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.
13. Dunbeath Castle
Dunbeath Castle can be found on the east coast of Caithness in Northern Scotland. The building is a 17th century tower house and it was founded by the Crichtons. Expressed in Gaelic the name becomes “Dùn Beithe” which means “Birch Fort”. | dapec from Getty Images
14. Castle Sinclair Girnigoe
Castle Sinclair Girnigoe is situated around three miles north of Wick on the east coast of Caithness. It is regarded as one of the earliest seats of Clan Sinclair and is formed of two ruins. The two ruins are thought to have been two separate castles (Castles Sinclair and Girnigoe), the former belonging to the 17th-century and the latter the 15th. | Catuncia from Getty Images
15. Old Keiss Castle
The tower house overlooks Sinclair Bay and can be found near John O’Groats. It dates back to around 1755 but unfortunately it now exists as a ruin and is not stable. There have been many theories behind the name “Keiss” and some etymologists link it to Old Norse terms for “ridge” or “gravelly bank”. | dapec from Getty Images