Blair Castle

Blair Castle is located in Perthshire near the village of Blair Atholl. Truly one of Scotland 's very finest visitor attractions.

Open daily from 1 April to 30 October 10am - 6pm (last entry 5pm ). 32 rooms are open to the public for viewing. You can also walk around the grounds. Telephone +44 1796 481207 for details. Private tours all year round by arrangement.

If you are driving along the main A9 road, the best place to stop and take a panoramic shot of Blair Castle and the surrounding countryside is at layby 50. When heading south you have a better view from the road than when heading north.

• www.blair-castle.co.uk

Scone Palace, near Perth

The original home of the Stone of Destiny and the site of the coronations of the Kings of Scots.

Castle Menzies

This spectacular sixteenth century castle, restored by the Menzies Clan Society, welcomes visitors. Seat of the Chiefs of Clan Menzies for over 400 years and importantly situated, it was involved in the turbulent history of the Highlands and here Bonnie Prince Charlie rested on his way to Culloden in 1746.

Architecturally fascinating, it is a splendid example of the transition between an earlier rugged fortress and later mansion house and contains many features of interest together with a number of family portraits, specimen pieces of furniture and a small clan museum. There is also a walled garden.

Glamis Castle, near Kirriemuir

The childhood home of The Queen Mother and the legendary setting for Shakespeare's Macbeth.

Stirling Castle

Stirling is the most strategically important of all the castles in Scotland, and a must visit.