Five Scottish castles worth the visit

has survived for centuries in Scotland’s capital city. Edinburgh Castle is also one of the best-preserved castles in Scotland. For a full day out with plenty of educational and informative details, you can’t go wrong with Edinburgh Castle. And bonus points for anyone who nds somewhere to stay in Edinburgh with views of the castle on Castle Rock.

Hours: 9:30 am to 5 pm

Entry Fees: £20

3. Stirling Castle Stirling Castle is another central building in Scottish history. e castle dates back to the 12th century and was once a Renaissance royal palace – full of luxuries like a great hall for balls and feasting and a royal hunting lodge. Situated in Stirling, Stirling Castle was also tactically used as a stronghold during the Scottish Wars of Independence. Stirling Castle sits on a volcanic rock on an elevated vantage point. Because of this advantageous position, many battles were fought around Stirling Castle, including Stirling Bridge and Bannockburn. Stirling Castle was a hub of con ict. Today, Stirling Castle is fascinating for visitors intrigued by Scottish history – especially related to the Wars of Independence. It is surrounded by battle elds. While in Stirling Castle, visitors can tour the di erent rooms and get involved with the more entertaining aspects like trying on period costumes and chatting with the costumed character actors.

Stirling Castle is fun and family-friendly, despite its somber history. It earned a

Greek islands for foodies

known islands.

Tilos, a small island in the Dodecanese group between Rhodes and Kos, is a lesser known island that ticks both the food and sustainability boxes.

If you want a relaxing holiday on an island known for sustainability and with spot on our list for its links to the Wars of Independence. Only a few castles in Scotland o er such vital insight into this period of Scottish history. So don’t overlook Stirling Castle. Hours: 9:30 am – 5 pm Entry Fees: £16

4. Dunnottar Castle Dunnottar Castle is one of the most dramatic castles in Scotland. e castle remains sit on a 160-foot rock overlooking the North Sea, which is believed to have been the rst forti ed castle. e oldest parts of the castle date back to the Early Middle Ages, while the surviving parts that visitors see today are dated to the 16th century. Despite its ruined state, Dunnottar Castle is one of the most famous castles in Scotland. It speaks to a lost era of Scotland and is an utterly romantic addition to our top Scottish Castles. e castle is located in the coastal town of Stonehaven, along Scotland’s east coast. It is a two-hour drive from Edinburgh, but we suggest spending a few nights there. Especially since it is near the Cairngorms National Park.

Dunnottar Castle has seen the likes of Mary Queen of Scots and William Wallace cross its threshold. And with over 1000 years of history, it is one of the best places to experience historic Scotland.

Hours:10am to 6pm

Entry Fees: £10

5. Braemar Castle e 17th-century Braemar Castle is an iconic forti ed castle in the middle of the Cairngorms National Park. It has had some famous visitors, including the current British royal family. Clan Farquharson hybrid power station where it harnesses the power of the wind and the sun to produce its own energy. e island was once home to some even rarer wildlife; more than o4,000 years ago the last dwarf elephants of Europe could be found here. is also one of the most famed clans in Scotland, so visiting their ancestral family home is a must. e castle has seen many ‘background’ gures of Scotland, from the standard bearer for Mary Queen of Scots to warriors of the Battle of Culloden. Braemar Castle is exciting to visit and hear about the other side of history. e side of history that involved everyday people, not just in uential gures and the wealthy.

Home to a large protected nature reserve, many rare birds can be found here too, including Eleonora’s falcon and the European bee-eater.

Nowadays, the most touristy area on the island is the port town of Livadia, which sits at the bottom of a mountain. Here you’ll nd restaurants serving some of Tilos’ most famous dishes, including stu ed goat baked in the oven, pan-fried vegetable pies and ovenbaked pork with wheat.

Braemar Castle is just a stone’s throw from the Scottish Highland Games. If you visit at the right time of year, consider combining the two. It is worth noting that for a period of 2023, Braemar Castle will be closed inside for renovation. Check the website for updates.

Hours: TBC

Entry Fees: TBC some great local food products, then Tilos is for you. e island even won an EU award for its transition to green energy and now has a e most northerly island of the Eastern Cyclades,

Donousa is an island which has committed itself to sustainability, particularly within the food and drinks industry. Research carried out in 2018 revealed that 45,000 plastic glasses were being used on the island, but by 2019 this gure had been halved.

If you’ve got a sweet tooth, make sure to try Pouggakia, a traditional type of pastry that’s lled with almonds and sesame.

Named after Dionysus, the ancient Greek God of wine, the island is 13.65 square kilometres in size, and the perfect destination for hiking among the fragrant wild herbs that line its rocky hills and mountains. It is these herbs that make the food on Donousa so delicious. Most of the restaurants on the island are traditional tavernas, where you’ll nd a mix of seafood and meat dishes, alongside locally grown vegetables. Make sure to check out Avli Donoussa, a restaurant which specialises in seafood, including sardines and calamari, plus delicious dishes like feta in lo pastry.