Fort Charlotte, Shetland

🏰 Castles of Scotland: The Citadel of the North

If you’re pulling your van off the ferry in Lerwick, you can’t miss it. Perched on a cliff edge overlooking the busy harbor, Fort Charlotte is a massive, pentagonal artillery fort that has stood guard over the "capital of the North" for over 350 years. It’s not a fairytale castle—it’s a warrior’s stronghold.

📍 Location

• Where is it? Situated in the center of Lerwick, the main town of the Shetland Islands.
• Setting: It dominates the waterfront, overlooking the Bressay Sound, which has served as a vital anchorage for centuries.
• Coordinates: 60.155N, 1.144W
•  ///enough.enhanced.adhesive
• Van Access: You’re in the heart of town! Lerwick has excellent facilities. Park near the Esplanade and take the short, steep walk up to the fort. It’s perfectly placed to explore the local shops and museums afterward.

📜 A Timeline of History and Inhabitants

Fort Charlotte’s history is a tug-of-war between the British and the Dutch.

1. The Dutch-War Origins (1665)

• The Founder: Built during the Second Anglo-Dutch War, the fort was designed to protect the "Bressay Sound," which was a massive hub for the Dutch herring fleet. It was commissioned by the English to stop the Dutch from using Lerwick as a base.

2. The Fire and Rebirth (1673 & 1781)

• Destruction: The Dutch burned the original fort to the ground in 1673.
• Reconstruction: It was rebuilt in 1781 during the American War of Independence and named "Fort Charlotte" in honour of King George III’s Queen.

3. A Multi-Purpose Stronghold

• Over the centuries, the fort has been everything: a prison, a courtroom, a customs house, and even a base for the Royal Naval Reserve. It has held everyone from local criminals to captured sailors, making it a "living" part of Lerwick’s daily life.

👑 Significance in History and Politics

Fort Charlotte was the "policeman" of the Northern seas.

• The "Strategic Chokepoint": Throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, the North Sea was the most contested shipping lane in the world. Whoever held Lerwick (and by extension, the Fort) controlled the trade routes to the Baltic and the Arctic.
• The Union of Crowns: Its existence highlights how Scotland and England once united under the British Crown—focused their combined military power on defending the outer limits of the archipelago. It was a clear signal that the Northern Isles were firmly "British" territory.
• Economic Governance: Politically, the fort wasn't just for guns. It served as the base for the tax collectors and customs officers who ensured that the lucrative herring trade was properly taxed, effectively centralizing government control over Shetland’s economy.

⚓ Johnny’s "Captain’s" Tip:

When you walk inside the walls, the noise of the town drops away and you get this incredible, eerie silence. It’s the perfect place to sit and watch the ferries coming and going from the harbor. Also, keep an eye out for the Shetland Museum nearby, it’s arguably one of the best museums in the country and fills in all the gaps about the fort’s history.

Are you enjoying this deep dive into the Northern Isles? Would you like to see a post about the Scalloway Castle (a more traditional tower house) next, or should we head back to the mainland? Let me know in the comments! 🚐💨👇

#CastlesOfScotland #FortCharlotte #Lerwick #Shetland #ScottishHistory #MaritimeHistory #MotorhomeTouringScotland #JohnnyBurr #ExploreShetland

 

 

For more of the Castles of Scotland series visit:

https://castlesinscotland.blogspot.com

Google Map  https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1NTTk4vGyDXVvUWaZkYuTE6X1IA9p8A8&usp=sharing

Web https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Charlotte,_Shetland

Linktree https://linktr.ee/johnnyburr

 

 

Noltland Castle

🏰 Castles of Scotland: The Fortified Refuge

If you’re hopping over to the "Queen of the Isles" Westray in Orkney, you’ll find one of the most uniquely defended buildings in Scotland. Noltland Castle doesn't just look like a noble tower house; it looks like a fortress that expected to be attacked at any moment. And given its original owner, it’s easy to see why!

📍 Location

• Where is it? Situated just outside the village of Pierowall on the island of Westray, Orkney.
• Setting: It overlooks the magnificent Pierowall Bay, which was one of the finest natural harbors in the Northern Isles.
• Coordinates: 59.317N, 2.997W
• ///centrally.incorrect.constrain
• Van Access: You’ll need to take the inter-island ferry from Kirkwall (or Eday) to Westray. Westray is a fantastic island to drive around, and the road to Noltland is straightforward. There is parking nearby, and the castle is a short walk from the main road.

