Historic Places in Edinburgh and Lothian

Borthwick Castle is located to the east of the village of Borthwick, about 12 miles south-east of Edinburgh. The castle sits on a small hill and is protected on three sides by steep slopes. Borthwick Castle was built in 1430 for Sir William Borthwick. The castle is a double tower and in good condition, and none of the original narrow windows have been changed. The battlements are supported by projecting corbels with corner roundels, but have lost their stepped crenellations. The tower has two doorways. One doorway at ground-level leads into the partly underground kitchen and storage-vaults. The other doorway is directly above it at first-floor level, and leads into the stone-vaulted great hall. The castle is accessed via a reconstructed stone bridge. Borthwick Castle was built on the site of an earlier structure in the 15th century. The castle is the seat of the Borthwick family ancestral seat. Sir William Borthwick built the castle in 1430. The castle was originally a stone enclosure fortress centred on a tall tower house with walls up to 14 feet thick. The tower is U-shaped with a 12 foot gap between the towers. There was a surrounding defensive courtyard with round towers at the corners. The tower house is in mainly original condition but the surrounding wall and towers have been restored. Borthwick Castle was visited twice by Mary I of Scotland, in 1563 and again in 1567 when she was besieged inside - she escaped the siege by disguising herself as a page. In 1650 the Castle was attacked by Oliver Cromwell's forces, and was surrendered after only a few cannon shots. Cannon damage from this attack can still be seen on one of the walls. When Cromwell's forces left the castle, it lay abandoned for many years before being restored by 1914. During World War II the castle was used to store national treasures. In 1973 it was leased from the Borthwick family and converted into a hotel. Some of the guest rooms have four poster beds. The Great Hall is used as a dining room and caters for banquets for up to 75 guests, as well as smaller parties and couples. The castle can be hired as a wedding venue for 2 to 75 people. Wedding ceremony (religious or civil) and reception can take place in the castle.

Craigmillar Castle on the southern outskirts of Edinburgh is one of the best-preserved and most historically significant medieval castles in Scotland, a substantial L-plan tower house and enclosure castle dating from the fourteenth century that was closely associated with the Scottish royal court for two centuries and is particularly connected with the tragic history of Mary Queen of Scots. Standing in a quiet setting of parkland that preserves something of the rural character it would have had during its years of active use, Craigmillar offers a more contemplative and less crowded experience of Scottish medieval architecture than the royal castles within the city itself. The castle developed in stages from the original tower of around 1400 through successive enclosures and ranges added over the following two centuries, creating a layered architectural complex that provides an excellent illustration of how Scottish castle design evolved from a single defensive tower toward a more complex and comfortable residence. The main tower remains standing to full height and the various courts and buildings of the expanded complex can be explored with considerable freedom, giving a strong impression of how a major Scottish aristocratic castle functioned as a working residence. The connection with Mary Queen of Scots gives Craigmillar its most historically charged associations. Mary retreated to the castle in late 1566 following the traumatic murder of her Italian secretary David Rizzio at Holyrood, and it was here that the Conference of Craigmillar took place, at which the terms of addressing the problem of her difficult husband Lord Darnley were discussed among her principal advisers. Whether the agreement reached here extended to planning Darnley's murder three months later at Kirk o' Field has been debated by historians ever since without resolution. The castle is managed by Historic Environment Scotland and provides views from its upper levels over the city and toward the Firth of Forth.

Crichton Castle is a ruined castle situated at the head of the River Tyne, near the village of Crichton in Midlothian. Crichton has four main buildings arranged around an inner courtyard. There is a 14th century tower at the east of the castle with a vaulted basement, and a vaulted hall above. The south-west corner of the tower has collapsed. A second tower was built in the early 15th century forming an L-plan, with a gate between the two towers. The south tower has vaulted cellars on either side of the entrance. Two halls occupied the first and second floors. In the later 15th century a west block was added, with a six-storey tower at the south-west, containing several bedrooms. Crichton Castle was built in the late 14th century by John de Crichton as a tower house family residence. The castle was stormed and damaged in 1445 in response to Crichton's role in organizing the "Black Dinner" where the Earl of Douglas was murdered. Crichton was rebuilt and extended. In 1488, James IV granted Crichton to Patrick Hepburn, Lord Hailes. The fourth Earl, James Hepburn was, in February 1567, implicated in the murder of Queen Mary's husband Henry Stuart, Lord Darnley, and became Mary's third husband in May of that year. In 1956, the castle was given into state care by its owner, Major Henry Callander of Prestonhall. It is now a Scheduled Ancient Monument administered by Historic Scotland. The Arts Crichton Castle was used as a location in the 1995 film Rob Roy Legends To the south of the castle is a building that is said to be haunted by the ghost of William Crichton.

