The Norman invasion of the 12th century saw the rise of the great Scottish castles

The Norman invasion of the 12th century saw the rise of the great Scottish castles. They dot a landscape of heather-clad moors and rocky peaks and wind swept beaches. They guard inland water ways. Scotland’s castles stand in quite solitude, their duty never ending.

Many Scottish castles feature massive stone towers and walls, have been built on hills, along natural waterways, by important trade crossroads, and near precarious approaches on cliffs.

Scotland is a place were you can watch eagles soar over rocky mountain tops or sip whiskey to your hearts content. Her beaches have been home to Viking boats and her moors have seen bloody battles. Bonnie Prince Charlie has taken refuge in her caves.

Her shores have been washed by the Atlantic in the west and in the east by the North Sea. The Celts and Romans, the Scandinavians and Normans have all left their mark in Scotland. She is a land of poets and fine malt whisky. Her history is rich and varied; her people have travelled the world.

Brodick Castle has kept up a tradition that has seen a fortification of some description in place since the 5th century.

Cawdor Castle began life as a family home in the later part of the 14th century.

Dunvegan Castle was built upon land that was inherited by Leod, a son of the King of the Isle of Man in 1237, and has remained the home of the Macleods (meaning – son of Leod) ever since.

Eilean Donan Castle was built in 1220 for Alexander II on a small isle at the meeting point of three sea lochs as a defence against the Vikings.

Edinburgh Castle is built upon a large outcrop of basalt rock high above the city and stands like a silent beacon casting a weary eye over the sprawling metropolis below.

Tantallon Castle was built around 1350 by William 1st Earl of Douglas, nephew of ‘Good Sir James’, and originally based on a French Chateaux.

Borthwick Castle was built in 1430, by Lord Borthwick as a twin towered keep. His tomb and that of his wife can still be seen in the old village church.

Bothwell Castle sits atop a high steep bank above a bend in the River Clyde between Uddingston and the small town of Bothwell in Lanarkshire, Scotland .

Dundonald Castle proudly stands on a hill which has been in continuous use since around 2000 BC

Then why not visit Information on castles in Argyll A little bit of history written by a local resident.