It's highly unlikely that many of us will ever be able to actually own one of Scotland's many beautiful and majestic castles, but we can do the next big thing – and spend a night or two like royalty by renting them out.
You can live out your Outlander or Game of Thrones fantasy as you enjoy sleeping in one of the country's magnificent and historical strongholds. Dripping with rich history and filled with classic features, these wonderful buildings have dominated Scotland's landscape for centuries.
From the Borders to the Hebrides, you'll find amazing examples of these castles that you can stay in across the country.
For a night, weekend, or even a week, of living like royalty, and a stay you won't forget in a hurry, here are some of the best Scottish castles you can stay in.
Glenapp Castle, Ayrshire
This incredible castle on the southwest coast is not only an exciting location to stay in, but it was also voted as 'Scotland's Hotel of the Year' in 2019.
Built in 1870 in the Scottish Baronial style, it was designed by noted architect David Bryce and was once home to one of Scotland's most famous aviators Elsie Mackay (also known as Poppy Wyndham).
With seventeen individually designed guest rooms (many with stunning sea views), the castle offers a selection of luxury mod cons including the chance to enjoy a sea safari around the Hebridean islands on the hotel's own boat.
Read more: The fairytale castle with a fun family country park named one of UK's top attractions
Crossbasket Castle, Blantyre
Lying closer to Glasgow is this recently transformed 17th-century castle which has won numerous awards since it was lovingly restored in 2015.
Featuring nine stylish en-suite bedrooms, Crossbasket has become a foodie destination in its own right due to also being the home of one of the Roux culinary dynasty's fine dining restaurants - overseen by the legendary French chef Albert Roux and son Michel Roux Jr.
Parts of the grandiose building such as the tower house reportedly date back to the early 16th century.
Culzean Castle
One of Scotland's fairy tale castles sits perched dramatically on cliffs looking out over the Firth of Clyde.
Culzean Castle was designed by famed architect Robert Adam and has a long history thanks to the Clan Kennedy who commissioned its building in the 18th century.
Now run by the National Trust, it has a suite named after American general Dwight D. Eisenhower, reserved for him by the Kennedy family in honour of his heroic actions during World War II, with the man himself eventually coming to stay at the castle several times.
Featuring six bedrooms available individually, or for exclusive use, the castle offers a beautiful walled garden, country park and adventure playground for the kids.
Kilmartin Castle, Lochgilphead, Argyll & Bute
Those looking for a more intimate experience should look no further than Lochgilphead and the imposing but cosy Kilmartin Castle.
This romantic 16th-century castle escape is nestled within the ancient Kilmartin Glen, where you can explore standing stones, ancient forts, burial tombs, and ancient rock carvings among some stunningly unspoiled Scottish scenery.
Built by the Earl of Argyll, it was taken over by Clan Campbell before falling into ruin in the 18th century, now lovingly restored its five bedrooms are available to rent individually or you can take on the castle as a whole if your party is big enough.
Dornoch Castle, Dornoch
Not only does Dornoch Castle have all the hallmarks of a great castle stay - a great highland location, rich history and plenty of ghost stories, but it also benefits from housing one of the country's top whisky bars.
A whisky lover's dream, the hotel plays host to not only an award-winning whisky bar but also its own distillery which has just produced its first whisky.
With 24 luxury rooms and a stylish restaurant, it's the ideal stay for any whisky fan.
Glengorm Castle
Situated on the northernmost tip of the Isle of Mull, the beautiful Glengorm Castle was built n the 1860s and offers views of the Sound of Mull and the Ardnamurchan Peninsula.
An ideal location for enjoying the island itself, the castle offers five bedrooms which can rented individually.
With some incredible sunsets on offer, and a dramatic landscape filled with forests, lochs and hills, a wee stay at this country house is the perfect way to unwind.
Stonefield Castle
The compact Stonefield Castle is filled with little architectural eccentricities that make it a truly unique place to stay.
The castle overlooks one of Scotland's most picturesque lochs, Loch Fyne, and was built in the 1830s in the popular Scottish Baronial style.
Now a luxury hotel, the castle has no less than 36 individually designed en suite bedrooms, and has its plenty of stunning gardens - perfect for exploring and spotting the abundant wildlife - and a popular restaurant serving locally caught fresh seafood landed in nearby Tarbert.
Kincraig Castle
Enjoying views over the Cromarty Firth, the printing white walls of Kincraig Castle greet you when you arrive for a stay in this luxury 4 Star Romantic Hotel.
Located on the NC500, close to Tain and Dornoch, its award-winning restaurant is also a big draw.
Dating back to the 17th century, this wonderful castle is perched at the top of the hill within 10 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, and was once home to the Mackenzie Clan.
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