List of castles in Falkirk (council area) facts for kids
The Falkirk council area in Scotland is a place rich in history, and one of the best ways to see this history is by exploring its many castles. Castles are old, strong buildings that were often built a long time ago by powerful families or kings to protect their land and people. They can be grand homes, military forts, or even just tall towers. Some of these castles are still standing strong today, while others are beautiful ruins that tell stories of the past. This list will introduce you to some of the fascinating castles you can find in the Falkirk area.
Contents
Castles of Falkirk
Airth Castle
Airth Castle is a historic house that was built in the 16th century. It's not just an old building; it's still in use today! This castle has a 16th-century tower house built into it, and it has been turned into a hotel. Imagine staying in a real castle! It is privately owned and located in the town of Airth.
Almond Castle
Almond Castle is a tower house that is now a ruin. A tower house is a tall, strong building that was often used as a home and a defensive fort. This castle stands within an industrial area near Whitecross. Even though it's a ruin, it still shows how impressive it once was. It is privately owned.
Blackness Castle
Blackness Castle is a very well-preserved castle from the 15th century. It's so well kept that it's open to the public, meaning you can visit and explore it! This castle is looked after by Historic Scotland, an organization that cares for historic places. It is located in Blackness and offers amazing views, often looking like a "ship that never sailed" because of its shape.
Castle Cary Castle
Castle Cary Castle is another tower house, built in the 15th century. What's special about this one is that it's still occupied, meaning people live there! It is a private residence located in Castlecary. It's a great example of how old buildings can still be used today.
Elphinstone Tower
Elphinstone Tower is a 15th-century tower house that is now a ruin. It was once part of the large Dunmore Park estate near Dunmore. Later, it was even used as a mausoleum, which is a building where people are buried. It is privately owned.
Herbertshire Castle
Herbertshire Castle was built around 1407, but sadly, there are no remains of it today. It was located in Dunipace and was demolished in 1950. Even though it's gone, its history is still part of the Falkirk area's story.
Kinneil House
Kinneil House is a historic house that was built in 1677. It was built around an older 15th-century tower house. This house is very special because it contains beautiful murals from the 16th century. Murals are paintings done directly on a wall or ceiling. Kinneil House is preserved and cared for by Falkirk Council. It is located in Bo'ness.
Torwood Castle
Torwood Castle was built in 1566 and is now a ruin. However, it's not just any ruin; it is currently undergoing restoration! This means that people are working to repair and bring parts of the castle back to life. It is owned by the Torwood Castle Trust and is located in Torwood.
See also
- Castles in Scotland
- List of castles in Scotland
- List of listed buildings in Falkirk (council area)
