Northern Lights

The top of Scotland has spectacular strongholds-ruined, remodelled, or continuously inhabited...

THE north of Scotland is dotted with castles from Inverness to Caithness. Visitors can explore historic ruins with fascinating stories and stunning locations, as well as royal residences that offer tours and a glimpse of their past glory days.

Many have gone through turbulent times as Scotland's history unfolded around them and some still bear the scars.

Whether it's a sumptuous, grand structure adorned with original furnishings and decadent gardens or a wild ruin, the north offers some of the country's top castles.

Dunrobin

Golspie, Sutherland

IF you follow the A9 north of Inverness, you will be treated to one of the most picturesque routes in Scotland - and you will also come across the elegant Dunrobin Castle.

The building resembles an intricate French château, with towering spires and manicured gardens. Like most Scottish castles, Dunrobin was originally a defensive fortress, but in 1845 architect Sir Charles Barry who designed the Houses of Parliament - was commissioned to remodel the entire castle. By 1851 the building had a flamboyant new look.

Dunrobin is one of Britain's oldest continuously inhabited houses, home to the earls and then dukes of Sutherland from the 13th century. The castle has been in the Sutherland family for more than 700 years and its private wing is where Lord Strathnaver and his family currently reside.

Visitors can take a self-guided tour through the state rooms on the first floor before making their way through smaller rooms in the older parts of the castle.

Much of Sir Charles Barry's interiors were destroyed by a fire in 1915. What you see today is mainly the work of Scottish architect Sir Robert Lorimer, who also altered the top of the main tower and clock tower at the north side of the building to the Scottish Renaissance style.