Below is a list of only a few of hte castles and historic homes within easy or reasonable travelling time. Opening times and charges are a guide, are approximate, and may vary slightly

Castle Menzies
Situated in the middle of our farm.
Open Easter to October.
An outstanding example of a 16th century "Z" plan fortified house which visitors can fully explore. It was the seat of the Chiefs of Clan Menzies until 1918 and involved in the turbulent history of the Highlands including giving hospitality to "Bonnie Prince Charlie" in 1746. Family portraits, specimen pieces of furniture, a small clan museum and walled garden.

Glamis Castle
On the A94 between Meigle & Forfar (approx 1 1/2hrs)
Open Easter to October. 10.30 am to 5.30 pm.
Family home of the Earls of Strathmore. Childhood home & birthplace of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother. Legendary setting of Shakespeare's "Macbeth".
Guided tours, gardens, shops, restaurant, play-area

Scone Palace
On the A93 1 mile North of Perth (approx 1hr)
Home of The Earls of Mansfield. Scone is a place that breathes history like nowhere else in Scotland and is a major attraction to visitors from all over the world. Fifteen hundred years ago, it was the capital of the Pictish kingdom and the centre of the ancient Celtic church. In the intervening centuries, it has been the seat of parliaments and the Crowning Place of Kings. It has housed the Stone of Destiny and been immortalised in Shakespeare's Macbeth.

.Blair Castle
At Blair Atholl off the A9, 5 miles North of Pitlochry. (approx 1/2hr)
Possibly the best of all castles/historic houses to visit. Lots of interest for everyone.
Summer Opening - Daily Easter to October
Winter Openingon specified days only. Ranger walks, Guided tours, Licensed restaurant.
Seat of the Dukes of Atholl and Home of the Atholl Highlanders
Blair Castle is set in a landscape which is perhaps unsurpassed in Scotland. Share the beauty of the gardens and grounds. Today, it welcomes more visitors than any other private house in Scotland. The last house to be besieged in Scotland in 1745.
The Castle has been a magnet to visitors for generations. One or two have been turned away with a bucket of boiling oil or a volley of musket fire!

The Atholl Highlanders & Blair Castle
Queen Victoria granted a charter to the Duke of Atholl in 1845. This provided him the right to have a private army and for them to carry arms. They parade once a year, doing just that, at Blair Castle on the May Bank Holiday weekend.
The story of the Atholl Highlanders has its roots in the ancient clans and traditions of the Scottish Highlands. Before the Union of the Crowns in 1603, the Kings of Scots had no army of their own, but relied instead on forces provided by the clan chiefs. The Men of Atholl turned out in times of trouble on many occasions, the first recorded instance being in 1211. In 1706, a force of 4,000 men was mustered - probably the largest force ever turned out - when the Duke of Atholl opposed the projected union with England.

Balmoral Castle
On Royal Deeside. Off the A93 between Braemar & Ballater (approx 2hrs)
Summer residence of the Royal Family.
Open 1st April until 31st July
Castle grounds, gardens, ballroom and coach house exhibitions open to the public.

NB The only part of the castle open to the public is the ballroom exhibition

Balmoral Castle has been the Scottish home of the Royal Family since it was purchased for Queen Victoria by Prince Albert in 1852, having been first leased in 1848.
On 28th September 1853 the foundation stone of the new castle was laid by Queen Victoria and building was finally completed in 1856. The original castle was demolished and the position of the front door of the old castle is marked by a plaque on the front lawn. When Queen Victoria died in 1901 Balmoral Estates passed, under the terms of her will, to King Edward VII, and from him to each of his successors.

Edinburgh Castle
Can’t miss it in the centre of Edinburgh! (Approx 2 hours)
An absolute must if you visit Edinburgh. Stunning views of the city, and North over the Forth. Crown jewels of Scotland lost (or mislaid!) for two centuries on show amongst other interesting memorabilia. Watch out for the one o'clock gun.

Stirling Castle
Junction of the M90 & M8
Another of Scotland's major Castles. Well worth a visit to see the mega restoration of the great hall. Towering over Stirling and the surrounding countryside with views all round - particularly of the monument to William Wallace.