Dalhousie Castle is situated near Bonnyrigg, 8 miles south of Edinburgh. The castle was the seat of the Earls of Dalhousie, the chieftains of Clan Ramsay. The castle was purchased by the Von Essen Hotels company in 2003 . Dalhousie Castle is now a luxury hotel with hydrotherapy spa, luxury bedrooms and a formal fine dining restaurant. The castle dates to the mid 13th century when the first castle was built by the Ramsey family. The oldest parts still standing date to 15th century, and the majority of the current castle dates to the 17th century. King Edward I stayed at the castle on his way to meet Sir William Wallace at the Battle of Falkirk. In 1400, Sir Alexander Ramsay withstood a six month siege at Dalhousie by English forces led by King Henry IV. The Ramsay family retained ownership of the castle until 1977. The castle was leased out to a series of tenants including a boarding school. In 1972, the castle was converted into a hotel. The castle was damaged by fire in 2004 but no major structural damage occurred.

Dalkeith Palace, located in Midlothian, Scotland, has a rich history dating back to the 12th century, evolving from a medieval castle to a grand classical house completed in 1711. Origins and Early History Dalkeith Palace was originally built on the site of a medieval castle that dates back to the 12th century, associated with the Clan Graham. The castle was strategically located above a bend in the River North Esk, providing a defensible position. In the 14th century, the castle passed to the Clan Douglas through marriage, becoming a significant stronghold in the region. Notably, James Douglas, the 1st Lord Dalkeith, was a prominent figure in the area, and the castle was often visited by royalty, including Margaret Tudor in 1503 and Cardinal Beaton in 1543. Construction of the Palace The current Dalkeith Palace was commissioned by Anna Scott, the 1st Duchess of Buccleuch, and designed by architect James Smith. Construction began in 1702 and was completed in 1711. The palace is regarded as one of the grandest early classical houses in Scotland, modeled after the Het Loo Palace in the Netherlands. The design incorporated elements of the earlier castle, with some of its walls still visible in the new structure. Architectural Significance Dalkeith Palace is celebrated for its architectural grandeur, featuring extensive use of marble and intricate engravings by Grinling Gibbons. The palace underwent various renovations and expansions over the years, including the addition of the Montagu Bridge designed by Robert Adam in the 18th century. Despite plans for further modifications in the 1820s, many of these were never realized, preserving much of the original design. Later History and Current Use The Buccleuch family resided in Dalkeith Palace until 1914, after which it was repurposed for various uses, including as a research office and a study abroad program for the University of Wisconsin. The palace has not been lived in by the Buccleuch family since then, and its gardens were let as market gardens in the 1920s. As of now, Dalkeith Palace is part of the Dalkeith Country Park, which is undergoing redevelopment to enhance its historical and cultural significance. Conclusion Dalkeith Palace stands as a testament to Scotland's rich history, reflecting the architectural styles and social dynamics of its time. Its evolution from a medieval stronghold to a classical palace illustrates the changing landscape of Scottish nobility and heritage. Today, it remains a site of interest for visitors exploring Scotland's historical narrative.

Dirleton Castle is a situated in the village of Dirleton, East Lothian (about 19 miles east of Edinburgh). The castle was built in the 13th century by John De Vaux, and was abandoned by the end of the 17th century. Dirleton Castle is built on a rocky outcrop guarding the coastal approach to Edinburgh from England. The ruins of a 13th-century keep remain, along with an adjacent 16th-century house. The keep is made up of a large round tower to the south, a smaller round tower to the west, with the two round towers joined by a square tower. Other buildings within the courtyard have been demolished and basement levels of some of these survive. The castle is surrounded by gardens, which may have been first laid out in the 16th century, but is mainly 20th century plantings. There is a 16th century doocot, or pigeon house within the gardens. The castle was heavily damaged during the Wars of Scottish Independence, when it was twice taken by the English. Dirleton was acquired by the Ruthvens in 1505. The Ruthvens were involved in several plots against Mary, Queen of Scots and King James VI, and eventually forfeited the castle in 1600. Oliver Cromwell besieged the during the Third English Civil War in 1650. The damaged castle was then acquired by the Nisbets of Dirleton who continued to maintain the castle grounds. They handed Dirleton into state care in 1923. The ruins and gardens are now in the care of Historic Scotland.

