📌 Kinross, Perth & Kinross
★★★
Lochleven Castle is probably the most well-known of Scotland’s clutch of islet ruins. Its natural moat comes in the form of Loch Leven, separating Castle Island from the mainland and marauding forces. The building is mostly famous for accommodating Mary, Queen of Scots on two occasions, first as a guest but the second time as a prisoner; on the latter occasion, she was forced to abdicate the Scottish throne to be replaced by her son, James VI. The compact, original tower dates from the 14th century, with the original entrance 5 metres above the ground at the middle of 5 floor levels. Ruins of various ranges and outbuildings occupy the inner courtyard enclosed by its curtain wall; there’s also the small, circular Glassin Tower. A few informal trails wind through the woodland surrounding the castle, but given the island’s small size, you’ll soon be back at where you started.
🌍 Location
📌 On Castle Island, Loch Leven
🧭 O.S. Grid Reference: NO 137018
🛰️ GPS coordinates: 56.200861,-3.391965
🚢 Access is by fairly frequent passenger ferry (included in ticket price, but booking recommended), departing from Kinross pier, 🧭 NO 123017 / 🛰️ 56.199982,-3.415859. Kinross has onward bus connections
🚗 Car park at Kinross pier, then take the ferry
📝 Key info
⌚ Daily, April to October
🎫 £10 adult / £6 child / free for Historic Environment Scotland members
