The rugged and wild landscapes of Scotland are resplendent with the sights of imposing and majestic Scottish Castles. From sprawling castellated mansions, to romantic ruins, these castles tell of a unique history belonging to the Scots. And you too can stay in a castle in Scotland – come with us to find out how and where.
Having recently returned from a trip to the west coast of Scotland which consisted of travelling over mountain, through glens and past lochs to get to my castle destination, it got me thinking about the old legends and stories. At the Baronial Castle, where the clan chief has resided for many centuries, it was the belief throughout the highlands of Scotland that every castle had a “brounie” to watch over the chief and his family, and this was the case here. What is a “brounie”, you may well ask? Well, it is from the gaelic (traditional Scottish language) “brùnaidh”, and is best described as a “hobgoblin” or in modern parlance a “house-elf”, rather like Dobby in the Harry Potter books. This legend was common throughout Europe and would be known as a “tomte” in Scandanavia and “heinzelmännchen” in Germany.
The legend goes that this “brounie” stayed with the family for centuries looking after the clan chief and his family, and was particularly vocal whenever anyone from the clan Campbell tried to integrate with the family. But the story that resonates most with tourists of today is the one associated with Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Jacobite rebellion of 1745/46. Like many clan chiefs he took part in the attempt to restore the Stuarts to the throne in Scotland and supported the Jacobite cause. One night the “brounie” spoke to the chief in the vaults of the castle and warned him of the danger and proclaimed “there is a stranger arrived this day in the North, whose fortunes you will follow and never return”. The chief knew immediately that Bonnie Prince Charlie had arrived, and said “I shall now either live in a way becoming the descendent of an ancient and honourable race, or else I shall die gloriously in the best of causes, the restoration of my rightful King to the throne of his ancestors.”
After gathering men from his clan, he was amongst the first to join Charles Stuart on his march to Edinburgh. At the battle of Culloden on the 16th April 1746, the clan chief was still there and ready to fight for the cause. After an hour of bloody battle on that fatal day, the Jacobite troops were already in retreat and the clan chief was left dead on the battlefield, whilst Bonnie Prince Charlie fled the scene. Bombarded by cannon shot and mortar bombs, the Jacobite tactics of charging the enemy had been mastered and the rebellion was over. Thus was fulfilled the doleful prophecy of the “brounie”. Worse was to follow, as the government confiscated the clan lands and the Argyll Militia destroyed the castle.
However, like all good stories, there is a happy ending. A few years later in 1749, the lands are returned to the clan and the chief’s son, now the 18th chief, aged 14 is in charge and by 1794 is able to get the construction of the new castle underway, further up the glen from the old castle. Perhaps the “brounie” aided him on his way and guided the clan to remain part of these lands for all these years right up to the present day. Whatever the legend, there is no doubt the amazing amount of history here at both castles, old and new, with the Baronial Castle available for let on a self-catering basis for up to 13 people throughout the year. Whilst the old castle remains a magnificent ruin, a charity is now in the process of killing off the ivy and starting a restoration project.
But where is the “brounie” today? Well, when I was there I saw no evidence of him (Harry or Munn is his name), but perhaps if I had stayed longer I may have spotted him somewhere. Or maybe I did, as on the stairs there is a stylised figure holding a crest – perhaps that is the “brounie”? I will definitely stay longer next time to find out more, as staying at this Scottish Castle is a legend in itself, and a great experience for anyone wanting a genuine Scottish Castle Holiday with Scotts Castle Holidays.
Visiting castles in Scotland is special at any time of the year, but there is always a particular resonance in winter, with the contrast of the soft snow and the hard stone. I recently returned to this 16th century Castle, a few miles from Selkirk and it looked as pretty as a Christmas card on the outside.
Once inside, the thick stone walls retain the heat and the castle itself is cosy and warm. In the Great Hall, with its vast inglenook fireplace, the open fire throws out a fantastic orange glow, and even with the modern pictures and sofas, there is still the hint of medieval times.
This room (and castle) has many stories to tell and it is said that one of the previous owners and residents of the castle was a wizard and warlock. Just looking at the old oak door to the Great Hall, with all its carving and ancient graffiti – takes you back in time.
From 1517, the castle site belonged to the Scotts of Aikwood, who eventually built the tower in the 1540s. The marriage stone is still visible in the tower wall above the door, where the Laich Hall enters the tower section at ground level and this commemorates the marriage, in 1602, of Robert Scott of Aikwood and Elspeth Murray of Elibank.
Originally known as Aikwood, because it was located within an oak wood, which the local dialect refers to as “aik wood”, the name was anglicised for a time to be Oakwood, but it has become again Aikwood. Oakwood or Aikwood – it is a great place whatever it is called.
