In addition to the iconic Edinburgh Castle, Scotland is also home to some of the country’s most interesting medieval buildings. The ruins of Tioram Castle are a fascinating archaeological find and indicate that the site was in use long before Scotland existed. If you’d like to explore more of Scotland’s history, you can also volunteer at an archaeological dig or participate in a tour. David C. Weinczok is an author, speaker, and presenter specializing in ancient and medieval Scottish history. His most recent book, Game of Thrones: The North, is an overview of the history of the castles in this region. You can follow his adventures through Scottish history on twitter at @ScottishCastles.
Why You Should Visit Some Historic Castles
A visit to Edinburgh Castle is an incredible experience. Not only is the building impressive and visually stunning, but it also has an interesting history. During the Middle Ages, many Scottish castles were used as prisons. The oldest and most famous of these is Edinburgh Castle, which was used to hold political prisoners as early as 7000 BC. While Cardinal Beaton was held here in the 1540s, he was eventually moved to St Andrews. Later prisoners were not so lucky. They were confined to a basement or the tower closest to the sea, and were buffeted by the wind and ice from the ocean.
Rothesay Castle is Scotland’s only circular castle. This fortress was contested by the kingdoms of Norway and Scotland. It is located on the Isle of Bute and was once owned by Norway. In 1230, the Norse led by Haakon IV, a Norse general, attacked the fortress. According to a Norse account, the Norse cut through the walls with their great axes. It is possible that the curtain wall was built to protect the castle from the Norse.
During the medieval era, Scottish castles were often strategically located. The ideal location for a castle was on a cliff edge or island. They were also often built at the meeting point of deep lochs. They could also be found on the craggy snow-covered mountainside. Aside from being strategically placed, the castles of Scotland were also built in strategic locations. These fortified buildings were used to protect the local people and to hold power.
Architecture And Engineering Of Castles
Dun Naomhaig Castle is a great example of medieval architecture. Its architecture has undergone countless conflicts and been the scene of many battles. In the early 17th century, it was used as a prison. Today, its walls are still intact, but there are several medieval Scottish castles in the area. A visit to Sutherland Castle will give you a sense of the history of the area. They were built with the victors’ interests in mind.
There are many other beautiful Scottish castles. Visiting one of these sites will allow you to learn about the rich history of Scotland’s people and its proud culture. Most of these castles are open to the public and are a great way to learn more about the culture and history of the region. So make a trip to Scotland today and get a sense of the region. It is a must-see destination for both history and the modern city.
