leahhosie

Scone Palace

Scone Place (pronounced Scoon, rather than Scon!) was one of our very first old abode trips out – way back in April 2018… The palace is nestled between the village of Scone and the River Tay; easily accessible via the A93 and well signposted in the local area. Scone has a rich history, the crowningContinue reading “Scone Palace”

Dunnottar Castle

Visited in April 2018, Dunnottar Castle was one of our first forays into old abodes in Scotland. The castle is located a couple of miles to the south of Stonehaven, and just off the A92, which is the road that connects the town, Angus and Dundee (hugging the coast). The castle is also easily accessibleContinue reading “Dunnottar Castle”

Red Castle (Angus)

Visited in late January 2022, this is one of at least two ‘Red Castles’ in Scotland, so this particular entry refers to the Angus version. Located on the hill that overlooks Lunan Bay, on the east coast of Scotland. Lunan is a teeny hamlet, but the area is incredibly popular with local beach goers enjoyingContinue reading “Red Castle (Angus)”

Glasclune Castle

Visited in mid-September, 2021, this was the second a two-castle trip in the Blairgowrie area of Perthshire. While the photo below shows where we parked in relation to the castle… …the next one down shows where that is in relation to the nearby Kinloch and A923. Historical recap A few miles north of Kinloch, theContinue reading “Glasclune Castle”

Taymouth Castle

Visited in late August 2021, Taymouth Castle was the shining glory on our tour of old abodes around Kenmore and Aberfeldy. In the centre of Kenmore stands a large stone arch, beyond which is small housing estate, a couple of sizeable car parks and a playing field. Follow that lane further and a gate willContinue reading “Taymouth Castle”

Knock Castle (near Ballater)

One of at least three ‘Knock’ Castles in Scotland, we visited in early September 2021. The castle can be found up a winding farm track, just up the B976, which is the road between Ballater and Balmoral. Noted on the map is where we parked, but please note we just abandoned the car on aContinue reading “Knock Castle (near Ballater)”

Vayne Castle

Having lived in Angus for the majority of my life, I had never heard of the diminutive Vayne Castle, near Fern and Forfar. We visited on the very first day of 2021; cracking blue skies and a chilly wind. An excellent way to start of a new year of castling! Vayne Castle is certainly notContinue reading “Vayne Castle”

Dunnideer Castle and Hillfort

Visited in May 2021, Dunnideer Castle and Hillfort is located on the outskirts of Insch, Aberdeenshire. Noted on the map below with a yellow pin is the small car park at the bottom of the hill, with space for 4 or 5 cars. This is on Western Road, as you head west (oddly enough) outContinue reading “Dunnideer Castle and Hillfort”

Dunnottar Castle

Arbroath Abbey

Visited in December 2020, the Abbey is currently open to visitors Friday-Monday, although the visitor centre is closed due to COVID-19 restrictions. Nestled in the town centre of Arbroath, in the county of Angus. Built with local red sandstone, the Abbey was founded in 1178 and consecrated in 1197. Abandoned and left to ruin inContinue reading “Arbroath Abbey”

Invermark Castle

Visited in January 2020, Invermark Castle sits at the head of Glen Esk, most easily reached by taking the Edzell turn off from the A90. The roads are windy and the drive from the dual carriageway to the closest car park (marked by a red pointer on the map) is around 40 minutes. The walkContinue reading “Invermark Castle”

Cairns Castle

Visited on the last day of October 2020, this wee ruin is at the bottom of a (really, really) narrow single track lane, off the A70, a few miles drive from Kirknewton. It’s not the easiest to find, so I’d recommend Google mapping once you are in the area. There is a reasonably sized carContinue reading “Cairns Castle”

Abbotsford

Visited on a dreich afternoon, 1st November 2020. Abbotsford House and Gardens sits beside the River Tweed, a five minute drive from Galashiels and accessible off the A6091. Bought as a modest farm steading by Sir Walter Scott in 1811, the grounds and house were subject to extensive renovation and development by the author overContinue reading “Abbotsford”

Torwoodlee Tower

Visited on the 1st of November, 2020, Torwoodlee Tower is tucked away in the woodland just off the A72; a few minutes drive outside of Galashiels. Built in 1601 and abandoned in 1783, the tower is a ruin that has recently undergone some stabilisation work thanks to input from Historic Enviroment Scotland and other interestedContinue reading “Torwoodlee Tower”