Scotland Peter Irvine’s the best
Best castles Scotland has more than its fair share of historic buildings, such as these wonderful castles
Stirling
Dominating town and plain,stirling is worth the hype and history. It is a timeless attraction that withstands the waves of tourism as it did the centuries of warfare for which it was built. With gorgeous frescoes, peaceful gardens and cannon-studded rampart walks from which the views are excellent, including the aerial view of the ghost outline of the King’s Knot Garden. Includes the Renaissance Palace of James V and the restored Great Hall of James IV. stirlingcastle.scot
Edinburgh
Impressive from any angle and all the more so from inside. Superb perspectives of the city and of Scottish history. Stone of Destiny and the Crown Jewels are the big attractions. edinburghcastle.scot
Eilean Donan
Eight miles from Kyle of Lochalsh. Inside is a generous portion of history. The Banqueting Hall with its Pipers’ Gallery must make for splendid dinner parties for the Macraes. Much military regalia among the bric-a-brac, but also the impressive Raasay Punchbowl partaken of by Johnson and Boswell. Mystical views from ramparts, as well as the more ersatz human story below the stairs. eileandonancastle.com
Culzean
Fourteen miles south of Ayr on A719. Castle is more like a country house and you observe from the other side of a rope. From the 12th Century but rebuilt by Robert Adam in 1775, a time of soaring ambition, its grandeur is almost out of place in this exposed clifftop position. It was designed for entertaining, and the oval staircase is magnificent. Wartime associations. 560 acres of grounds, including clifftop walk, formal gardens, walled garden, Swan Pond (a must) and Happy Valley. Harmonious home farm is visitor centre. The courtyard café especially has great views. nts.org.uk
Peter Irvine is the author of the essential travel guide Scotland the Best published by Collins, priced £15.99