When it comes to ancient architecture Scotland is the place to be as you are never far away from a Scottish castle here given their massive abundance in a relatively small area. Likewise, the country is blessed with natural beauty galore and of the many stunning vistas we enjoy, lochs and other water features like waterfalls are among them.
Now, picture yourself in one of Scotland’s many seaside strongholds. The ancient history that underpins them is almost palpable in these clifftop castles and the ambience is complemented by the sound of waves crashing against the stoic shoreline below. Truly, it doesn’t get much better than that.
What’s more, if you are familiar with Scottish map reading, you will know that the names of these castles are anglicised from our great heritage languages of this land - most often Scottish Gaelic, specifically. Alone, they reveal much about the building and the Scots that chose to build these grand structures where they still stand today (some like Castle Sween dating back to as far as the 1100s.)
Many Scottish castles are found by the coastline as these locations conferred a strategic advantage to their inhabitants who sought to protect their home from invaders of other clans.
With all that said, here are fifteen of our favourite coastal castles in Scotland which are sure to take your breath away.
5. Dunyvaig Castle
Dunyvaig Castle rests on the south side of Islay on the shore of Lagavulin Bay. Although the earliest fortification of the site is tied to the iron age, the building is generally described as a “much-ruined” 13th century castle. In Gaelic the name is said to come from “Dùn Naomhaig” which translates to “fort of the galleys” but there are several interpretations of the name. | 13threephotography from Getty Images
6. Broughty Castle
Broughty Castle is situated on the banks of the River Tay in Broughty Ferry, Dundee. It was built in 1495 but the site it rests on is said to have been first fortified forty years prior. It is thought that the name may come from “Bruach Tatha” which means “Taybank” in Gaelic. | David Dixon via Geograph
7. Gylen Castle
Gylen Castle is a tower house or ruin which can be found on the south end of the island of Kerrera in Argyll and Bute. It was built by the MacDougalls in 1582. In Gaelic, the name is written as “Caisteal nan Geimhlean” which means “castle of the fountains” in reference to the freshwater springs that can be found nearby. | Swen_Stroop from Getty Images
8. New Slains Castle
New Slains Castle can be found in Cruden Bay, a beautiful village situated roughly a half hour’s drive north of Aberdeen. The original castle, which was named Bowness, has been reconstructed several times since its initial construction in 1597. Bowness may mean “Bold Promontory” and it has been tied to Old Norse. | abzee from Getty Images Signature