18 Amazing Castles in the Highlands of Scotland

A trip to the highlands of Scotland is one of the fascinating journeys of a lifetime. This post lists the best castles in the Highlands of Scotland. 

There are many atmospheric castles in stunning locations with period features in the Highlands of Scotland.

The Highlands near Inverness is an area that has lots of castles to explore. Some of the medieval fortresses and now crumbling ruins, while others have been restored to their full glory.

You can see where the mighty clans of Scotland lived during medieval times. Often, these castles are perched on cliffs or tidal islands overlooking beautiful lochs.

Scottish castles ooze romance, you can wander through the fairytale castles and visit the lavish family homes that are filled with artefacts and plenty of legends.

Events have shaped the history of these castles, from horrid murders to blood battles in wars, these castles have seen it all. 

This post will detail the castles found near the highland capital Inverness.

Most specifically, in Nairn, along the North Coast 500 and on the Isle of Skye. The castles are listed in alphabetical order. 

Armadale Castle 

Location: Armadale Castle, Gardens & Museum

Armadale Castle and Gardens is located near Ardvaskar at the most southerly point of the charming Isle of Skye.

The castle is very much a ruin, but it’s surrounded by some wonderful restored historic gardens and woodland walks, set on a 20,000-acre working estate.

The romantic castle was the last ancestral home of Scotland’s largest and most powerful clan – Clan Donald (Macdonalds of Sleat). This is one of the most stunning castles on the islands of Scotland.

You can learn about the rich history of clan Donald in the museum before strolling through 40 acres of gardens and woodland parks where you’ll feel like you have stepped into a fairy tale.

Ardvreck Castle 

Location: Ardvreck Castle

Ardvreck Castle is located on a rocky headland that extends into Loch Assynt, a popular stop along the North Coast 500.

In its prime time, the castle was a three 3-storey L-plan tower house and the home of the MacLeod lairds of Assynt. This is an enchanting location in the highlands and is a perfect picture opportunity. 

There is only a fragment of the castle left. Information boards will give you an insight into the history of the place.

You can park in a small lay-by, it is a short walk to get to the castle. No need for tickets you can just turn up and explore.

Ballindalloch Castle & Gardens

Location: Ballindalloch Castle & Gardens

This is a private castle owned by the Macpherson-Grant family. Since the 16th century, the family have been living in the castle.

Originally, Ballindalloch Castle was a tower house and in Victorian times it was modified into the country retreat that we can see today.

Inside the castle, you can wander through the nursery, library and dining room to view the collection of 17th-century Spanish paintings, furniture, china and other family heirlooms. 

This is one of the most beautiful castles that I have ever visited. The castle itself is stunning and the walled gardens are beautiful.

Also, you can follow the nature trails which are in close proximity to the River Spey. The castle is located in Banffshire and is an hour’s drive from Inverness.

Brodie Castle 

Location: Brodie Castle

Located near Nairn is the castle that belonged to the ancient seat of Clan Brodie.

This important fortress has been in the Clan Brodie for over 400 years. The pale pink façade is one of the most unique-looking castles in the Highlands.

Here, you can step back in time and take a guided tour to explore the glory days of the castle.

You can take a guided tour inside the Z-plan tower house. The interiors of the castle are decorated with countless antiques and lavish furnishings.

On the grounds of the castle, you can enjoy the landscaped garden, before taking a walk on the nature trail. 

In the spring, the grounds are covered with over 100 varieties of daffodils. Brodie Castle is a forty-minute drive from Inverness.

Cawdor Castle

Location: Cawdor Castle

Built-in the 14th century, this castle was the home of the Thanes of Cawdor. This castle is full of history, myth and legend. Inside you can admire the luxurious interior with the drawing room, tapestry room and dining room.

Portraits, wall hanging and magnificent stone fireplaces decorate the walls of the interiors. Also, you can explore the old kitchen which was built in the 19th century.

There are original features such as a roasting spit, ice box and butter churn. At the heart of the castle is a “thorn tree” (holly tree) which the castle grew around.

From the guard room, you can see the tree in the dungeon, which was planted back in 1372. Outside the castle, you can view the walled garden and enjoy the 9-hole golf course onsite. 

The castle also has a gift shop, book shop and wool shop, Moreover, there is a snack bar and restaurant on site.

This castle is located in Nairn and it is a twenty-five-minute drive east of Inverness.

Fort George

Location: Fort George Car Park

On the A9 past Inverness is the mighty old stronghold of Fort George.

Following the 1746 defeat at Culloden of Bonnie Prince Charlie, George II created a defence against further Jacobite unrest. This led to Fort George, one of the largest artillery fortifications in Europe.

