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Dunnottar Castle is a ruined medieval fortress located upon a rocky headland on the northeastern coast of Scotland, about 2 miles south of Stonehaven. The surviving buildings are largely of the 15th and 16th centuries, but the site is believed to have been fortified in the Early Middle Ages.
Dalquhaqrran Castle (pronounced Dal-Whirran)
Dal-Q
Designed by Scottish neoclassical architect, Robert Adam, this ‘new’ Castle was completed in 1792. The estate and old castle (1400s) was owned by the Kennedy family for centuries, until they sold up in 1936. In 1967, the lead roof was removed so that the new owners could declare the building uninhabitable to avoid paying rates. (Wiki)
This beautiful building sits above the River Girvan on the opposite side of the Girvan Valley from my house. Over the years, many different organisations/groups/companies have had plans for Dal-Q, but it still just sits overlooking the Valley, patiently, serenely but becoming quite derelict, awaiting a new and exciting future. We’ll see...
Girvan Valley
SW Scotland
“Hills of forest green where the mountains touch the sky,
A dream come true, I’ll live there till I die...”
“Castles In The Air” - Don McLean
Capture of Balloch Castle which is now part of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park.
The original castle was built around 1238 by the Lennnox Family. They held the castle until approximately 1390 where they relocated to Inchmurrin - the largest island on Loch Lomond. The remains of Castle Lennox still lie on the island.
The current castle building was built around 1808-1809 as a residence. It is currently owned by West Dunbartonshire Council.
The ruins of Kilchurn Castle is situated at the North of Loch Awe.
Having been built in the mid 15th Century, the castle has been in ruins by 1770.
The Castle was built by the Clan Campbell and was the base for the Campbells of Glenorchy. As the base, the Campbells were able to extend their territory in the area.
The Campbells moved out of the Castle when they became Earls of Breadalbane and the castle became ruins.
It is now in the care of Historic Environmental Scotland and open to the public between March and September. Although you cannot enter the castle ruins you can walk round them and it is free to visit. When we visited there was scaffolding round parts of the castle where some restoration looks set to place.
This is one of the most photographed castles in Scotland, with a viewpoint on the eastern side of the Loch to see the full castle in all it's glory.
Dunnottar Castle (Scottish Gaelic: Dùn Fhoithear, "fort on the shelving slope") is a ruined medieval fortress located upon a rocky headland on the north-eastern coast of Scotland, about 2 miles (3 kilometres) south of Stonehaven. The surviving buildings are largely of the 15th and 16th centuries, but the site is believed to have been fortified in the Early Middle Ages. Dunnottar has played a prominent role in the history of Scotland through to the 18th-century Jacobite risings because of its strategic location and defensive strength.
Dunnottar is best known as the place where the Honours of Scotland, the Scottish crown jewels, were hidden from Oliver Cromwell's invading army in the 17th century. The property of the Keiths from the 14th century, and the seat of the Earl Marischal, Dunnottar declined after the last Earl forfeited his titles by taking part in the Jacobite rebellion of 1715. The castle was restored in the 20th century and is now open to the public.
The ruins of the castle are spread over 1.4 hectares (3+1⁄2 acres), surrounded by steep cliffs that drop to the North Sea, 160 feet (50 metres) below. A narrow strip of land joins the headland to the mainland, along which a steep path leads up to the gatehouse. The various buildings within the castle include the 14th-century tower house as well as the 16th-century palace. Dunnottar Castle is a scheduled monument, and twelve structures on the site were listed buildings.
Kilchurn Castle is a ruined structure on a rocky peninsula at the northeastern end of Loch Awe, in Argyll and Bute, Scotland. It was first constructed in the mid-15th century as the base of the Campbells of Glenorchy, who extended both the castle and their territory in the area over the next 150 years. After the Campbells became Earls of Breadalbane and moved to Taymouth Castle, Kilchurn fell out of use and was in ruins by 1770.
I was intrigued with this landscape as it looks like a lizard.
Kilchurn Castle is a ruined structure on a rocky peninsula at the northeastern end of Loch Awe, in Argyll and Bute, Scotland. It was first constructed in the mid-15th century as the base of the Campbells of Glenorchy, who extended both the castle and their territory in the area over the next 150 years. After the Campbells became Earls of Breadalbane and moved to Taymouth Castle, Kilchurn fell out of use and was in ruins by 1770.