Dunbar Castle is a dramatically situated ruined castle on a rocky promontory at the entrance to Dunbar Harbour in East Lothian, its fragmentary walls rising directly from the sea rocks and framing one of the most atmospheric harbour views on the east coast of Scotland. A stronghold of the powerful Earls of Dunbar, the castle controlled the main coastal route between Edinburgh and England and was the scene of Black Agnes, Countess of Dunbar's celebrated five-month defence against English forces in 1337-38. The castle was destroyed in 1568 by order of the Scottish Parliament. The town of Dunbar was the birthplace of John Muir, the Scottish-American naturalist and founder of the American national park movement, celebrated through the John Muir Birthplace museum and the John Muir Country Park on the nearby coast.

Dundas Castle lies 8 miles out of Edinburgh, Scotland. Dundas Castle is a magnificent event venue built around the original Auld Keep, constructed in 1416. The main house is of more recent origin, being built in 1818. Dundas Castle can cater for events of up to 180 guests. Adjacent to the castle on the east lawn is a large pavilion Facilities The castle can be rented out for private functions such as dinners, meetings, conferences, golf holidays, weddings, and receptions. It is hired out exclusively to one group at a time (it is a Five Star Exclusive Use venue). The Boathouse, a private cottage on the shores of a private loch, can also be rented. In 1416, James Dundas was granted a license to build a keep from the Duke of Albany, who was Scotland's effective ruler at the time. Dundas Castle was built in the same year for the purpose of being a home during times of peace and a fortress in war. An extension to the castle was permitted in 1436, which is why the building is not square. Oliver Cromwell stayed at Dundas Castle, and a statue of him is situated just outside the Keep. In 1818, the 17th Century building was torn down and replaced by Henry Dundas. However, the reconstruction ended up costing so much that the castle and its estate had to be sold in 1846, and changed hands again in 1899. It has stayed in the Stewart-Clark family since then. The real restoration of the castle began in 1995, as the Keep had not been lived in for over 300 years. It is currently owned by, and home to, Sir Jack and Lady Lydia Stewart-Clark. The Arts Dundas Castle has appeared in the background of the films The Little Vampire, Summer Solstice, and Book of Blood. It has also appeared in Arnold Clark advertisements.

Edinburgh Castle is situated on Castle Rock and dominates the sky-line of the city of Edinburgh. The Castle stands upon the basalt plug of an extinct volcano and is protected to the south, west and north, by 80m high sheer cliffs. Most of the castle now standing was built after Lang Siege of the 16th century. Edinburgh Castle still has a military garrison largely for ceremonial purposes. The New Barrack Block is home to the official headquarters of the Royal Regiment of Scotland and 52 Infantry Brigade, as well as home to the regimental museum of the Royal Scots and Royal Scots Dragoon Guards. In front of the castle, is a long sloping forecourt known as the Esplanade, where the famous Edinburgh Military Tattoo takes place. Statues of Robert the Bruce and William Wallace flanking the entrance were added in 1929. The dry ditch and Drawbridge in front of the entrance date from the17th century. The castle has many features including Crown Square, the Royal Palace, The Crown Room, The Great Hall, Queen Anne Building. The Castle is now run and administered mainly by Historic Scotland. Historic Scotland have an educational centre in the castle which runs events for schools and educational groups. There are two restaurants in the castle and numerous historical displays. There are records of the castle dating from the 12th century when the bulk of the castle would have been a stone keep. During the First War of Scottish Independence. Edinburgh Castle came under English control in 1300. After the death of Edward I in 1307 England's control over Scotland weakened. In the spring of 1314,the Scots recaptured the castle. Robert the Bruce ordered the destruction of its defences to prevent occupation by the English. That same year Robert the Bruce and his army secured victory at the Battle of Bannockburn. During the Second War of Scottish Independence the castle to again come under English control. But in 1341, the Scots led by William Douglas again recaptured the castle. David's Tower was built in 1386 by Robert the Bruce's son, David II of Scotland. The tower was originally the main entrance to the castle. During the "Lang Siege" of 1573, David's Tower collapsed and much of the castle was destroyed when supporters of Mary Queen of Scots who were holding the castle were besieged by supporters of King James VI. The siege ended when heavy infantry bombarded the castle. The Half Moon Battery was completed in 1588 on the site of the old David's Tower after the Lang Siege, as part of the reconstruction works. Mary Queen of Scots gave birth to James (future King James VI) on 19 June 1566 at Edinburgh Castle. (Mary was forced to abdicate at Lochleven Castle the following year in favour James aged only 13 months).

