# The best castles in Scotland

Clifftop ruins, island strongholds and royal fortresses: Scotland's best castles according to Nordic Visitor, Finding the Universe and AFAR.

- 685 votes · 12 items
- Apr 13, 2025 · Phoebe Evans
- https://even.best/en/l/363/the-best-castles-in-scotland

## Top 10

1. **Edinburgh Castle** (98 · ▲102 ▼4) — Scotland's most visited castle, on Castle Rock, home of the Honours of Scotland.
2. **Eilean Donan Castle** (67 · ▲72 ▼5) — Perhaps the most photographed castle in Scotland, on an islet where three sea lochs meet.
3. **Dunnottar Castle** (66 · ▲70 ▼4) — Dramatic clifftop ruin near Stonehaven where the Scottish crown jewels were hidden from Cromwell.
4. **Stirling Castle** (56 · ▲62 ▼6) — Historic royal fortress on a volcanic crag, where Mary, Queen of Scots was crowned.
5. **Dunvegan Castle** (55 · ▲59 ▼4) — Seat of Clan MacLeod on Skye for over 800 years, the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland.
6. **Urquhart Castle** (37 · ▲43 ▼6) — Ruined castle on the shores of Loch Ness, a classic Nessie-spotting spot.
7. **Balmoral Castle** (37 · ▲43 ▼6) — The royal family's Highland estate in Aberdeenshire, with grounds open in spring and summer.
8. **Kilchurn Castle** (35 · ▲43 ▼8) — Campbell ruin at the head of Loch Awe, magical on misty mornings.
9. **Inveraray Castle** (22 · ▲32 ▼10) — Gothic Revival seat of the Duke of Argyll on Loch Fyne, seen in Downton Abbey.
10. **Caerlaverock Castle** (22 · ▲31 ▼9) — Unique triangular moated castle near Dumfries.
11. **Glamis Castle** (20 · ▲28 ▼8) — Childhood home of the Queen Mother and setting associated with Shakespeare's Macbeth.
12. **Dunrobin Castle** (8 · ▲19 ▼11) — Fairy-tale château with French-style gardens and falconry displays in Sutherland.

How is this ranking ordered? By people's votes: each ▲ adds a point and each ▼ takes one away. Anyone can vote and add what is missing.