Historic Scottish Castle #1: Edinburgh Castle is one of Scotland’s oldest castles dating as far back as the 9th Century, BC. The Castle is located at the top of the Royal Mile, at the west end of Edinburgh. The volcanic Castle Rock offers a naturally defended position, with cliffs to the north and south that provide a natural defense against any would-be invaders. Map to Historic Scottish Castle #1: Edinburgh

Historic Scottish Castle #2: Stirling Castle is one of the largest and most important castles in Scotland. The castle is surrounded on three sides by steep cliffs, giving it a strong defensive position. Most of the principal buildings of the castle date from the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. Several Scottish Kings and Queens have been crowned at Stirling, including Mary, Queen of Scots, in 1543. Map to Historic Scottish Castle #2: Stirling

Historic Scottish Castle #3: St Andrews Castle sits overlooking a small beach called Castle Sands and the adjoining North Sea.   St. Andrews Castle has been both a home as well as a prison.  This picturesque ruin is located in the coastal city of St. Andrews   in Fife.  Although it’s been destroyed and rebuilt several times it remains as an actively visited castle.   Map to Historic Scottish Castle #3: St Andrews  

Historic Scottish Castle #4: Balmoral Castle is a large estate house situated in Royal Deeside, Scotland. It has been one of the residences of the British Royal Family since 1852, when it was purchased by Queen Victoria and her consort, Prince Albert. It remains the private property of the monarch. Map to Historic Scottish Castle #4: Balmoral

Historic Scottish Castle #5: Glamis Castle Glamis is a living, breathing monument to Scottish hospitality; a place of enjoyment, reflection, laughter and wonder for all. The castle has witnessed more than 600 years of history Map to Historic Scottish Castle #5: Glamis

Historic Scottish Castle #6: Urquhart Castle sits beside Loch Ness between Fort William and Inverness. One of the largest Historic Scottish Castles it offers magnificent views over the loch and the majestic surronding scenery. Now in ruin it dates dates back to the 13th century. Map to Historic Scottish Castle #6: Urquhart

Historic Scottish Castle #7: Cawdor Castle Cawdor Castle dates from the late 14th century. The castle is perhaps best known for its connection to Shakespeare's Macbeth, the lead character was made Thane of Cawdor. Map to Historic Scottish Castle #7: Cawdor

Historic Scottish Castle #8: Culzean Castle A vision of turets and battlements, Culzean is surrounded by surging seas, lush forests and secret gardens just waiting to be discovered. It was built in the 18th century and is currently under the care of the National Trust for Scotland. Map to Historic Scottish Castle #8: Culzean