The mighty artillery fortification has cannons, muskets, pikes, swords and ammunition. At this castle, you can explore the battlements and gain a great inside into what military life was like in the 18th century. 

Also, this castle is home to one of the only two dog cemeteries in Scotland where loyal regimental mascots and officers’ dogs were laid to rest.

Dunrobin Castle 

Location: Dunrobin Castle and Gardens

This is a magical castle, there is a whopping 189 rooms, making it one of the biggest homes in the country. From the early 14th century, there has always been a family living in Dunrobin.

The castle was home to the Earls and then to the Dukes of Sutherland for over 700 years. Interestingly, during the First World War, it was a naval hospital, and then from 1965 to 1972, it was a boys’ boarding school.

At Dunrobin explore the many rooms and then venture into the ornate gardens. Wander through the maze of grand corridors and rooms and marvel at fairy tale turrets, tall ceilings, dazzling chandeliers and magnificent fireplaces.

Outside there are lovely gardens to explore with zigzagged hedges, colourful flower gardens and stunning views that stretch over the Moray Firth. Also, you can admire the ancient art of falconry which is being demonstrated on the grounds. 

A popular stop along the North Coast 500 route. Dunrobin Castle is open during the summer season.

Dunrobin Castle is one of the most stunning castles on the west coast of Scotland.

Dunvegan Castle 

Location: Dunvegan Castle and Gardens

Dunvegan Castle is one of Scotland’s most beautiful fortresses and is located on the Isle of Skye. The castle is situated on a rocky perch beside a loch, surrounded by woodland.

This is a spectacular location for a castle to be set in. Dunvegan Castle has been the ancestral home to the chiefs of Clan Macleod for 800 years. 

The castle is filled with many family heirlooms and clan treasures including the Fairy Flag, a sacred banner which comes with its own legend.

Moreover, inside the castle is exquisite antique furniture. Also, you can explore the grounds and view the castle from the loch as you enjoy a boat ride to search for a colony of grey seals that live on the neighbouring islands.

Eilean Donan Castle 

Location: Eilean Donan Castle

Take the scenic drive to the magnificent Eilean Donan Castle. This is one of the most photographed places in the country.

Eilean Donan is a very important landmark and the castle appears on many brochures to advertise Scotland.

You might recognise it from films such as James Bond or The Highlander. A true icon on the Scottish landscape, it’s distinguished by its long arched bridge and loch side setting.

This location is special as it is set on its own little island at the point where three great sea lochs meet. Also, the castle overlooks the Isle of Skye. 

The history of the castle goes all the way back to the 6th century. However, the structure you see today was rebuilt from ruins in the 1930s as during the Jacobite Uprisings most of the original structure was destroyed.

Inside the castle, you can see period furniture, Jacobean artefacts, displays of weapons and fine art. Also, you will find a maze of corridors, rooms, side passages and rare artefacts.

Moreover, you can learn about all the tough battles the castle endured during Scotland’s most violent eras. Keep an eye out for the ghost that haunts the castle, Lady Mary.

Invergarry Castle 

Location: Invergarry Castle

This is a 14th-century castle ruin. A secluded little stop-off, you will feel like you have the whole place to yourself.

You can still see the remains of the staircase on the outside of the castle.

Also, you can enjoy the great views over the loch. Invergarry Castle was the seat of the Chiefs of the MacDonells of Glengarry, a powerful branch of the Clan Donald.

The castle overlooks Loch Oich in the Great Glen. This was a strategic position of the castle during the days of clan feuds and Jacobite Risings.

The castle is fenced off due to safety reasons but still can be viewed from a distance.

You can park right next to the castle. Invergarry Castle is located an hour and ten minutes away from Inverness.

The castle is just a ten-minute drive from Fort Augustus. 

Inverness Castle 

Location: Inverness Castle

Inverness Castle features two imposing red sandstone buildings which were built in 1836. The red sandstone castle sits on the banks of River Ness with impressive views over the city.

Inverness Castle is the fictitious setting for Macbeth, on viewing the castle it is so easy to see how Shakespeare was so inspired. The grounds and north tower are usually open to the public, as the castle is now where Sheriff’s Court is based.

However, the castle is closed for construction work. You can still walk up to the castle and get views across the river and the highland capital. 

Castle Leod

Location: Castle Leod

For more than 500 years, the seat of the Mackenzie clan has lived here. Nowadays, Castle Leod is a townhouse and the Earl of Cromartie lives here.

It is believed that this castle was built on the site of an ancient wooden fort, which was taken over by Viking Invaders. 

In the 17th century, the tower house was remodelled extensively, and extensions during the Victorian and Edwardian times were added. It is one of the most beautiful, romantic and unspoilt castles in the Highlands.

