Craigmillar Castle

Sometimes it’s the things you can’t see that fire the imagination the most, leaving our minds to do some pleasurable heavy lifting. Which is why despite Edinburgh Castle being largely intact and replete with splendour, the capital’s other castle is perhaps more alluring. A partial ruin, but with enough bricks and mortar to conjure a sense of history, Craigmillar Castle was a safe haven for Mary Queen Of Scots in 1566 and a fascinating visit for us today.

Tantallon Castle

Easily one of the best-located castles in Scotland, before you’ve even read about its chequered history, Tantallon’s clifftop position already gives it a dramatic edge (as seen spectacularly in a recent episode of Strictly). Built in the mid-1300s and besieged by all and sundry (including a cocky Oliver Cromwell in 1651), this East Lothian gem is a site of archaeological and architectural significance, and has cracking views for a picnic.

Crookston Castle

Crookston may not be the largest or best maintained historic monument in Scotland, but as Glasgow’s only surviving medieval castle it’s most definitely special (and free to enter). Built in 1400, and given a re-do in the 16th century, this unique ruin was designed differently to most other castles in the country. Climb the stone staircase, and you’ll also be rewarded with an impressive view of the city from the rooftop.

For more on these castles, go to historicenvironment.scot