Why did Scotland build so many castles?

In the 13th century, as methods of working with heavy materials began to improve, stone castles began to emerge. Scotland castles were primarily used defensively – to hold power, and to protect communities against invaders.



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Germany. The country with the most castles is Germany! It's thought that Germany has around 25,000 castles within its borders.

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French Renaissance also kept the steep roofs of medieval castles as can be seen for example at Azay-le-Rideau (1518), and the original Scottish baronial style might have been influenced by French masons brought to Scotland to work on royal palaces.

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Scotland is home to over 1500 castles but it's thought there may have been as many as 3000 castles! Let's take a closer look at some historic Scottish castles, who lived in them, and how they were built!

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Scotland has been home to more castles than anywhere else in the UK, with there being around 1,800 castles that have previously, or still do stand today.

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Scotland's 15 most awe-inspiring castles
  • Stirling Castle. ...
  • Dunrobin Castle. ...
  • New Slains Castle. ...
  • Doune Castle. ...
  • Fyvie Castle. ...
  • Balmoral Castle. ...
  • Kilchurn Castle. Kilchurn Castle and snow covered mountains reflecting off Loch Awe (Shutterstock) ...
  • Braemar Castle. Braemar Castle in the highlands of Scotland (Shutterstock)


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Between 1296 and 1341, the castle was twice captured by English invaders and twice retaken by the Scots. David's Tower, some 100 feet (30 metres) in height, was built to honour King David II, who died in the castle in 1371, but was substantially destroyed in a siege 200 years later.

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Apparently, the oldest castle still standing in Scotland that can be dated is Castle Sween. It was built in the 1100s along the eastern shore of Loch Sween, in Knapdale, Argyll. The oldest continuously inhabited castle in the country though is Dunvegan Castle, the ancestral home of Clan MacLeod for over 800 years.

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The word caisteal (pronounced kash-tyall) means 'castle, stone fort'.

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There are approximately 3,000 castles scattered all over Belgium, from the northern Flanders region all the way to the southern region of Wallonia.

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This is a little known fact; Wales has more castles per square mile than any other country in Europe.

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Whilst the exact number is not known, experts have estimated that Germany is home to over 20.000 castles. From castles that look like they come straight out of a fairy tale to medieval fortresses with moats, Germany features some of Europe's most impressive castles and palaces.

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For most of the Middle Ages, Scotland has been at war as Clans, Nobles and Lords battled against each other or revolted against state authority. For this reason, they needed a defensive structure (i.e., a castle) where they could hold onto power and defend themselves and their communities from attacks.

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Serene loch views, enchanting castles, and Scotch whisky are some of the most famous things about this Celtic country. Yet there's so much more to see and do. And on a visit to this proud nation, you can explore Scotland's surprises and charms for yourself.

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Hermitage Castle is found in a beautiful rural location in Liddesdale and its turbulent history has led to it being described as 'the guardhouse of the bloodiest valley in Britain'. Partly restored in the 19th century, the castle was originally built by Lord de Soules in the 1240s.

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The only monarch born at Edinburgh Castle, James was the son of Mary Queen of Scots and Henry, Lord Darnley. Mary was deposed 13 months later, and the child king became a political pawn as ambitious noblemen vied to govern in his name.

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Not only can you visit amazing castles here in Scotland, but many of our castles and stately homes offer accommodation for you to stay overnight. Discover 5-star luxury Scottish castle hotels, impressive exclusive use venues, famous Scottish castles, bed and breakfast rooms and even castle side campsites.

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