Eilean Donan Castle is on a small tidal island where three sea lochs meet, Loch Duich, Loch Long and Loch Alsh, in the western Highlands of Scotland.
Kilchurn Castle is a ruined structure on a rocky peninsula at the northeastern end of Loch Awe, in Argyll and Bute, Scotland. It was first constructed in the mid-15th century as the base of the Campbells of Glenorchy, who extended both the castle and their territory in the area over the next 150 years. After the Campbells became Earls of Breadalbane and moved to Taymouth Castle, Kilchurn fell out of use and was in ruins by 1770. It is now in the care of Historic Environment Scotland and is open to the public in summer.
I don't like Monday's, just to cheer us up, hope you like this, Kilchurn Castle early morning winter 2018
Dunnottar Castle is a ruined medieval fortress located upon a rocky headland on the northeastern coast of Scotland, about 2 miles south of Stonehaven. The surviving buildings are largely of the 15th and 16th centuries, but the site is believed to have been fortified in the Early Middle Ages. Wikipedia
Esslemont Castle is a ruined tower house in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. It is located on the A920 west of Ellon and is designated a scheduled ancient monument
The first mention of Esslemont is as the 'manor of Eislemont' in the 14th century.
The lands of Esslemont were passed by marriage from the family of Mareschal by marriage of the heiress Janet to Francis le Chen of Straloch in the 14th century. The castle was burnt in 1493. John Cheyne obtained a licence to rebuild from James IV in July 1500. He was permitted to build a tower as high as he liked, with iron yetts, machicolations, portcullis, drawbridges, and other "strengths".
John Cheyne and his kin fought with Duncan Forbes in Aberdeen's Gallowgate in 1503.
In 1564 Patrick Cheyne was created baron of Esslemont by Queen Mary, who stayed here during her campaign against the Earl of Huntly, and a fortalice and tower were recorded in 1575–6.
The castle was then destroyed as the result of a feud between the Cheynes and the Hays. The name of the lands, now as "Essilmounthe", appears in Scottish records in 1609.
The castle ceased to be regularly occupied in 1625, when the estate passed to the Errol family. In 1728 it became the property of Robert Gordon and may have been partially occupied till 1769, when the existing mansion, Esslemont House, was erected in its vicinity
Dunnottar Castle is a ruined medieval fortress located upon a rocky headland on the northeastern coast of Scotland, about 2 miles south of Stonehaven. The surviving buildings are largely of the 15th and 16th centuries, but the site is believed to have been fortified in the Early Middle Ages. Dunnottar has played a prominent role in the history of Scotland through to the 18th-century Jacobite risings because of its strategic location and defensive strength.
Eilean Donan Castle sits on its small tidal island amid the lochs and mountains of the Scottish Highlands. Fresh green foliage and golden gorse frame the historic castle, while broken clouds and patches of sunlight add depth across the surrounding landscape.
Balvaird Castle in Perthshire is a traditional late medieval Scottish tower house. It is located in the Ochil Hills, around 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) south of Abernethy. The name Balvaird is from Baile a' Bhàird, 'Township of the Bard' in Gaelic. Balvaird Castle is a scheduled monument, and is in the care of Historic Environment Scotland.
The spelling of its name has many variations, including Balverd, Balverde, Balward, Balwaird and Baleward.
Contents
Balvaird was built around the year 1495 for Sir Andrew Murray, a younger son of the family of Murray of Tullibardine. He acquired the lands of Balvaird through marriage to the heiress Margaret Barclay, a member of a wealthy family and daughter of James Barclay of Kippo. It is likely that Balvaird Castle was built on the site of an earlier Barclay family castle. Substantial remnants of earthwork fortifications around the Castle may survive from earlier defences. Balvaird is first mentioned in the written historical record in 1498 as 'the place of Balward' in the Register of the Great Seal of Scotland.
This castle is situated on a coastal promontory 300m W of Rock Hall fishing-station; a tower, measuring 2.5m square within a wall 0.6m in thickness, stands on the seaward end of the promontory, and further remains of walling are visible across the neck, 40m to the NNE.
Allegedly the remains of a castle erected in the 15th century, on a rocky peninsula connected to the mainland by a narrow isthmus.
The isthmus was guarded by two rows of battlements, one of which still remains, well-preserved. There are traces around the greater part of the rock, and on its sea-ward extremity there are the remains of a square tower, accessible only by leaping over a chasm.
