Best i know it was s mixed bag, dependent on numerous factors, the exact purpose of the castle, the wealth of the laird, the availability of materials. If it was a defence structure only, then it was unlikely to have been rendered,/washed/painted. As time went on, these weren’t just defensive though, they were homes to nobility. So traditionally the castles were rendered/washed in some shade. Often a bright shade as they wanted to be known in the area and to leave no doubt where the centre of power was, who was the richest etc. Nowadays in Scotland probably most look like this but there are still examples, Craigievar is Pink for one… there’s a lot to it all. Quite interesting, the evolution of castles through history.
We still have a lot of inhabited castles here in Scotland. Still a ludicrous number of them too,I think 1500 or so, in various states of course. Over 3000 known of existing. When I was young a few of those castles turned over to the National Trust, were partially occupied by the families still. I think maybe still Glamis and a few other Trust (like public now castles, no longer private only) properties are still lived in day to day. A good few are private still, will have open days for visiting, I think there’s a designated day for the visits but I forget the details.
I do, kind of two really. Dunnottar above Stonehaven, of the ruined castles. Then Drum Castle, on the Deeside of the intact castles, are my favourite. It’s the feel of the place, as well as the history, the original keep section, stories etc. Drum is just along the road from more famous Crathes. Crathes has fancier and larger grounds for walking. Aberdeenshire has the most castles per acre than anywhere else in Britain, so there’s a lot of choice in the area.
Best i know it was s mixed bag, dependent on numerous factors, the exact purpose of the castle, the wealth of the laird, the availability of materials. If it was a defence structure only, then it was unlikely to have been rendered,/washed/painted. As time went on, these weren’t just defensive though, they were homes to nobility. So traditionally the castles were rendered/washed in some shade. Often a bright shade as they wanted to be known in the area and to leave no doubt where the centre of power was, who was the richest etc. Nowadays in Scotland probably most look like this but there are still examples, Craigievar is Pink for one… there’s a lot to it all. Quite interesting, the evolution of castles through history.
Didn’t know that about them being painted! That is really interesting. I thought it was interesting that this one is still occupied.
We still have a lot of inhabited castles here in Scotland. Still a ludicrous number of them too,I think 1500 or so, in various states of course. Over 3000 known of existing. When I was young a few of those castles turned over to the National Trust, were partially occupied by the families still. I think maybe still Glamis and a few other Trust (like public now castles, no longer private only) properties are still lived in day to day. A good few are private still, will have open days for visiting, I think there’s a designated day for the visits but I forget the details.
1500 is insane!
Do you have a favorite here in Scotland?
I do, kind of two really. Dunnottar above Stonehaven, of the ruined castles. Then Drum Castle, on the Deeside of the intact castles, are my favourite. It’s the feel of the place, as well as the history, the original keep section, stories etc. Drum is just along the road from more famous Crathes. Crathes has fancier and larger grounds for walking. Aberdeenshire has the most castles per acre than anywhere else in Britain, so there’s a lot of choice in the area.
If you can get access to 4oD, say with a VPN, there are episodes of Grand Designs where people refurbish castles.