AS well as being fortified, defensive buildings to keep out unwanted invaders, many castles in Scotland were built as status symbols, standing proud as turreted testament to their original owners' might and wealth.
This is certainly true of the palatial castles in the east, overlooking the fertile farmland and treacherous yet bountiful North Sea.
From the world-famous Edinburgh Castle overlooking the capital, to the Royal Family's official residence on Deeside, these impressive structures loom large over the surrounding landscape.
Balmoral
Near Ballater, Aberdeenshire
QUEEN VICTORIA and Prince Albert commissioned the construction of Balmoral Castle in 1856, and the stunning building is now a category A-listed building.
It is still a residence of the Royal Family, and it was here, on September 8, 2022, that Queen Elizabeth II passed away with daughter Princess Anne by her side.
The late queen was known to have loved her time at Balmoral, and visitors to the estate often saw her out walking in the countryside and the surrounding area. King Charles shares her love of the Aberdeenshire castle, and the Royal Family continue the tradition of holidaying here in autumn.
The grounds and gardens of Balmoral are open to the public daily between May and August if you book a General Admission ticket. This also includes access to the Ballroom where you'll find an exhibition of King Charles' watercolours depicting the royal estates Balmoral, Windsor and Sandringham; and a selection of royal outfits from recent years.
Earlier this year, tickets for afternoon tea, expeditions and guided internal tours were released and sold out quickly. If more tickets become available, balmoralcastle.com will be updated.
Denne historien er fra July 2024-utgaven av The Scots Magazine.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra July 2024-utgaven av The Scots Magazine.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
The Bliss Of A Bothy
After a strenuous walk, a mountain shelter can offer all you need
The Long Way Round
When you can only just see the stepping stones under a river in spate, it's time to re-think the route, as two Highland adventurers found out
The New Oyster Cult
A community is helping to restore the once rich biodiversity of Loch Craignish, one species at a time
A Poet's Sanctuary
Hidden on a hilltop, writer Dominic Cooper is inspired by the wild, stormy winters of the Ardnamurchan peninsula
A Rural Housing Crisis
Across Scotland, locals are being priced out and crowded out - but communities are now working hard to address the issue
A Historic Centre
Glasgow's Mercat Cross may not be as old as it appears but it's still seen many changes, along with an ebb and flow in prosperity
A Bird With A Brain
Jim's encounters with the raven in several northern countries have only increased his respect for its intellect and ingenuity
The Warrior King
On the 750th anniversary of his birth, Robert The Bruce's legacy as cultural keystone and historical enigma continues to fascinate
All Going Swimmingly
From Tutti Frutti to Shetland, Monarch Of The Glen to Granite Harbour, Dawn Steele's heart will always be in Scotland - and the sea
Following The Coos
The latest charity art trail aims to a-moos-e and delight visitors to Perth and Kinross this summer