This castle was an inspiration for Castle Leoch in the TV series Outlander. 

There are several public open days throughout the year. Castle Leod is located in Strathpeffer, a thirty-five minute drive from Inverness. 

Castle of Mey

Location: The Castle of Mey

The Castle of Mey was the Queen Mother’s home in Caithness. The castle has a long and interesting history as it was the most northerly inhabited castle in Scotland.

The castle was built in the 16th century by George, the 4th Earl of Caithness. In the 19th century, extensions were added to the castle. There was a grand entrance and dining room added.

A couple of other families lived in the castle after the 15th Earl of Caithness passed away, in 1952, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother bought the castle.

The tour explains how the Queen Mother used to live in each stance during her summer holidays. There is a visitor centre, a small petting zoo, and a cafe.

You can enjoy a variety of delicious meals in the tearoom and but a souvenir in the gift shop. Also, the castle is popular for events such as weddings.

Old Keiss Castle 

Location: Old Keiss Castle

In the northeast of Scotland, along the North Coast 500 route, you will find the castle ruin of Old Keiss Castle. This partial castle ruin is perched on a cliff edge overlooking Sinclair’s Bay.

This castle was a Z-plan tower which was built by George, 5th Earl of Caithness on the site of an older fortification. The castle was seized in the 18th century when George Sinclair defied King James VI.

Since the 18th century, the castle has fallen into this ruinous state. The castle is called Old Keiss Castle as a newer castle, Keiss House, that was built close by replaced this castle in about 1755.

Castle Sinclair Girnigoe

Location: Noss Head Car Park

Girnigoe Castle was built in 1470 and is one of the earliest seats of the Sinclair Clan. This complex castle ruin is one of the most interesting in Scotland.

The coastal setting is perfect and there is a lot of opportunity for photography. Information boards surround the castle to give you an insight into what the castle used to look like.

There is a small area to park your car, then the castle is only a ten-minute walk away. This is usually a busy stop along the North Coast 500.

Strome Castle

Location: Strome Castle

Strome Castle is a ruined tower house which was built on a rocky bluff on the shore of Loch Carron. There is not a lot left of this ruin and is one of the smallest ruins on this list.

In its heyday, the castle would have been stunning. It makes a beautiful viewpoint as the sea surrounds the castle on three sides. 

Records show that from 1472 the castle was owned by the MacDonald Lords of the Isles. Then in 1602, the castle was believed to have been blown up by gunpowder, by the MacKenzie Clan after a long siege.

There is not a lot more information on the history of this castle compared to other castles. This castle ruin is located on the Scottish mainland near the Isle of Skye.

Urquhart Castle 

Location: Urquhart Castle

Urquhart Castle is located on the banks of Loch Ness – the home of the mysterious Loch Ness monster. If you are lucky, you might witness the elusive Nessie, Loch Ness’s most famous resident.

The 13th-century castle is now a ruin, however, you can still climb the Grant Tower to look out for Nessie. You can stand and imagine want happened centuries ago when the castle was not a ruin.

In the sixth century, it is said that St Columba worked miracles there. Later on, in the 15th and 16th centuries, clan rivalries saw bloody raids carried out here including the Wars of Independence and the Jacobite Uprisings. 

You can peek inside the eerie prison cells or wander through the old great hall where magnificent banquets would have taken place. Urquhart Castle is a half-hour drive south of Inverness.

Urquhart Castle is one of the most impressive castle ruins on the west coast of Scotland.

Castle Varrich

Location: Castle Varrich Starting Point

One of the most northerly castles in mainland Britain and the further north on this list. Castle Varrich is a traditional seat of the historic and well-known Clan MacKay.

This is a crumbling ruin which is more of a lookout than a castle. The views are well worth the walk.

You can park in the village of Tongue and follow the stunning trail and up the iron stairs to the viewing platform at the castle. 

What is the most visited castle in Scotland?

Eilean Donan Castle is the most popular castle located in the highlands of Scotland. On google, the castle has over 16,000 reviews.

Eilean Donan is a well-preserved castle in a striking location on a small tidal island.

This castle is so popular as it is the image used to advertise Scotland. You will find Eilean Donan printed in travel brochures, located on adverts and on Shortbread biscuit tins.

Final Note

The highlands of Scotland is home to wonderful landscapes, centuries of turbulent history and magnificent structures that belonged to the military or the royal family.

It is a great experience wandering through the Highlands and looking at the unmissable castles that lay there. Castles are not only located in the Highlands.

There are impressive castles near Aberdeen, near Edinburgh, near Perth, near Dundee and in Dumfries and Galloway.