Castles | Out About Scotland

Yester Castle

Nestled amidst the rolling fields of East Lothian lies a historic gem that begs exploration – Yester Castle and the Goblin Ha.

The once-mighty Yester Castle, now a picturesque ruin, was built in the 13th century by Sir Hugo de Giffard, guardian of Alexander III of Scotland and a reputed warlock and necromancer.

In this article, we’ll embark on a journey into the heart of East Lothian through dense woodland and across rolling farmland to explore the mysterious moss-covered ruins of Yester Castle and the eerie depths of the Goblin Ha.

St. Andrews Castle

St. Andrews Castle in Fife is a stunning reminder of the turbulent history of Scotland. This iconic castle was built in the 12th century and served as a residence for the bishops and archbishops of St Andrews, and over the centuries it has witnessed numerous sieges, battles, and political upheavals.

This article delves into the rich history of St Andrews Castle and explores the many wonders that await visitors to this ancient stronghold.

Armadale Castle

Armadale Castle on the Isle of Skye is one of the island’s most-visited tourist attractions.

Visitors can explore extensive grounds that feature an arboretum, landscaped gardens, woodland walks and a children’s play park, as well as the castle ruins and a fascinating museum.

Brodick Castle

Brodick Castle, former seat of power of the Dukes of Hamilton, is a grand 19th-century castle located a few miles north of the town of Brodick on the Isle of Arran.

The castle is surrounded by an exceptionally large and well-maintained garden and country park and is currently managed by the National Trust for Scotland.

Dunnottar Castle

Dunnottar Castle is set on a dramatic clifftop overlooking the North Sea near the coastal town of Stonehaven.

The 15th-century castle was the home of the Earls Marischal and it offers a fascinating glimpse into Scotland’s past.

Blackness Castle

Blackness Castle is a formidable 15th-century castle that stands on the shores of the Firth of Forth in the county of Falkirk. The castle is managed by Historic Environment Scotland and it is open daily for self-guided tours.

Discover Blackness Castle with this complete guide.

Castle Sinclair Girnigoe

This castle (actually castles – more on that later) stands on one of the most dramatic viewpoints in Scotland (in my humble opinion) with a wild and windswept coastline that instantly brings to mind a scene from Game of Thrones rather than a tourist attraction thanks to its near-impenetrable cliff-face setting.

Kilchurn Castle

Kilchurn Castle is located near the A85 at the foot of Loch Awe in Argyll. The castle was built in the 15th century as the power base of the Campbells of Glenorchy but it is now managed by Historic Environment Scotland. Admission is free.

Discover Kilchurn Castle with this complete visitor guide.