📜 A Timeline of History and Inhabitants

This isn't a story of peaceful lords and ladies; it’s a story of political assassination and survival.

1. The Builder: Gilbert Balfour (1560–1574)

• The Man: The castle was built by Gilbert Balfour, a man who served as Master of Mary, Queen of Scots' household.
• The "Dangerous" Life: Balfour was no saint. He was famously implicated in the murder of Cardinal Beaton in 1546 and the assassination of Lord Darnley (Mary’s second husband) in 1567.
• The "Blood" Inscription: Over the entrance, he carved a terrifying passage from Exodus: "When I see the blood, I will pass over you in the night." It’s a chilling insight into a man who spent his life looking over his shoulder.

2. A Fortress for a Fugitive

• After Mary, Queen of Scots was arrested in 1567, Balfour fled to Westray. He turned Noltland into a defensive powerhouse—it features 71 gun holes (loop-holes) in its 7-foot thick walls. It was designed so that no matter where an attacker came from, they would be staring down the barrel of a cannon or musket.

3. Later Tumult

• The castle was never truly "finished." It was seized by Lord Robert Stewart in 1572. Over the following centuries, it was caught in the crossfire of Scottish history, being set on fire by Covenanters in the 1650s and again by Hanoverian forces in 1745.

👑 Significance in History and Politics

Noltland Castle is a direct link to the most chaotic years of the Scottish Reformation and the fall of the House of Stuart.

• Political Sanctuary: It represents the desperate measures taken by those loyal to Mary, Queen of Scots. When the "political ground" in Edinburgh became too hot, the far-flung islands of Orkney became the final refuge for the Queen's inner circle.
• The Evolution of Defense: Noltland is a textbook example of the transition from a traditional "tower house" to an "artillery fortress." It shows how 16th-century lords had to adapt their architecture to account for the new, deadly reality of gunpowder.
• Orkney’s Strategic Importance: Holding the Pierowall harbour meant controlling a vital maritime gateway between the Atlantic and the North Sea. Balfour’s choice of location proves that even in the 1500s, the Northern Isles were a crucial piece of the British political chessboard.

📸 Johnny’s "Creator" Tip:

Get up close to the wall! You can actually walk the perimeter and count those 71 gun holes. It’s a surreal experience when you realize they are all angled to cover every square inch of the approach to the castle. It’s an incredible backdrop for a "history vlog" segment.

Would you have felt safe hiding in a castle built by a man like Gilbert Balfour, or would you have been looking for the nearest exit? Let me know in the comments! 🚐🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿👇

#CastlesOfScotland #NoltlandCastle #Westray #Orkney #ScottishHistory #MaryQueenOfScots #MotorhomeTouringScotland #JohnnyBurr #IslandLife

 

 

For more of the Castles of Scotland series visit:

https://castlesinscotland.blogspot.com

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noltland_Castle

Linktree https://linktr.ee/johnnyburr

 

 

Cobbie Row’s Castle

 

🏰 Castles of Scotland

The Viking Stronghold — Cobbie Row’s Castle

If you’re traveling through the Orkney Islands, you’ll find the ruins of Cobbie Row's Castle on the island of Wyre. While it might look like a modest pile of stone today, in the 12th century, this was the most advanced defensive structure in the entire North. It is widely recognized as the oldest surviving stone castle in Scotland.

📍 Location

• Where is it? On the island of Wyre in the Orkney Islands.

• Setting: It sits on a low rise, perfectly positioned to watch the shipping channels between the islands of Rousay, Egilsay, and Wyre.

• Coordinates: 59.102N, 3.003W
  .

• Van Access: You’ll need to take the local inter-island ferry from Tingwall (Mainland Orkney) to Wyre. It’s a quiet, peaceful island—perfect for a walking day-trip. Leave the motorhome safely parked at the Tingwall ferry terminal and hop over as a foot passenger!

📜 A Timeline of History and Inhabitants

This castle is the "rock star" of the Orkneyinga Saga.

