6 Scottish Castles and Their Clan Heritage
Castles are one of the biggest attractions for visitors of Scotland (we should know, we take people to them all the time). But often not a lot is known about their history, location, what clan they belong to or even that they exist. With over 2,000 castles buried, ruined or still standing strong around Scotland, it can be a challenge deciding what to go see.
Have you got Scottish heritage? Then maybe you’ll find the castle seat of your clan in our list below and you’ll know the first place to visit when you come to visit!
Eilean Donan Castle -
Clan MacRae
Eilean Donan, an absolute stunning castle - known in Scottish Gaelic as Eilean Donnain. It’s a charming tidal island located at the convergence of three sea lochs—Loch Duich, Loch Long, and Loch Alsh.
The island is linked to the mainland by a footbridge, a construction from the early 20th century.
Originally built in the thirteenth century, the castle served as a stronghold for the Clan Mackenzie and their allies, the Clan MacRae.
However, due to the Mackenzies' involvement in the Jacobite rebellions in the early 18th century, government ships razed the castle in 1719. The castle standing today is the 20th-century reconstruction crafted by Lieutenant-Colonel John Macrae-Gilstrap, faithfully restoring the former glory of the ancient castle.
You can visit Eilean Donan Castle as part of our 3-day Isle of Skye group tour, check out the itinerary here!
Urquart Castle -
Clan Grant
A beautiful ruin found along the side of Loch Ness. Founded in the 13th century, Urquhart played a significant role in the Wars of Scottish Independence during the 14th century. Subsequently, it functioned as a royal castle and faced multiple raids by the MacDonald Earls of Ross.
In 1509, the castle was granted to the Clan Grant, sparking continued conflict with the MacDonalds. Despite enduring a series of raids, the castle underwent strengthening efforts, only to be mostly abandoned by the mid-17th century.
In 1692, Urquhart Castle faced partial destruction to thwart its potential use by Jacobite forces, leading to its subsequent decay. In the 20th century, recognizing its historical importance, the castle was placed under state care as a scheduled monument and opened to the public. Today, it stands as one of the most-visited castles in Scotland, drawing 547,518 visitors in the year 2019.
Fancy a visit to Loch Ness? Check out our 1-day tour from Edinburgh.
Blair Castle -
Clan Murray
Blair Castle, known as Caisteil Bhlàir in Scottish Gaelic, has its grounds near the village of Blair Atholl in Perthshire, Scotland. Serving as the ancestral home of the Clan Murray, it historically housed the chief of the clan, the Duke of Atholl.
Presently, the residence of the current (12th) Duke, Bruce Murray, is located in South Africa. Found in Glen Garry, Blair Castle holds a commanding and strategic position along the primary route, now the A9 road, traversing the central Scottish Highlands.
This castle is distinguished as a category A listed building, recognised for its architectural and historical significance. The surrounding grounds also find a place in the Inventory of Gardens and Designed Landscapes in Scotland, a national listing that acknowledges their importance as significant gardens in the region.
Dunvegan Castle -
Clan MacLeod
Serving as the seat of the MacLeod of MacLeod, chief of the Clan MacLeod, this castle likely held strategic importance from ancient times and saw its initial construction in the 13th century, gradually evolving over the centuries. In the 19th century, the entire castle underwent a comprehensive remodeling, adopting a mock-medieval style.
The blend of historical foundations and 19th-century architectural transformations makes Dunvegan Castle a fascinating visit while on the Isle of Skye and a nod to the enduring legacy of the Clan MacLeod.
Dunvegan Castle is a stop on our 3-day Isle of Skye tour, check it out here!
Castle Fraser -
Clan Fraser
Initially named Muchall-in-Mar, the construction of the intricate Z-plan castle commenced in 1575 under the direction of Michael Fraser, the 6th Laird of Fraser. The castle, consisting of five stories, was built upon the foundation of an earlier tower and reached completion in 1636.
A distinctive panel on the northern side of the castle bears the signature "I Bel," attributed to John Bell of Midmar, the presumed master mason. Notably, this castle represents a collaborative effort spanning several decades, with another master mason of the time, Thomas Leiper, contributing to its creation.
Inveraray Castle -
Clan Campbell
Inveraray Castle, the historic residence of the Dukes of Argyll and Chiefs of the Clan Campbell, has been a cherished familial abode in Inveraray since the early 15th century. The architectural brilliance of Roger Morris and the artistic touches of Robert Mylne adorn the castle's fairytale façade.
Within the castle, a luxury design awaits visitors in the form of a priceless collection comprising china, silver, and family heirlooms that have been passed down through generations.
The rich tapestry of the family's history is vividly displayed in the Clan Room, where a fascinating genealogical exhibit resides, providing insights into the heritage of the Clan Campbell.
Take a tour to this castle while getting to see ancient standing stones and burial cairns on our 1-day tour from Glasgow - Check it out here.
There are plenty more castles where that came from, this is only a selection of the ones we visit most often. As we travel to more and more castles around Scotland we’ll delve more into the history and heritage of the clan seats of old, stay tuned!
If you’re looking for an ancestry tour around Scotland where you can visit the historical seat of your Scottish clan while learning about their history - Join us on a private ancestry tour! Check it out here.
