Hi,
I'm looking for recommendations for an area of Scotland that has a high concentration of castles within close proximity (doesn't matter ruins or in use). I will have a limited time in Scotland and castles are a great passion.
Thanks in advance!

No matter which part(s) of Scotland you tour you will see LOTS of castles. But the one area that markets itself as the "Castle Trail" is in Aberdeenshire. W/i a few miles of each other are Dunottar, Crathes, Fraser, Craigevar, Balvenie, Huntly, Fyvie, Tolquhon, Kildrummy, Edzell, Drum, Balmoral, Corgarff, and Braemar castles.

Second the above. You can see the details of the trail onthe visit Scotland web site.

The castles are a mixture of ruins and redone and in a variety of ownerships.

Collins do a map that shows over 1000 castles on it.

There are really great & beautiful castles in the Aberdeenshire area. I was also lucky enough to visit Dunvegan Castle on Skye last year. Its proximity to the water makes the view breathtaking!

BC

Not far from Edinburgh is the evocative Castle Campbell, not on the usual tourist trail but interesting and even a bit romantic.

They're all over the place. Really. It's worth noting that the Aberdeenshire area mentioned by Janis would also put you in the middle of some gorgeous scenery, charming highland towns, and the famed "Whisky Trail" as well. You could do worse.

Thanks everybody! Sounds great!

I second Castle Campbell and the walk through Dollar Glen to and from is nice. The other obvious choice just outside of Edinburgh is Sterling Castle which I think is a must see.

One of the most picturesque castles is Eileen Donan on the road to Kyle of Lochalsh and the Isle of Skye. One of the most photographed places in Scotland.

Bill

GLAMIS is beautiful and very homey.