1. The Norse Builder: Kolbein Hruga (1145)

• The Man: The castle was built by a Norse chieftain named Kolbein Hruga (the name "Cobbie Row" is a corruption of his name). He was a powerful and wealthy man who had served in Norway before settling in Orkney.

• The Construction: Unlike the wooden halls of his peers, Kolbein built a circular stone tower inside a curtain wall. It was a revolutionary defensive design for the time, meant to be virtually impenetrable.

2. The Saga Connection

• The castle features prominently in the Orkneyinga Saga. It was famously besieged in 1231 by the Earl of Caithness. Despite the intense fighting, the castle’s superior stone design held firm, proving Kolbein’s architectural gamble was a massive success.

3. The Chapel of St. Mary

• Just a few yards from the castle ruins sits the 12th-century St. Mary’s Chapel, built at the same time as the castle. It’s one of the best-preserved Romanesque chapels in the North, and it’s likely Kolbein built it as his private place of worship.

👑 Significance in History and Politics

Cobbie Row’s Castle represents the bridge between the Viking Age and the Feudal Age.

• Norse Power in Scotland: This castle is a physical reminder that Orkney was a Norse Earldom, not a Scottish one, for centuries. It shows how the Norse elite adopted European "stone-and-mortar" fortification technology to assert their dominance over the northern sea lanes.

• The Beginning of Castellation: In the broader context of Scottish history, this site marks the very beginning of the "Age of the Castle" in Scotland. It predates many of the mainland strongholds we associate with the Wars of Independence, marking the moment when the North began to shift from open-hall Viking leadership to fortified feudal control.

• A Strategic Chokepoint: Politically, Wyre was a central hub. By controlling the channels between the islands, the occupant of this castle could levy taxes, monitor trade, and dictate the movement of ships across the Pentland Firth.

📸 Johnny’s "Creator" Tip:

Because Wyre is such a small, quiet island, you can get the entire castle to yourself. Use your wide-angle lens here the contrast between the ancient, circular stone wall and the vast, open Orkney sky makes for an incredible, moody shot that really captures that "Viking" atmosphere.

Are you a fan of these 'hidden' archaeological sites, or do you prefer the big, dramatic Baronial mansions? Drop a comment and let me know which direction I should take the next "Castles of Scotland" post! 🚐🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿👇

#CastlesOfScotland #CobbieRowsCastle #Wyre #Orkney #VikingHistory #ScottishHistory #MotorhomeTouringScotland #JohnnyBurr #AncientScotland

Since you're exploring the "North Isles" of Orkney, would you like me to pull together a quick guide on how to island-hop with a van, or perhaps a post about the ruins on the nearby island of Rousay?

Balfour Castle

🏰 Castles of Scotland

The Calendar Castle - Balfour Castle

If you take the short ferry ride from Kirkwall across to the island of Shapinsay, the first thing that will catch your eye is the towering silhouette of Balfour Castle. It isn’t a medieval fortress of war, but a 19th-century "Scottish Baronial" masterpiece that was built to impress the world.

 

📍 Location

Where is it? It is situated on the southwest corner of the island of Shapinsay, one of the Orkney Islands.

Setting: It commands the approach to Elwick Bay, with the towers of Kirkwall Cathedral visible across the water on a clear day.

Coordinates: 59.030° N, 2.915° W.

///showdown.drifters.stored

Van Access: To get here, you’ll need to take the Kirkwall to Shapinsay ferry. It’s a short 25-minute crossing. While the island is small, the roads are manageable for motorhomes. There is a car park near the ferry terminal, and the castle is a pleasant walk from there.

📜 A Timeline of History and Inhabitants

Balfour Castle is a story of "New Money" and architectural genius.

 

1. The Original House (Cliffdale)

Before the castle, there was a simpler house on this site called Cliffdale, built in the late 1700s. It was a modest home for the local landowners before the Balfours decided to make a much bigger statement.

2. The Balfour Transformation (1847)

The Architect: The family hired David Bryce, the undisputed king of Scottish Baronial architecture.

The Vision: Colonel David Balfour transformed the old house into the grand castle we see today.

The "Calendar" Design: Local legend says the castle was built as a "Calendar House" - it features 7 turrets (days in a week), 12 external doors (months in a year), 52 rooms (weeks in a year), and originally 365 panes of glass.