All that remains of the Kaim of Mathers are a ruined tower at the extreme seaward end of a promontory, and a part of a battlement along the east side of the isthmus: the remainder has been destroyed by erosion. Only the N and E walls of the tower remain, measuring 2.5m square internally with walls 4.5m high and 0.6m thick. The section of crenellated walling at the isthmus measures 8.0m in length, 3.0m high and 0.6m thick, with a relieving arch beneath.
Eilean Donan Castle
Eilean Donan Castle is one of the most recognised castles in Scotland, and probably appears on more shortbread tins and calendars than any other. It is, without doubt, a Scottish icon and certainly one of the most popular visitor attractions in the Highlands. When you first set eyes on it, it is easy to understand why so many people flock to its stout doors year after year. Strategically located on its own little island, overlooking the Isle of Skye, at the point where three great sea-lochs meet, and surrounded by the majestic splendour of the forested mountains of Kintail, Eilean Donan’s setting is truly breath-taking.
Kilchurn Castle is a ruined 15th and 17th century structure on a rocky peninsula at the northeastern end of Loch Awe, in Argyll and Bute, Scotland. Access to the Castle is sometimes restricted by higher-than-usual levels of water in the Loch, at which times the site effectively becomes a temporary island.
It was the ancestral home of the Campbells of Glen Orchy, who later became the Earls of Breadalbane also known as the Breadalbane family branch of the Clan Campbell.
The castle is maintained by Historic Scotland.
Eilean Donan Castle is one of the most recognised castles in Scotland, and probably appears on more shortbread tins and calendars than any other. It is, without doubt, a Scottish icon and certainly one of the most popular visitor attractions in the Highlands. When you first set eyes on it, it is easy to understand why so many people flock to its stout doors year after year. Strategically located on its own little island, overlooking the Isle of Skye, at the point where three great sea-lochs meet, and surrounded by the majestic splendour of the forested mountains of Kintail, Eilean Donan’s setting is truly breath-taking.
Following their arrival in the ample car park, visitors arrive at the bright modern visitor centre which houses the Ticket Office, Gift Shop and Restaurant. The entire operation is operated by the Conchra Charitable Trust which was established back in the 1980s by the MacRae family, who own the castle, and whose primary role is to preserve the building and its artefacts for the nation and future generations.
Crossing the bridge to today’s castle, the fourth version, you can clearly understand why Bishop Donan chose the tranquil spot back in 634AD to settle on it and create a monastic cell. The first castle was later established in the 13th century by Alexander II in an effort to help protect the area from Viking incursions. At this stage in history the original castle encompassed the entire island and is believed to have been constructed with seven towers connected by a massive curtain wall. Over the centuries, the castle contracted and expanded for reasons that still remain a mystery to this day, until 1719 when it was involved in one of the lesser known Jacobite uprisings. When the British Government learned that the castle was occupied by Jacobite leaders along with a garrison of Spanish soldiers, three Royal Navy frigates were sent to deal with the uprising. On the 10th of May 1719, the three heavily armed warships moored a short distance off the castle and bombarded it with cannons. With walls of up to 5 metres thick, these cannons had little impact, but eventually the castle was overwhelmed by force. Discovering 343 barrels of gunpowder inside, the Commanding officer gave orders to blow the castle up; following which Eilean Donan lay in silent ruin for the best part of two hundred years.
The castle that visitors enjoy so much today was reconstructed as a family home between 1912 and 1932 by Lt Col John MacRae-Gilstrap, and incorporated much of the ruins from the 1719 destruction. At this point the bridge was added; a structure that is as much a part of the classic image as the very castle itself.
Visitors now have the opportunity to wander round most of the fabulous internal rooms of the castle viewing period furniture, Jacobean artefacts, displays of weapons and fine art. Historical interest and heritage are in abundance with informed guides happy to share a wealth of knowledge. Extremely popular with families, a visit to Eilean Donan promises lots of fun for the kids whether it be swinging a Claymore, spying through the spy holes, lifting the cannon balls, gazing at the fearsome portcullis or exploring the ancient battlements. Wildlife surrounds the island too, with regular viewings of porpoise, dolphins, otters and birdlife. For those feeling particularly romantic, weddings can even be arranged inside the beautiful Banqueting Hall.
