The walls, turrets and towers of Scottish castles great and small, speak of the tumultuous history of the Scottish nation. Each played an important role in Scotland's heritage and offer a vivid insight into the past. Scattered dramatically across the Scottish landscape, these splendid castles, towers and fortified houses capture our imagination and whisper of romance and legend.
The cover of Country Life August 3, 1912 Click the image above to purchase from the Country Life Picture Library
Since its launch in 1897, Country Life has regularly ventured north of the border to report on these magnificent structures across its architectural pages. In more recent years, we have published The Scottish issue - an annual homage to the beauty of Scotland.
For the first time, we are publishing a selection of these Scottish architectural pieces online.
ARCHIVE ARTICLES:
BALMORAL CASTLE: A HIGHLAND PARADISE BY MARY MIERS (FREE PDF DOWNLOAD)
BLAIR CASTLE: THE SEAT OF THE DUKES OF ATHOLL , PART 1 BY ARTHUR OSWALD
CRAIGIEVAR CASTLE: THE SEAT OF SIR JOHN FORBES, BART., NOW LORD SEMPILL BY PETER GRAHAM
CULZEAN CASTLE: THE SEAT OF THE MARQUESS OF AILSA, PART 1 BY ARTHUR T. BOLTON
EILEAN DONAN CASTLE: THE PROPERTY OF THE CONCHRA CHARITABLE TRUST BY ANTONY WOODWARD
GLAMIS CASTLE: THE SEAT OF THE EARL OF STRATHMORE, PART 1 BY OLIVER HILL
HOLYROODHOUSE: SCOTLAND'S ROYAL PALACE BY SIMON THURLEY (FREE PDF DOWNLOAD)
SCONE PALACE: THE SEAT OF THE EARL OF MANSFIELD AND MANSFIELD, PART 1 BY JOHN CORNFORTH
STIRLING CASTLE: RENAISSANCE OF A ROYAL PALACE BY JOHN GOODALL
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A country house that's 'the finest-looking estate between the Humber and the Tweed' (at least according to Queen Victoria)Burn Hall is a treasure-trove of architectural features, from its sweeping staircase to its grand snooker room.
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Liverpool and literature: Country Life Quiz of the Day, July 18, 2025Which river runs through Liverpool and how much do you remember from the 'Harry Potter' book series?
