Carsluith Castle

The delightful and well-preserved ruin of a four storied tower house of the C16th with C18th ranges of out-houses, originally linked to outbuildings.

One of the owners of this castle was the last abbot of Sweetheart Abbey. Vistors can see the interiors as keys available during standard opening times.

Contact:

Mr Stuart McLean

Carnasserie Castle Kilmartin Argyll PA31 8RQ Scotland

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Cardoness Castle

The architectural details inside the tower are of a high quality and there are good views over Fleet Bay from the battlements.

New scale model and exhibition.Some fine stone carvings in the great hall can be touched up one flight of stairs.

A steep path and six flights of steps lead to the monument. There is no access for those using wheelchairs and the castle is not recommended for visitors with walking or breathing difficulties.

At the top of the hill the ground levels out. Benches allow an opportunity to rest and enjoy the superb view and there is one interpretation board. A 30° ramp leads to the ground floor of the property but all staircases are spiral.

Contact:

The Steward Gatehouse of Fleet Dumfries & Galloway DG7 2EH Scotland

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Burghead

Burghead

BURGHEAD

Description of Burghead

Burghead was one of the major fortresses of the Picts, although it had been used since prehistoric times. Although much damaged when a village was built on most of the site, this was an outstanding example of a Pictish fortification.

Directions=

Off B9089, 8 miles NW of Elgin, Burghead, Moray.

Rating ***

Opening Hours Access at all times.

Phone 0131 668 8800

Type Fort / Well / Early Christian Site

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Smailholm Tower visitor guide

Smailholm Tower, Kelso

The setting contributes hugely to the appeal of this nice little tower house which stands on a small rocky ridge in an upland area of high moorland. It still looks much as it did when Turner painted it in the early 1800s. The large pond in front of it is a mill pond ; its water used to power the nearby mill down by the farm

The tower is a pretty building , but not packed with interest; the best part is that you can get out onto the roof. Smailholm famous for its association with Sir Walter Scott, who as a child was sent to stay with his aunt at th nearby farm. The stories he heard inspired his interest in local ballads and legends.

Route: signposted off the B6404 to the west of Kelso
Entry Feyes

Nearby Monuments: Melrose Abbey, Dryburgh Abbey, Thirlestane Castle

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Blackness castle

Blackness castle has been a royal castle, prison, armaments depot and film location for Hamlet and the BBC production of Ivanhoe.

There are display boards around the lawn although uneven ground and cobbles make it difficult for visitors using wheelchairs. Visitors with disabilities can be set down closer.There are gravel paths around the lawn and there is some fine shrubbery in the grounds.

The castle has spectacular views across to the Fife coast and Forth bridges.

Contact:

The Steward

Blackness By Linlithgow West Lothian EH49 7NH Scotland

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