Maxwells.

Oxenfoord Castle

Baronial mansion and castle in fine grounds, wedding & corporate events.

Palace of Holyroodhouse

Fabulous royal palace with excellent interior, still used by the present monarch.

Paxton House

Elegant house of the Homes with fine interior by the River Tweed.

Peel Ring of Lumphanan

The earthworks of a castle, formerly with a wet moat, associated with Macbeth.

Peffermill House

Fine old house, held by thePrestons then later the Gilmours.

Penkaet Castle

Large and rambling attractive old house, formerly held by the Pringles.

Pinkie House

Impressive tower house and mansion, now part of Loretto School.

Pitmuies

Beautiful gardens of the elegant house, held by the Guthries and Ogilvies.

Pittencrieff House

Interesting house in the lovely and popular park.

Pollok House

Grand house with colourful garden and parkland of the Maxwells of Pollok.

Poltalloch

Large ruinous mansion, built by the Malcolms, now of Duntrune.

Portmore House

Substantial baronial mansion in pretty spot with fabulous gardens.

Portencross Castle

Fine old castle, held by the Boyds, in a pretty spot by the sea.

Preston Tower

Brooding and dark tall tower of the Hamiltons in a pleasant park.

Prestongrange House

Handsome old baronial house of the Grant-Sutties, now clubhouse of golf club.

Provand's Lordship, Glasgow

Interesting old house and garden near the fabulous but gloomy cathedral.

Quothquhan

Site of castle of the Chacellor family, replaced by Shieldhill.

Rait Castle

Unusual hallhouse and ghost-haunted castle.

Ravenscraig Castle

Ruined artillery castle of the Sinclairs in park.

Red Castle, Montrose

In a prominent spot, the shattered but impressive ruinous castle.

Redhouse Castle

Large and imposing tower with courtyard of the Hamiltons.

Roslin Castle

Impressive entrance, ruinous but still magnificent, of the Sinclairs.

Rosyth Castle

Sunstantial ruinous tower, formerly on island, held by the Stewarts.

Rothesay Castle

Unusual round castle and gatehouse with wet moat and royal connections.

Rowallan Castle

Grand castle of the Mure family, now a wedding venue and golf resort.

Ruthven Castle and Barracks

Extensive ruin of barracks on old castle earthworks.

St Andrews Castle

Shattered ruin of the bishops by the sea in the attractive university town.

Sanquhar Castle

Much reduced ruin of a once large and lordly castle of the Crichtons.

Saltcoats Castle

Unusual ruinous and overgrown courtyard castle of the Livingstones.

Sauchie Tower

Interesting old tower of the Shaws.

Scalloway Castle

Ruinous castle of the wicked Patrick Stewart, Earl of Orkney.

Scone Palace

In fine grounds is the imposing and sumptuous mansion of the Murrays.

Scotstarvit Tower

Small but beautifully formed tower of Scott of Scotstarvit in wooded spot.

Seacliff

Beautiful beach by the impressive ruin of the house.

Seagate Castle

Ruined castle in the burgh of Irvine.

Seton Castle

Atmospheric church by the Adam mansion, formerly seat of the Setons.

Shieldhill Castle

Grand castle and mansion of the Chancellor family, now a hotel.

Skipness Castle

Fine tower and walled courtyard in scenic position, held by the Campbells.

Slains Castle

Sprawling ruin on cliffs of a magnificent residence of the Hays of Errol.

Smailholm Tower

Gloomy tower of the Pringles in an impressive windswept location.

Smeaton Hepburn

Garden centre and grounds of the demolished mansion.

Sorn Castle

Impressive old castle and house in fine grounds.

Spedlins Tower

Substantial restored tower house, long held by the Jardines.

Spynie Palace

In a pretty spot, the strong castle of the Bishops of Moray, now ruinous.

Stirling Castle

Magnificent castle on rock, one of the foremost strongholds of Scotland.

Stobo Castle

Large castellated mansion with later extensions, now a hotel and spa.

Stonefield Castle

Impressive baronial mansion in sylvan grounds, now a hotel.

Stranraer Castle

Old tower in the town, now housing a museum.

Strathaven Castle

Once strong but now quite ruinous castle in the town.

Tantallon Castle

Shattered but spectacular ruin on cliffs, fortress of the Douglas Earls of Angus.

Tarbert Castle

Ruined tower with earthworks above the attractive village.

Taymouth Castle

Huge and impressive castle and mansion, formerly of the Earls of Breadalbane.

The Binns

Overlooking the Forth is the grand house of the Dalziels of The Binns.

The Hirsel

Park and tearoom in the grounds of The Hirsel, held by the Home family.

The Lodge, North Berwick

Gardens and public park by the white-washed sprawling old house.

Thirlestane Castle

Massive, impressive building of the Maitlands with some fine interiors.

Threave Castle

Grim old castle on an island in a river, fortress of the Black Douglases.

Tirefour Broch or Castle

In a beautiful spot the well-preserved ruin of a massive broch.

Tolquhon Castle

Great ruinous castles of Forbeses with much to explore.

Touch House

Old tower and classical mansion of the Setons, business centre.

Toward Castle

Atmospheric ruin of the Lamonts in a now peaceful location.

Tranent

Derelict tower, attractive church and old doocot in Tranent.

Traquair House

Impressive seat of Maxwell-Stewarts with atmospheric rooms in lovely grounds.

Tullibardine

Old chapel near the site of a strong castle of the Murrays.

Tyninghame House

Gardens and grounds of the pink, muscular mansion of the Earls of Haddington.

Udny Castle

Fine old tower house of the Udny family.

Urquhart Castle

Strong but now ruinous castle in a beautiful spot on banks of Loch Ness.

Vogrie House

Fine gardens and grounds of the attractive mansion.

Wemyss Castle

Fine gardens of the old castle and mansion of the Wemyss family.

Whitekirk

Fine old church and graveyard near the restored old tower.

Winton House

Grand house with interesting rooms of the Ogilvy Earls of Winton.

Yester Castle

Shattered ruin of the Hays in a pretty spot with the famous Goblin Ha'.

Yester House

Handsome Adam mansion, built by the Hay Marquises of Tweedale.

New sixth edition in preparation: more than 1,500 additional sites, hundreds more illustrations, comprehensive online maps and indexes, and much much more.

Due for 2024, and still a huge amount of work to do … more info to follow soon.

Check any and all opening and access information with the sites themselves…

Contact

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Cockenzie House
22 Edinburgh Road
Cockenzie

EH32 0HY

 

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