3. The Zawadzki Era

In the 1960s, the castle was purchased by Captain Tadeusz Zawadzki, a Polish cavalry officer who had fallen in love with Orkney during the war. He and his family operated it as a world-class hotel for decades, preserving its Victorian character.

 

👑 Significance in History and Politics

Balfour Castle represents the "Golden Age" of the Scottish landed gentry and their influence on British politics.

The "Improvement" Movement: The Balfours were pioneers of the Agricultural Revolution in the north. They introduced new farming techniques and drainage systems that transformed Shapinsay from a barren landscape into one of the most productive islands in Orkney. This "improvement" was a major political theme in the 19th-century UK.

The Power of the Lairds: Politically, the castle was a symbol of the Balfour family's dominance. At one point, they owned nearly the entire island. Their influence extended to the House of Commons, where family members served as MPs, representing the interests of the Northern Isles in London.

Victorian Prestige: The architecture itself is a political statement. By building such a grand, "Old Scottish" style castle in 1847, the Balfours were linking their family to the ancient traditions of the Scottish nobility, cementing their status as the new elite of the Victorian era.

📸 Johnny’s "Pro" Tip:

The best view of the castle is actually from the ferry as you approach the island. Have your camera ready on the top deck! Once you’re on the island, the castle grounds are often open for walks, where you can see the rare trees - some of the few that survive in the windswept Orkney climate.

 

For more of the Castles of Scotland series visit:

https://castlesinscotland.blogspot.com

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balfour_Castle

https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1NTTk4vGyDXVvUWaZkYuTE6X1IA9p8A8&usp=sharing

Linktree https://linktr.ee/johnnyburr

 

Linktree⬅️ https://linktr.ee/johnnyburr

Earl’s Palace, Birsay

 

🏰 Castles of Scotland: The Tyrant’s Tower - Earl’s Palace, Birsay

If you’ve made it to the far northwest corner of the Orkney Mainland, you can't miss the skeletal remains of the Earl’s Palace standing over the village of Birsay. It might be a roofless shell today, but in the late 16th century, this was the headquarters of a family that ruled Orkney with an iron and very greedy fist.

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📍 Location

• Where is it? Located in the village of Birsay, on the northwest tip of the Mainland of Orkney.
• Setting: It sits near the shore, just a short walk from the causeway that leads to the tidal island of the Brough of Birsay.
• Coordinates: 59.131N, 3.320W.  ///bookshelf.risk.clan
• Van Access: There is a decent-sized car park near the palace and the Brough of Birsay. The roads are narrow but manageable. Pro Tip: Time your visit with the low tide so you can see the palace and then walk across the causeway to the lighthouse!

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📜 A Timeline of History and Inhabitants

This palace didn't belong to a legendary clan, but to the "Stewart Earls" royal outsiders who treated Orkney like their own private kingdom.

1. The Builder: Robert Stewart (1569–1593)

• The Man: Robert Stewart was the illegitimate son of King James V and the half-brother of Mary, Queen of Scots.
• The Construction: He began building the palace in 1569. He used forced labor from the local Orcadians to build his "dream home," essentially enslaving the population to haul stone and timber.

2. The Son: Patrick Stewart (1593–1615)

• The Legacy: Robert’s son, Patrick (known as "Black Patie"), was even worse than his father. He finished the palace but preferred his other home in Kirkwall.
• The Fall: His tyranny, debt, and treasonous behavior eventually caught up with him. He was executed in Edinburgh in 1615. Legend says his execution had to be delayed because he didn't know the Lord's Prayer!

3. The Decline

• After the Stewart Earls were removed, the palace was used by the Bishops of Orkney for a short time, but by the 1700s, it was already falling into ruin. Much of the fine stone was taken by locals to build houses in the village.

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👑 Significance in History and Politics

The Earl’s Palace is a physical symbol of the "Scottish takeover" of Orkney.

• Norse vs. Scottish Law: When the Stewart Earls arrived, they systematically dismantled the old Norse "Udal" laws (where farmers owned their own land) and replaced them with the Scottish feudal system. This allowed them to seize land and wealth, fundamentally changing the social structure of Orkney forever.
• Royal Bloodlines: Because Robert Stewart was a Royal Stuart, his palace was a miniature version of the royal courts in Edinburgh and London. It represented the Crown’s reach into the furthest corners of the British Isles.
• A Warning in Stone: Politically, the ruin serves as a reminder of the era of the "Great Cause" and the power struggles between the Scottish monarchy and the northern earldoms. It’s a monument to the end of the semi-independent "Sea Kingdom" of Orkney.

