Be king of a castle in Scotland

SADDELL CASTLE: Kintyre Peninsula

One of the Landmark Trust’s selling points is the chance to stay in authentically restored historic properties without the distractions of plasma TVs, microwaves and other mod cons. That doesn’t mean that this splendid

16th-century tower house lying on the sheltered, western side of the Mull of Kintyre and facing the Kilbrannan Sound and Isle of Arran isn’t extremely comfortable.

Possessing fine touches such as panelling, an ornately decorated ceiling and a battlemented wall-walk around the roof, the windows embedded in the thick stone walls look out on fabulous countryside and Saddell Bay, where sea otters, kingfishers and even basking sharks can be seen near the deserted beach.

The Landmark Trust (01628 825925 / www.landmarktrust.org.uk) offers seven nights self-catering from £752 (sleeps eight).

CASTLE FRASER: Near Kemnay, Aberdeenshire

An excellent example of Scottish Baronial architecture, the castle, which dates from 1575, is set in extensive grounds.

Open to the public, it features a formal garden, estate trails and an adventure playground. Aberdeen is close by, with its many attractions including an excellent art gallery, maritime museum and botanic gardens.

The attractive, spacious, self-contained four-bedroom apartment provides ideal accommodation for two families. Each wing has its own turret and spiral stone staircase, overlooks

A delightful courtyard and is set amid parkland with lovely views of the castle.

There is a sitting room, dining room, fitted kitchen with Aga cooker and a high standard of furniture and furnishings.

National Trust for Scotland (0844 493 2100 / www.nts.org.uk) offers seven nights self-catering from £800 (sleeps seven).

BORTHWICK CASTLE: Near Edinburgh

If self-catering isn’t your scene, try this cosy castle for some serious hotel-style Celtic pampering.

Built in 1430, Borthwick is one of Scotland’s most important historic buildings and in 1567 was the refuge of Mary Queen of Scots.

It still bears the scars of being besieged by Oliver Cromwell.

The castle’s magnificent twin towers stand 100ft high from the dungeons to the battlements.

Just 12 miles away is Edinburgh and its castle, while good pubs are less than a mile away.

Horse riding, golf, fishing, clay-pigeon shooting and falconry are available nearby.

The comfortable medieval bedchambers are mostly of stonewall and decked out in various tartans and antique furniture.

Braver residents will no doubt plump for the Red Room, said to be haunted.

The elegantly proportioned State Room boasts beautifully arched windows and tapestries, and guests dine in the candlelit Great Hall.

Celtic Castles (01422 323200 / www.celticcastles.com) offers doubles from £130 per night (two sharing), B&B.

DALCROSS CASTLE: Inverness-shire

You don’t usually associate Scotland with the best of the UK’s weather but this gorgeous pink sandstone fortress set in 850 acres of informal grounds and woodland is located in one of Britain’s sunniest and driest areas.

Built by the Fraser clan in 1620, it was the rallying point for troops quelling the Jacobite uprising at the Battle of Culloden.

Mixing 21st-century comforts with the world of a bygone age, a good number of architectural features remain, including a beamed Great Hall with an enormous stone fireplace, a stone spiral staircase and leaded windows.

Children with a siege mentality will adore the shot holes and arrow slits, while adults will appreciate the beautifully landscaped gardens and comfortable bedrooms.

Secluded behind stone walls and studded oak gates, the castle overlooks the Moray Firth and its dolphins and seals.

Further afield are sandy beaches, pretty fishing ports, John O’Groats and several other historic castles.

Cottages and Castles (01738 451610 / www.cottages-and-castles.co.uk) offers two nights self-

catering from £4,000 (sleeps 12).

TOWER OF HALLBAR: Braidwood, South Lanarkshire

Nestled in the beautiful Clyde Valley a 45-minute drive from Glasgow, this imposing four-storey stronghold set within five acres of orchard and meadow was built around 1581 as protection against English Border raiders.

The battlemented parapet and a second-floor garderobe (wardrobe or bedroom) were added in the Victorian period.

The heraldic ceiling paintings, rich fabrics and oak furniture help transport you back to the 16th century in this four-star graded property.

Restored by the Vivat Trust, the bedrooms are very comfortable and feature numerous antiques but the uneven, steep stone stairs make the property unsuitable for very young children, the elderly or infirm.

The Vivat Trust (0845 090 0194 / www.vivat.org.uk) offers seven nights self-catering from £755 (sleeps five).

Visit Scotland: 0845 225 5121 / www.visitscotland.com