SCOTLAND'S FASCINATING CASTLES

Scotland has had a turbulent past and has a legacy of several very impressive castles. When you next visit, be sure to visit some of these stunning structures. Remember that, even if you are travelling only within the UK, it always pays to have travel insurance. If you are going on more than one holiday over the course of a year, you might find that you can get an annual travel insurance policy, from a firm such as Go Travel Insurance, for a lot less than you would have to pay if you bought a separate policy for each trip.

Craigievar Castle, in Aberdeenshire, dates back to the 17th century. Seven storeys high, it is surrounded by woodland, with turrets, gables, and towers that give the castle a distinctive fairytale quality. Duart Castle, on the Isle of Mull off the west coast, sits on a dramatic rocky outcrop, has an impressive appearance, and offers excellent panoramic views from its towers. Built in the 14th century, it survived many attacks before falling into disrepair in the late 1700s. It was restored in the early 20th century by the Chief of the Clan Maclean and is a major attraction.

Stirling Castle, high on a hill in the centre of the town, is Scotland's second biggest castle and was the home of the Scottish royal family for many years. The Castle dates from the 16th century and of major interest are the Great Hall and Chapel Royal have been completely restored to show visitors how they were in the 16th century.. Mary, Queen of Scots was crowned here.

Eilean Donan in Wester Ross is perhaps the most photographedcastle in Scotland, set as it is on a rocky promontory in Loch Duich, close to Skye. The first Jacobite Rising in 1715 nearly destroyed the castle, but it was restored two hundred years later.

Edinburgh Castle is the most famous castle in Scotland. It sits on a large rocky hill overlooking the city and can be seen from miles around. St. Margaret's Chapel was built in the 12th century, but most of the Castle's buildings date from later centuries. You can visit the Great Hall and the room where James I of England was born, the Scottish War Memorial, and an exhibition containing the Stone of Destiny and the Honours of Scotland, the second oldest crown jewels in Europe. Not to be missed are Mons Meg, a massive 15th century cannon, and the One o' Clock Gun which is fired daily!

Caerlaverock Castle in Dumfriesshire is an imposing medieval castle. Although it has been attacked on several occasions, many original internal details, such as fireplaces, and stone panels, remain intact, and the exterior is truly spectacular.