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📸 Johnny’s "Creator" Tip:

The best lighting for photos here is late afternoon. The sun hits the grey stone and makes the whole structure look incredibly haunting. If you have a drone, the "footprint" of the palace from above is a perfect rectangle, showing off the classic 16th-century courtyard design.

Would you have survived under the rule of "Black Patie," or would you have been leading the rebellion? Let us know in the comments below! 🚐💨👇

#CastlesOfScotland #EarlsPalace #Birsay #Orkney #ScottishHistory #StewartEarls #MotorhomeTouringScotland #JohnnyBurr

 

For more of the Castles of Scotland series visit:

https://castlesinscotland.blogspot.com

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earl%27s_Palace,_Birsay

 

https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1NTTk4vGyDXVvUWaZkYuTE6X1IA9p8A8&usp=sharing

Linktree https://linktr.ee/johnnyburr

 

Skaill House

 

🏰 Castles of Scotland: The Laird’s Legacy - Skaill House

If you’ve taken the NorthLink ferry across the Pentland Firth and made your way to the West Mainland of Orkney, you’ll find Skaill House standing guard over the Bay of Skaill. It is one of the most storied manor houses in the islands, acting as a 400-year-old bridge between the Neolithic past and modern Orcadian life.

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📍 Location

• Where is it? Located in Sandwick, on the west coast of the Mainland of Orkney.
• Setting: It sits directly adjacent to Skara Brae, the world-famous Neolithic village.
• Coordinates: 59.049N, 3.336W. ///facing.relies.snuggled
•  
• Van Access: Very straightforward. There is a large, shared car park for Skara Brae and Skaill House. The roads across the Orkney Mainland are generally excellent for motorhomes, though they can be windswept—hold onto your door when you get out!

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📜 A Timeline of History and Inhabitants

Skaill House was built in 1620, but it sits on top of much older Norse ruins.

1. The Bishop’s Foundation (1620)

• The Founder: Built by George Graham, the Bishop of Orkney. He constructed the original simple manor house on the site of an old Norse "Skaill" (meaning a hall).
• The Style: It features classic "crow-stepped" gables, a hallmark of 17th-century Scottish architecture.

2. The Lairds of Skaill (18th - 19th Century)

• The Watt Family: The house has been in the same family (the Watts) for hundreds of years. The 7th Laird, William Watt, is the most famous figure in the house's history.
• The Discovery (1850): After a massive storm stripped away the sand dunes in 1850, William Watt looked out from his home and discovered the remains of Skara Brae. He spent years excavating the site himself, preserving what is now a UNESCO World Heritage site.

3. Royal Connections

• The house has played host to various members of the Royal Family, including the Queen Mother, who was a frequent visitor and personal friend of the family.

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👑 Significance in History and Politics

Skaill House represents the shifting power dynamics of the Northern Isles.

• Post-Reformation Politics: The house was built during a time when the power of the "Stewart Earls" (the tyrannical Patrick Stewart) was being dismantled. The rise of the Lairds (landowners) like the Grahams and Watts marked a new era of local Orcadian governance and economic stability.
• Archaeological Diplomacy: Politically, the discovery of Skara Brae by the Laird of Skaill put Orkney on the global map. It shifted the "center" of British history, proving that a sophisticated society existed in the far north thousands of years before the Romans or the English even arrived.
• Maritime Influence: The house was a hub for maritime trade and "wrecking" rights. In the 17th and 18th centuries, the Laird of Skaill held significant legal power over anything that washed up on the bay—which, in the treacherous waters of the Atlantic, was often a source of great wealth.

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🦴 Johnny’s Tip:

When you go inside, look for the Viking skeleton! During renovations, they found a Norse burial under the floorboards of the hall. It’s a stark reminder that this house is built directly on top of the Viking Age. Also, the view from the dining room window toward the bay is one of the best "vlog spots" in Sandwick.

