Castles in Scotland
Border feuds, not just with England, but also with their neighbors, spurred much of the architecture of Scottish castles. The tower house, built for two purposes-to serve as both a home and a defense against attack-was often the basis for further expansion into a full-blown castle. Some tower houses remained just that and mirror a harsh and dangerous way of life. For more information you might enjoy the Scottish Castles Association.

Craignethan Castle
Crossford, Strathclyde
Craignethan Castle is an early 16th-century castle associated with the novels of Sir Walter Scott. It is based around a tower house built by Sir James Hamilton of Finnart (see … ... more

Many visitors come to Scotland just to see these historic castles:

England | Scotland | Wales
Feature Articles
The evolution of Medieval Castles
Feudalism & Medieval Life
Castle Photo Galleries
English Castles
Scottish Castles
Castles of Wales

Our picks as the 5 most scenic castles in Scotland: