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Scottish Castles
Castles began to dot the Scottish landscape
soon after the Norman Invasion in the 12th century. Scotland
boasts excellent examples of medieval castle architecture.
Many castles in this country feature massive stone towers
and walls, built on hills, along natural waterways, by important
trade crossroads, and near precarious approaches on cliffs.
These castles were used extensively by medieval soldiers throughout
the late 13th and early 14th centuries during the Wars of
Independence.
Visitors are still amazed with massive
castles such as Stirling, Falkirk, and Edinburgh, but many
smaller fortifications were also important in Scotland's history.
The archetypal Scottish castle is actually a tower house,
which became very popular in Scotland during the late Middle
Ages. Many castles have fallen in to spectacular ruin, while
others have been restored to their medieval majesty.
Scotland's rugged coastlines and highlands
made perfect locations for strategic fortifications. These
have now become some of the most romantic destinations for
travelers to Europe.
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