Would you prefer to explore the 5,000-year-old village next door, or does the 400-year-old ghost stories of the manor house grab you more? Drop a comment below! 🚐💨👇

#CastlesOfScotland #SkaillHouse #Orkney #SkaraBrae #ScottishHistory #MotorhomeTouringScotland #JohnnyBurr #ExploreOrkney

 

For more of the Castles of Scotland series visit:

https://castlesinscotland.blogspot.com

 

Linktree https://linktr.ee/johnnyburr

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skaill_House

https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1NTTk4vGyDXVvUWaZkYuTE6X1IA9p8A8&usp=sharing

Lews Castle

 

🏰 Castles of Scotland: The Hebridean Palace  Lews Castle

If you’ve taken the ferry from Ullapool across the Minch, the first thing you see as you sail into Stornoway harbour is the grand, sprawling facade of Lews Castle. Rising out of the only significant woodland in the Western Isles, it looks less like a Highland fortress and more like a statement of absolute Victorian power.

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📍 Location

• Where is it? Overlooking the town of Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis.
• Setting: It sits within the Lews Castle Grounds, a rare 600-acre parkland of trees and trails in an otherwise peat-and-rock landscape.
• Coordinates: 58.212N, 6.394W ///overpower.factoring.conductor
• Van Access: Extremely easy. There is a large, dedicated car park for the castle and the museum. It’s the perfect spot to park up and walk the grounds before catching the ferry or exploring the rest of the island.

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📜 A Timeline of History and Inhabitants

Lews Castle didn't grow out of clan warfare; it grew out of the global trade of the British Empire.

1. The Matheson Era (1844–1918)

• The Founder: Built by Sir James Matheson, who bought the entire island of Lewis with his fortune made from the Chinese opium trade (co-founder of Jardine Matheson).
• The Build: He spent over £60,000—a staggering sum at the time—to build the castle and plant the surrounding forests, importing soil and trees to create his own private Eden.

2. The Leverhulme Experiment (1918–1923)

• The Industrialist: The castle was bought by Lord Leverhulme (founder of Unilever). He had a utopian vision to modernize the island through fish canning and industry.
• The Clash: His plans famously clashed with the local crofters, who wanted land reform rather than factory jobs. Frustrated, Leverhulme eventually left the island and gifted the castle and the parish of Stornoway to its people.

3. War and Education (1940–2000s)

• WWII: During the Second World War, the castle served as HMS Cabarfeidh, a naval hospital and base for the flying boats patrolling the Atlantic.
• Modern Use: After the war, it served as a college and even student accommodation before falling into disrepair.

4. The Renaissance (Present Day)

• Following a massive multi-million-pound restoration, it now houses Museum nan Eilean (which holds some of the world-famous Lewis Chessmen) and luxury self-catering apartments.

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👑 Significance in History and Politics

Lews Castle is a physical monument to the tension between "Old Scotland" and "New Money."

• The Fall of the Clans: The construction of the castle marked the final end of the Seaforth Mackenzies' influence on Lewis. It represented a shift where the land was no longer held by traditional clan chiefs, but by wealthy industrial barons from the south.
• Community Ownership: Politically, the castle is a symbol of one of the earliest and most successful examples of community land ownership in Scotland. The Stornoway Trust, which manages the grounds, was born from Lord Leverhulme's gift, predating modern land reform by decades.
• Strategic Atlantic Hub: During the World Wars, its position made it vital for the defense of the UK’s Western Approaches. The politics of the 20th century were literally coordinated from within these walls as ships and planes protected the vital Atlantic convoys.

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♟️ Johnny’s "Hidden Gem" Tip:

When you visit, make sure to head into the museum section to see the Lewis Chessmen. Even if you aren't a history buff, seeing these 12th-century walrus ivory figures in the place they were discovered (well, nearly—they were found at Uig Bay nearby) is a powerful experience.

#CastlesOfScotland #LewsCastle #Stornoway #IsleOfLewis #OuterHebrides #ScottishHistory #MotorhomeTouringScotland #LewisChessmen #JohnnyBurr

 

For more of the Castles of Scotland series visit:

https://castlesinscotland.blogspot.com

 

https://www.lews-castle.co.uk/

https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1NTTk4vGyDXVvUWaZkYuTE6X1IA9p8A8&usp=sharing