Like many towers and keeps, access internally is by its stone stairs and part of the endearing quirks of architecture and craftsmanship are immediately apparent, as the Kerry-handed (left turning) spiral staircase lies before you and it is 62 steps up to the top floor.
Aikwood Tower is different to most castles and holiday houses in Scotland, because its charm lies in its intimacy. Getting close to the stone walls is part of the package and one that most hotels or more modern castles cannot offer. There is luxury on offer, but it is understated and not necessarily obvious. This is an ideal Scottish castle for a group of up 10 friends for a self-catering break for a week or weekend. For more information, contact the Scotts Castle Holidays friendly sales team who will be delighted to assist further.
This is a question that pops up on a regular basis at Scotts Castle Holidays.
Whilst we can give a comprehensive response and describe the advantages of each season, ultimately the answer depends on the one asking the question and what it is that you are looking for from your holiday.
Loch Fyne in Summer
Scotland offers so much, whatever the time of year, with summer and winter events and festivals, so there are always things to do, with culture and history in abundance, not dependent on the season or the weather.
Scotland offers many ideal solutions for the perfect holiday and by checking the Met Office on weather conditions at that time of the year, you can choose what fits your requirements.
This is a beautiful time of year to visit Scotland, as everything is either on the cusp of colour or is bursting through. It is a joy to be out in the clean fresh air, to see the mountains, lochs and countryside in all their grandeur.
Weather-wise it can be cool, but the warmth is on its way.
This time of year is an ideal time to take to the great outdoors for brisk walks, proper hiking of hills, cycling, fishing and golfing.
Some great events take place in May, including the Aviemore and Cairngorms Walking and Mountain Festival, the Arran Wildlife Festival, and the Isle of Bute Jazz Festival.
For those wishing to tour Scotland, it is a quieter time of year to travel (except the Easter break) and is a great opportunity to explore the many historic castles or take in a whisky tour and sample the finest malt. Check the Events Scotland website for all the month by month events listings.
You can stay in this historic Scottish castle in Forres, all year-round
These are the traditional summer months, where the weather is at its warmest, when one year can be a heat-wave and the next be a wash-out.
It is the busiest time of the year throughout Scotland, and the capital city of Edinburgh hosts a festival for three weeks in August, tripling in size with visitors and performers arriving from all around the world.
Also in August (providing you book well in advance) you can take in the long standing Edinburgh Military Tattoo, the biggest event of its kind in the world, which is hosted at Edinburgh Castle.
Summer also has a full calendar of Highland Games, including the Cowal Gathering, the largest of the Games events and smaller, more intimate festivals including the annual small boats festival at Portsoy.
For sporting activities, the golfers enjoy the award-winning world-famous courses looking at their best and the scenery is looking magnificent.
Once the traditional summer months are over, the countryside begins to change colour, with a mixture of beautiful golds and browns dominating countryside walks.
It is a great time for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy the best of walking, cycling and climbing.
The last of the Highland Games events at Balmoral is held on the first Saturday of September each year and the summer events give way to the more relaxed pace of the autumn events, like the Wigtown Book Festival.
The Autumn colours are stunning in the Scottish countryside
The Autumn Speyside Whisky Festival in Dufftown, Moray is always worth a visit. All the major visitor attractions remain open until the end of November and it is a good time of year to visit whilst it becomes quieter but maintains the milder temperatures.
. Scotland becomes colder and daylight hours become shorted at this time of year, so the emphasis turns on different aspects of Scotland.
Glasgow and Edinburgh are great cities to visit for a city break with world-class shopping facilities, and both offer spectacular Winter events: Glasgow on Ice and Edinburgh’s Winter Wonderland respectively.
Whilst Scotland is known for many things, it is perhaps best known for hosting its legendary annual New Year’s Eve party, with Edinburgh Hogmanay an absolute must-see.
Skiing is also a big hit in Scotland in the Winter, with heavy snowfall common until early Spring. Thousands flock to the mountains to race down the fantastic slopes and soak up the stunning scenery. There are 5 ski resorts in Scotland, with the Cairngorm range, the Lecht, Glencoe, Glenshee and the Nevis range all offering winter sports.
So, to answer the question: when is the best time to visit Scotland?
The answer: it is up to you – depending on what you want out of your trip.
Once you have decided, we at Scotts Castle Holidays will be delighted to assist you further in designing your dream holiday – give us a call on 01208 821 341 or browse the extensive collection of stunning properties on the website.
Whenever you choose to visit, you’re sure to have a fantastic time. We hope to see you soon.
Winter coats and sturdy boots ward off the chilly day. Forced inside by long dark evenings, with windows shut and curtains drawn. The warmth of a log fire pulls in the crowd, the perfect conduit for family interaction. Whether you’re roasting chestnuts, toasting crumpets or warming toes, a home with a hearth is a happy place to be.
