17 Well-Known Scottish Castles and the Clans that Occupied Them
Scottish castles harken back to a time when these majestic settlements were at the heart of ruthless battles fought by clans seeking to protect their land from invaders or conquer others.
Find out about histories, family crest & coats of arms of over 400 Clans.
Scotland has thousands of castles and strongholds (also known as 'Clan seats of power') that serve as stark reminders of our country's Clan history and how influential it was in shaping the Scotland we live in today.
According to estimates, Scotland has around 500 clans, each with their own territories and castles, and some, like Clan Campbell, one of the most powerful Highland clans, had multiple settlements that can still be accessed today.
In honor of Scottish heritage and our country's dark history, here are 17 famous Scottish castles, the clans that once occupied them, and where you can find them.
See more: Everything You Need to Know about Scottish Clans?
1. Dunnottar Castle - Clan Keith
The Gaelic translation for Dunnottar is "fort on the shelving slope," which explains why the fortress played such an important role in Scottish history during the Jacobite rising in the 18th century, as it was a defensive and strategic location. Today, you can visit the "ruined medieval fortress" on the north-eastern coast of Scotland, 2 miles from Stonehaven.
2. Duart Castle - Clan Maclean
This castle was saved from ruin in 1911 and contains over 800 years of history for one of Scotland's oldest clans, the Macleans. It stands tall on the sea cliffs of the Isle of Mull on Scotland's West Coast.
3. Caerlaverock Castle - Clan Maxwell
With its moat, twin towered gatehouse, and battlements, this castle appears to be very traditional, but its triangular shape is considered 'unique' by some. Dumfries is located east of the Scottish Borders.
See more: 10 most common Scottish surnames.
4. Edinburgh Castle - Clan Stewart
This 900-year-old castle in the historic capital city of Edinburgh is one of the most well-known in Scotland. It was once owned by the Stewart Clan, who were recognized as Scotland's royal family for many centuries.
5. Castle Stalker - Clan MacDougall
Castle Stalker (or 'Caisteal a Stalcaire' in Scottish Gaelic) is located in Loch Laich, between Glencoe and Oban. It was built in 1320 by Clan MacDougall, who were known as the Lords of Lorn at the time. The Stewart clan later took over the Lordship of Lorn, and it is believed that they built the castle in its current form around 1440.
6. Dunvegan Castle - Clan Macleod
Clan Macleod is thought to be descended from a warrior named Leod, who was said to be the son of King of Mann Olaf the Black. Clan Macleod is closely associated with the Isle of Skye, and thus this castle can be found off the West Coast of Scotland.
7. Castle Varrich - Clan Mackay
Castle Varrich is an old Mackay Clan ruin located near Tongue (Sutherland) in the far north of Scotland, with spectacular views of Ben Loyal mountain. For hundreds of years, it was reportedly the seat of the Chief of the Mackay Clan, and some believe the fort we see today was built atop an existing Norse fort in the 14th century.
8. Inveraray Castle - Clan Campbell
"cam beul" means "curved mouth" in Gaelic. Clan Campbell is well-known for being one of the largest and most powerful Scottish clans, with clout extending from Edinburgh to the Outer Hebrides. This castle was one of many that belonged to the clan in the past, but it was their 'power base' on the West Coast near Loch Fyne.
9. Eilean Donan - Clan Mackenzie
This castle is regarded as one of the most beautiful Scottish settlements of its kind, and it has even served as inspiration for sets in Disney films. It is located near the village of Dornie on the route to the Isle of Skye, at the confluence of three large lochs, and is surrounded by forests and mountains.
See more: How many Scottish clans are there?
10. Doune Castle - Clan Macnab
Doune Castle is well-known in modern times for appearing in popular TV shows and films such as Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Outlander, and Game of Thrones. It is well-known in history for being the location where the Clan MacNab chief was imprisoned following the Battle of Prestonpans (18th century). It can be found in the village of Doune, which is close to Stirling.
11. Castle Sween - Clan Macmillan
Clan Macmillan is one of the oldest Scottish clans, and they occupied Castle Sween in the late 15th century. It has, however, been nominated as a candidate for the "oldest stone castle in Scotland," as it may have been built before 1100AD in Knapdale (Highlands).
12. Castle of Mey - Clan Sinclair
The Castle of Mey is the most northern castle on mainland Scotland, with royal roots dating back to 1572. It is about 6 miles from the famous John o' Groats in Caithness (Scotland's north coast).
13. Rowallan Castle - Clan Muir
The Muir Clan's traditional seat dates back to the 13th century, when it served as the home of the 'Mure' family. The historic castle is located north of the East Ayrshire town of Kilmarnock.
14. Castle Tioram - Clan Macdonald
Castle Tioram was originally a principal stronghold of Clann Ruaidhr and the traditional seat of 'Clan Raghnaill', a branch of Clan (Mac) Donald. It is now in ruins on the tidal island of Eilean Tioram in Loch Moidart in the Highlands.
15. Rait Castle - Clans Mackintosh and Comyn
The Comyn (Cummings) clan is said to haunt this castle. Clan Mackintosh and Clan Comyn both claimed ownership of the castle, and legend has it that when the Comyns invited the Mackintoshes to settle their feud in 1442, the latter clan attacked them during their feast. It is located northeast of Inverness, the Highlands' capital.
16. Dunstaffnage Castle - Clan MacDougall
The MacDougall lords of Lorn built this castle in the 13th century to serve as their clan's headquarters. However, it has been held by Clan Campbell since the 15th century. It is located in Oban, Scotland, within the Argyll and Bute council area.
17. Culzean Castle - Clan Kennedy
The Kennedy Clan is a branch of the Lords of Galloway, who were said to be the most powerful family in the ancient kingdom of Carrick, and Culzean Castle was once home to Clan Kennedy's chief, the Marquess of Ailsa. It is located in the south-west of Scotland, just south of Ayr.
By ScotsTee
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