THE second best castle in Scotland is the structure up on the rocky hills of Stirling, according to a survey.

Carried out by YouGov, the research asked British adults which Scottish fort they thought was the best and the five-star attraction came in just behind the one in Edinburgh.

Stirling was also one of the most well-known historic structures in the country, with only Edinburgh and Balmoral recognised by more people.

At the sate time, the survey also revealed that nearly a half of those asked have never visited a Scottish castle.

Liz Buchanan MBE, regional partnerships director at VisitScotland which revealed the results, said: “Stirling Castle truly is one of the finest in the country, so it’s great to see that it also has a strong profile among respondents to our survey.

“Castles are an iconic and integral part of Scotland’s history and culture, and I’m delighted that several of Forth Valley’s castles have featured strongly in the research, from the ‘haunted looking’ Castle Campbell and Blackness Castle to the Castle of Doune now enjoying renewed fame through Outlander.

“Each has their own unique story to tell, and I encourage everyone to make it their mission to bag a Scottish castle on their visit here!”