In short, there are numerous reasons why Eilean Donan enjoys such romantic and iconic status in the hearts of our nation and its visitors, but to understand what’s at its core you have to go and discover it for yourself.
Edzell Castle is a ruined 16th-century castle, with an early-17th-century walled garden. It is located close to Edzell, and is around 5 miles (8 km) north of Brechin, in Angus, Scotland. Edzell Castle was begun around 1520 by David Lindsay, 9th Earl of Crawford, and expanded by his son, Sir David Lindsay, Lord Edzell, who also laid out the garden in 1604. The castle saw little military action, and was, in its design, construction and use, more of a country house than a defensive structure. It was briefly occupied by English troops during Oliver Cromwell's invasion of Scotland in 1651. In 1715 it was sold by the Lindsay family, and eventually came into the ownership of the Earl of Dalhousie. It was given into state care in the 1930s, and is now a visitor attraction run by Historic Environment Scotland (open all year; entrance charge). The castle consists of the original tower house and building ranges around a courtyard. The adjacent Renaissance walled garden, incorporating intricate relief carvings, is unique in Scotland. It was replanted in the 1930s, and is considered to have links to esoteric traditions, including Rosicrucianism and Freemasonry.
Late afternoon at Balvenie Castle.
Balvenie Castle is a ruined castle near Dufftown in the north of Aberdeenshire. Originally known as Mortlach Castle, Balvenie was built in the 13th century
Auchindoun Castle may have been built by Thomas Cochrane, a favourite of King James III. Auchindoun was sold to Sir Adam Gordon in 1567. Gordon’s claim to fame was the murder of all the occupants of Corgarff Castle during a feud in 1571.
Some of my Camera Club friends and I took the bus to Dunnottar Castle then walked the coastal path back to Stonehaven for our Christmas lunch.
A great day out was had by all.
Ardvreck Castle with Spidean Coinich, 764m beyond.
NW Scotland.
Ardvreck Castle is a ruined castle, standing on a rocky island in Loch Assynt, Sutherland, Scotland.
The castle dates from about 1490 and is associated with the then landowners, the Macleods of Assynt.
The Capture of Eilean Donan Castle was an land-based naval engagement that took place in 1719 during the British Jacobite rising of that year, and the War of the Quadruple Alliance. A British naval reconnaissance force of three ships attacked the castle of Eilean Donan on the west coast of Scotland, which was held by Spanish troops. After a naval bombardment, the British government forces stormed the castle, and the defenders surrendered. The castle was subsequently destroyed with gunpowder.
The much photographed Eilean Donan castle. Hopefully the asperitas cloud formation will make the scene look slightly different.
This was taken on the same day as my previous Skyfall shot , despite the impending gloom in the sky we had very little rain that day.
( Not HDR )
Findlater Castle is the old seat of Findlater and Seafield. Sitting on a 50 ft high cliff overlooking the Moray Firth on the coast of Banff and Buchan.
The castle remains that are still there are 14th century rebuilding.
Mary Queen of Scots sent an army in 1562 to besiege the castle, which was held against her by John Gordon of Findlater.
The castle is a scheduled monument.
Kilchurn Castle is a ruined 15th and 17th century structure on a rocky peninsula at the northeastern end of Loch Awe, in Argyll and Bute, Scotland. Access to the Castle is sometimes restricted by higher-than-usual levels of water in the Loch, at which times the site effectively becomes a temporary island.
It was the ancestral home of the Campbells of Glen Orchy, who later became the Earls of Breadalbane also known as the Breadalbane family branch of the Clan Campbell.
The castle is maintained by Historic Scotland.
Evening light at Slains Castle from the Buchan Coastal Path to the Bullers of Buchan with the skyscrapers of Aberdeen beyond.
Floors Castle, home to the 11th Duke of Roxburghe and his family. The castle faces south and has grand views over the extensive lawns to the front, stretching out over the River Tweed to the distant Cheviot hills.
Balvenie Castle is a 13th Century ruined castle near Dufftown in the Moray region of Scotland, well worth visiting. For some the fact that the Glenfiddich distillery is right next door may well be of further interest, Cheers!!
Handheld, iPhone 6s Plus paired with the Zeiss ExoLens, (Wide Angle) add on lens, Shoulderpod S1 and Hisy remote.
Edited and cropped in Snapseed on iPad Pro, and perspective altered in DxO Optics Pro on Mac. IMG_2011
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