When you are interested in exploring ancient castles and forts in Scotland, consider the items in this article, which highlight the place where Mary Queen of Scots found love and ancient burial sites surround an old castle located close to the Isle of Arran.
Crookston Castle
In the city of Glasgow, the Crookston Castle is found on the south side , offering a look at construction that dates back to the early 15th century. During earlier times, another castle and chapel from the 12th century once stood , the handiwork of Robert Croc. A defensive ring ditch at the site is a leftover part of Croc’s structure. It is he that the village Crookston is named after.
The Darnley Stewarts purchased the estate that once served as home to Croc’s castle in the 14th century, which was used to build the castle we now know. If the Darnley name sounds familiar, you may have heard that one of the later Lords married Mary Queen of Scots, as told by Gordon Mason in “The Castles of Glasgow and the Clyde.” The text states that the two became devoted to one another under a yew tree at Crookston Castle. Sadly, the romantic castle came under siege in the 16th century and was later abandoned.
Features of the castle include a main base that measured close to 60 feet by 40 feet. A large tower was fixed at each corner. Today, the northeast tower is pretty intact, while the southeast tower is about 1 story tall. As for the towers that occupied the western part of the castle, there isn’t much to see. Each floor offered one room in each tower. It is still possible to gain access to the roof of the northeast tower, where a beautiful view of the southside of the city is delivered.
Skipness Castle
At Tarbert, Argyll, the Skipness Castle is found on the eastern side of the Kintyre peninsula, providing individuals with grand views across the Isle of Arran. The early 1200s marked the first construction of this structure with a slew of additions and fortifications taking place throughout the 13th, 14th, and 16th centuries. However, the castle was tossed aside something during the 17th century. It is the Kilbrannan Chapel (St Brendan’s Castle) that is of interest at this site , dating back to the late 1200s or early part of the 1300s. It was located close to the shoreline and served as the final resting place for many. Ancient burial slabs have been uncovered in the surrounding graveyard.
Burgh Hill Fort
Travel to Hawick, Borders to seek the Burgh Hill Fort, which is thought to date back to the Iron Age. Situated near Teviotheard, this site is located on top of Burgh Hill. It has been quite an appealing stop for individuals that enjoy discovering earthwork associated with ancient settlements. The same hill is home to the Burgh Hill stone circle, which is positioned not too far away. Another feature to note are ramparts that once served as protection.