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The greatest castle in a land that’s full of them, not only prized for its crowning position in the capital’s heart, but also for its important history and the national treasures it holds (see Edinburgh Castle) .

Robert Adam’s masterful design and exquisite taste reached their apotheosis in this castle, which ranks as one of Britain’s finest mansions. Set in a park that does it ample justice, it commands a dramatic coastal position, looking seaward from the top of an Ayrshire cliff (see Culzean Castle) .

A triangular ruin with immense towers, Caerlaverock still sits within a filled moat. Its history spans a siege by Edward I in 1300 and a luxurious upgrading shortly before its fall in 1640. Its yellow sandstone walls glow beautifully pink and orange in the afternoon light (see Caerlaverock Castle) .

Dramatically perched on crags overlooking the plains where some of Scotland’s most decisive battles took place, this castle was one of the nation’s greatest strongholds and a key player in her history. The gatehouse, Great Hall and the Renaissance Royal Palace are outstanding. Check out the programme for special events, from tapestry weaving to sword fights (see Stirling Castle) .

This 17th-century fairytale castle is best known for its literary associations: Duncan’s Hall provided the setting for the King’s murder in Shakespeare’s Macbeth . It also has a famous secret chamber and was the childhood home of the late Queen Mother. Rooms represent different periods of history and contain fine collections of armour, furnishings and tapestries. There’s said to be a ghost about, too. The gardens were laid out by the great 18th-century landscape gardener “Capability” Brown.

Seat of the Duke of Atholl, the only man in Britain still allowed a private army, this stately white castle is an arresting sight on the main road north. The oldest part dates from 1269, but after damage during the Jacobite campaigns it was completely restyled and all the turrets added.

This is the Queen’s choice. Queen Victoria purchased the estate in 1852 and transformed the existing castle into this ungainly but imposing mansion set in spectacular grounds. It is still the private holiday home of the royal family, and provides a wonderful insight into contemporary stately living (see Balmoral and Royal Deeside) .

For sheer elegance, few castles can match Craigievar. Its cluster of towers held atop the slender tower house (1626) is a masterpiece of baronial architecture and poise. The interior retains the appearance of the original Forbes family home.

Whether or not the real Macbeth lived here in the 11th century, it’s the sort of make-believe castle to satisfy all your Shakespearean expectations. Utterly magical with its original keep (1454), a drawbridge, ancient yew tree and enough weapons to start an uprising. The garden and estate are equally enchanting and there’s even a maze (see Cawdor Castle) .

One of Scotland’s most photographed castles because of its incredible setting – huddled on an island off the mountainous shores of Loch Duich. This 13th-century stronghold of the clan Macrae was a ruin until its restoration in the 1930s (see Eilean Donan Castle) .