Historic Houses in Scotland


Historic Houses in Scotland are listed below. The regions of Scotland have through the centuries maintained their differences, the Highlanders, largely Gaelic speaking were mobile cattle farmers, while the Lowlanders, English speaking, were firmly planted arable farmers. The Lowlands is the most densely populated region, an area of impressive castles, palaces, medieval burghs and by the two impressive cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow. The Highlands are characterised by the mountainous scenery, beautiful coastlines and a myriad of interesting islands.




Castle Fraser

Castle Fraser

Sauchen, Inverurie, Aberdeenshire  
Castle Fraser, the most elaborate Z-plan castle in Scotland, was built between 1575 and 1636 by the 6th laird, Michael Fraser. One of the towers is... more


Crathes Castle

Crathes Castle

Banchory, Aberdeenshire  
Crathes Castle, built in the 16th century, is an excellent example of an L-tower house of the period with four stories and an attic. King Robert... more


Drum Castle

Drum Castle

Drumoak, Banchory, Aberdeenshire  
The keep at Drum Castle is one of the three oldest tower houses surviving in Scotland. The original house was enlarged with the creation of a... more


Fyvie Castle

Fyvie Castle

Fyvie, Turriff, Aberdeenshire  
Fyvie Castle was once a royal stronghold, one of a chain of fortresses throughout medieval Scotland. The five towers are traditionally associated with the five successive... more


Haddo House

Haddo House

Methlick, Ellon, Aberdeenshire  
Haddo House was designed by William Adam for the 2nd Earl of Aberdeen in 1732, but refurbished in the 1880s. The House elegantly blends crisp Georgian... more


Leith Hall

Leith Hall

Huntly, Aberdeenshire  
Leith Hall is a charming and intimate Scottish family home and the oldest parts date back to 1650. The house offers a unique insight into the... more


Provost Skene´s House

Provost Skene´s House

Guestrow, Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire  
Dating from 1545, Provost Skene´s House now houses an attractive series of period room settings, recalling the elegant furnishings of earlier times. Visitors can see an... more


Glamis Castle

Glamis Castle

Glamis, Angus  
Glamis Castle has been the family home of the Earls of Strathmore and Kinghorne, and a royal residence, since 1372. It was the childhood home of... more


House of Dun & Montrose Basin Nature Reserve

House of Dun & Montrose Basin Nature Reserve

Montrose, Angus  
House of Dun is a Georgian house, overlooking the Montrose Basin, designed and built by William Adam in 1730 for David Erskine, Lord Dun. The superb... more


Falkland Palace

Falkland Palace

Cupar, Falkland, Fife  
The Royal Palace of Falkland, the country residence of Stuart kings and queens, was built between 1450 and 1541. Part of the palace was burned down... more


Hill of Tarvit Mansion House

Hill of Tarvit Mansion House

Cupar, Fife  
Hill of Tarvit Mansion House, originally the site of the 17th century Wemyss Hall, was completely remodelled by Robert Lorimer for Frederick Sharp, in 1906. All... more


Kellie Castle

Kellie Castle

Pittenweem, Anstruther, Fife  
The first records of Kellie Castle date back to the 12th century, and it was restored by James Lorimer in the late 19th century. It is... more


Royal Burgh of Culross

Royal Burgh of Culross

Culross, Fife  
Culross Palace was built for Sir George Bruce between 1597 and 1611 and has original interiors with painted woodwork. On display are 17th and 18th century... more


Brodie Castle

Brodie Castle

Brodie Castle, Brodie, Forres, Moray  
Brodie Castle is a fine 16th century Z-plan tower house set in peaceful parkland, was the home of the Brodie family until the late 20th century.... more


Blair Castle

Blair Castle

Blair Atholl, Pitlochry, Perth & Kinross  
Blair Castle has been the ancient home and fortress of the Earls and Dukes of Atholl for over 725 years. Some 30 rooms of infinite variety... more


Scone Palace

Scone Palace

Perth, Perth & Kinross  
Built on the site of an ancient abbey, Scone Palace is now the family home of the Earls of Mansfield. It was the centre of the... more


Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle

Castlehill, Edinburgh, City of Edinburgh  
Edinburgh Castle is famous worldwide as an icon of Scotland. Once the home of kings and queens it is now the country´s premier visitor attraction. It... more


The Georgian House

The Georgian House

7 Charlotte Square, Edinburgh, City of Edinburgh  
The Georgian House is part of Robert Adam´s masterpiece of urban design, Charlotte Square. It dates from 1796, when those who could afford it began to... more


Broughton House & Garden

Broughton House & Garden

12 High Street, Kirkcudbright, Dumfries & Galloway  
Broughton House is an 18th century town house of the Murrays of Broughton and Cally. Bought in 1901 by E A Hornel, renowned artist, and became... more


Drumlanrig Castle, Gardens & Country Park

Drumlanrig Castle, Gardens & Country Park

Thornhill, Dumfries & Galloway  
Drumlanrig Castle, the Dumfriesshire home of the Duke of Buccleuch and Queensberry KT, was built between 1679 and 1691 by William Douglas, 1st Duke of Queensberry.... more