Castles - Each with their Own Personality

The abbey was founded in 1163 by Walter Fitzalan, First Lord Seneschale of Scotland. Paisley was originally a monastery in which 13 monks lived. In 1219, Paisley became a full abbey. During the 13th century, the abbey accepted many young people for study, among them was William Wallis, later the national hero of Scotland.
Among the important historical relics kept in the church, an important place is occupied by the Celtic cross, dating back to the 10th century.
Parking is available accross street. Also, please note that the interiors of the Abbey are open to the public only from Wednesday to Friday.

This building is only the palace of the governor of the castle, Governor's House, built in the 18th century. In fact, it was not a castle but rather a fortress, the main structures of which were located between the two peaks of the rock.
It is believed that Dumbarton is the oldest fortification in Britain, whose history dates back to the middle of the 5th century. The name “Dambarton” comes from “Dun Breatann”, which means “fortress of the Britons”. The fortification here was still at the beginning of the first millennium. From here, the Romans began to build the wall of Anthony.

Newark Castle is a beautiful and well-preserved building, located on the southern bank of the Firth of Clyde. It is all the more surprising to find that before the 1980s, another shipyard occupied comfortable areas to the east of Newark Castle and to the south of it: virtually completely blocking it from internal review.
It looked completely different in 1478, when George Maxwell inherited “Barony of Finlastoun” and built a castle for six years. Parts of George Maxwell’s castle remain visible in the structure you see today. There is something to explore, impressions of the embankment of the Clyde River, views from the tower and an unusual history and surroundings.

Have a rest and a bite at a pretty café on the river shore. The views are beautiful, the staff is friendly and sandwiches are huge and tasty.

In memory of the Battle of Largs, an obelisk in the form of a traditional Gaelic-Irish round tower was installed on the battlefield, which was informally called the Pencil. This is a tribute to the Scots morale: pushing the Vikings back and forcing them to retreat, this time. It is also located on a beautiful cape, it is worth staying on one of the benches to admire the stunning view of the Firth of Clyde.
Also, this is a high pointed tower, which is higher than you think until you get close.

One of the oldest Scottish castles. It attracts attention with its colorful decoration because the ancient facade of the mansion, built in the 13th century, is densely covered with bright graffiti.
When the building began to collapse, there was no money for its reconstruction. So, the owner of the castle, Patrick Boyle, Count of Glasgow, not without the help of his children, made a brilliant and bold decision - to give the facade “at the mercy” of street artists. For this, masters from Brazil were invited, who, along with Scottish artists, painted the ancient castle with bright modern graffiti.

A nice beach to contemplate the nature after a long-day ride through Scottish castles. By the way, this is a popular spot for horse-riders, so, if you're lucky, you might see horses marching gorgeously on water.

Visit this restaurant and discover Mediterranean cuisine. In the menu, pay attention to good pizza, spaghetti carbonara and rib-eye. The chefs cook good lemon meringue, ice cream and lemon pie. The wine list is very diverse in Lido.

Since Scotland is famous for its castles, tomorrow you will also visit some more of them. The first castle belonged to Robert II, it was his favorite home and he died here. Then you will visit a castle with a maze near it. Further you will go to the magnificent castle with a beautiful garden. An interesting fact about this place is that an image of the castle appeared on the back of a £ 5 banknote issued by the Royal Bank of Scotland.