More photographs of Scotland

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Braemar Castle

From the 7th century the Kingdom of the Picts was the state in northern Scotland which eventually became known as "Alba" or "Scotland". By the end of the 13th century the Kingdom had assumed approximately its modern borders, but continual warfare with England and the increasing division between Highlands and Lowlands meant that fortified houses were still a necessity for the next 300-400 years.
Scotland's turbulent history has left a legacy of castles and fortified houses in many parts of the country - particularly in the Scottish Borders and the Highlands. Inevitably, many have been reduced to ruins but what is perhaps surprising is that so many of them still survive as tourist attractions or even as hotels or family homes.
I'm told that there are more than over 500 Scottish castles, towers and fortified houses in Scotland so this first batch is only a very small selection. The photographs come from a few trips to Edinburgh and one circular tour from Edinburgh to Aberdeen and back via Deeside to Stirling and Falkirk and over the border to England.