Castles during World War Two

Did you know that some of Scotland's castles were used during the Second World War?

In this article you can find out:

This resource is suitable for Castles topics for P2, P3, P4, P5, P6 and P7 (First and Second Level Curriculum for Excellence).

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Find out how castles were used during World War Two.

Many Scottish castles were built up high or near water, which made them excellent lookouts for spotting enemies.
Castles were very large and made with strong materials, which made them a safe place for soldiers to train and to rest.
Some castles were in the countryside away from the busy cities. These were useful for homing evacuees escaping the bombs in towns and cities.

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Crookston Castle
Crookston Castle in Glasgow was built in the 1400s . During World War 2, the north-eastern tower was used as an aircraft watch tower. The high tower gave guards a better view to look out for German bomber planes during the Clydeside blitz.
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Dumbarton Castle
Dumbarton Castle was built on top of volcanic rock beside the sea. In the 1200s it protected Scotland from Vikings. During World War 2 it became a lookout tower and was fitted with anti-aircraft guns. Four bombs were dropped around the castle by German aircraft during the war.
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Castle Toward
Castle Toward in Argyll was made into a training camp for the army, navy and air force. It was used to prepare for the D-Day - when British, US and Canadian forces landed in France and started freeing North West Europe from the Nazis. At the time, Castle Toward was renamed HMS Brontosaurus after a gigantic dinosaur.
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Buchanan Castle
Buchanan Castle near Loch Lomond became a hospital to look after sick and injured soldiers. After the war it was abandoned and left to become a ruin.
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Blair Castle
Blair Castle in Perthshire was built by the famous Comyn family in 1269. At first it was just a tower but it was extended and grew over the years. During World War 2 it became a safe home and school for evacuees - children sent away from cities to be safer from bombing raids.

Castle Toward in Argyll was made into a training camp for the army, navy and air force.

Let's find out more about Dumbarton Castle and its history.

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The LAB and Historic Environment Scotland worked with Braehead Primary to make this film all about the castle on the rock... Dumbarton Castle!

After World War Two, many of these castles were returned to their owners. A few became hotels and some were left to become ruins.

Imagine you are an during World War Two. You have been sent to Blair Castle to be safe from bombing raids.

Write a letter to a family member or friend describing what life is like.