please rate these Scottish castles
 

Have made some itinerary adjustments, and now Glengarry Castle is not available to me without adjusting my itinerary again. One night in a castle is on my "must do" list while in Scotland.

Am considering Venlaw, Traquair, Fintry - will have overnights in the borders area, Stirling area, and Inverness area. Need a moderately priced castle. (as castles go)

We're in Scotland 8 June-21 June

Forgot to add - have reviewed the castles listed on celticcastles.com - looking for opinions on the castles mentioned in the above post

ttt

They are all fine - but I would definitely lean towards Traquair House. It is not truly a castle. it is a medieval mansion with amazing history. The last alteration (except for electricity, plumbing, mod cons) was back in the 17th century. They only rent two rooms, unless they have increased that in the last couple of years.

You would feel like personal guests of the family. The contents are awesome - in the real sense of the word. Some of the art dates back to 12 and 13 centuries.

And the brew their own ale in a tiny brewery in the out buildings.

it is a lovely place to tour and a fantastic place to stay.

And if you drink any of the Traquair ale, you'll want to have a room because you definitley will not be able to drive!

US

that should read 12th and 13th centuries.

And Uncle is right - Traquair Ale is also awesome.

And the label is wonderful - a drawing of the house and "A potent liquor brewed by the Laird in the Ancient Brew House of the Oldest Inhabited House in Scotland"

on the back there is a drawing of the famous bear gates and an explanation why they are closed . . . . .

Since you will be in the Sterling area, try Plane Castle.

Last year my husband and I rented the entire tower (sleeps 10) for about $400 per week.

Plus, it is located on the historical Bannockburn Battlefield, about 20 minutes from Sterling city center.

I also agree about Traquair Castle being very interesting. I believe there is interestng Jacobite history connected with it but cannot recall the specifics.

That is what I meant about the gate - apparently Charles Edward Stuart (Bonny Prince Charlie) was the last person to pass through and it will not be opened until a Stuart is again on the throne.

Thank you for your suggestions. Have booked a night in Traquair Castle.

Culcreuch at Fintry is also available, but is more expensive and I saw a negative review on the forum from a couple of years ago, anyone else stayed there recently? They're holding the Chinese Bird Room for us.

I looked at Plane Castle - self catering doesn't work for us this trip.

Thank you all for your input.

suzyq: You will love Traquair. BTW, it is Traquair House - not castle.

But don't worry, suzyq, it IS a castle in all but name