Fa'side Castle near Tranent in East Lothian is a sixteenth-century tower house on a prominent ridgeline with extensive views across the fertile coastal plain toward the Firth of Forth and the hills of Fife. The castle was burned during the English advance in the Battle of Pinkie in 1547, one of the most significant sixteenth-century battles in Scottish history, and subsequently rebuilt. Now in the care of Historic Environment Scotland following restoration work, the castle provides one of the more unusual and viewpoint-rich castle experiences in East Lothian, a county rich in medieval and early modern heritage including Tantallon Castle on its clifftop, the Lammermuir hills and the various Lothian tower houses.

Fenton Tower is located between Gullane and North Berwick, 20km outside of Edinburgh. The Tower sits on a hilltop. It is five storeys high, with two spiral staircases, the wells of which are visible from the outside. The building is a light pink, to match the original. Its walls are fortified and up to 8 feet thick at some points. The windows were made very small on the ground floor for defense, but they are unusually big on upper floors. Facilities Fenton Tower is in use as a hotel, a venue for corporate business events, private dinners, afternoon teas, and weddings. It has five suites which can accommodate up to 12 people and provides all meals either in the dining hall or in private rooms. A tower has stood fortified on site since the 11th Century, though the current Fenton Tower was built around 1550. It was built by Patrick Whytelaw, who was Lord Ruthven's son and was of the typical structure for a fortified tower. In 1587, Sir John Carmichael took over ownership of the tower, probably as a reward from the Crown for his loyalty and for being Scotland's ambassador to Denmark. James VI of Scotland took refuge at Fenton Tower with the Carmichaels in 1591, after escaping army fire in Fife with the help of locals, and making his way across the Firth of Forth. James later became James I of Scotland and England and, after Carmichael's death, gave the Tower to Sir Thomas Erskine who went on to assume the titles of Lord Dirleton, Viscount Fenton and Earl of Kellie. The Tower was ruined in 1650 by Oliver Cromwell, who presumably killed its resident proprietor, the Earl of Dirleton. In 1663 it passed to John Nisbet, and in the 1850s the land and ruins were turned over to the Simpsons. The restoration of the tower commenced in 1998 and it is now open as both a hotel and a venue for functions. The Arts Fenton Castle featured in the BBC's children's series, BALAMORY.

Hailes Castle is situated about 1.5 miles south west of East Linton, East Lothian, Scotland. This castle belonged to the Hepburn family. The major remaining structure is the West Tower, and also the smaller remains of the central tower. Other remains include a roofless chamber that may have been a chapel, a vaulted basement bakehouse and brewhouse. Only a finger of stonework remains of the East Tower. Hailes Castle has been owned by the state since 1926, and it is administered by Historic Scotland. The castle was originally built as a fortified tower house by Hugo de Gourlay in the 14th century. The de Gourlays supported the English in the Wars of Independence, and their land was forfeited and the castle and lands were given was given to Sir Adam de Hepburn. One of his descendents Sir Patrick Hepburn extended the castle in the 15th century building a large square tower to the west of the original castle, and a lower tower to the East. The thick curtain wall of the castle may date back to the 13th century. The castle was attacked by Archibald Dunbar in 1443 resulting in the massacre of the castle's inhabitants. In 1547 Lord Grey of Wilton occupied it for the English in 1547. In 1567 Mary Queen of Scots visited Hailes Castle. Oliver Cromwell partly destroyed the castle in 1650 after the battle of Dunbar. It later passed into the hands of the Stewarts, the Setons, and finally, in 1700, the Dalrymple of Hailes family. By the mid-19th century the castle was being used as a granary.

Lauriston Castle is a 16th century tower house overlooking the Firth of Forth, in Edinburgh, Scotland. Lauriston Castle was originally a four-storey L plan tower house, with a circular stair tower. The tower had two storey angle turrets with gun loops. The castle gardens includes a Japanese garden opened in 2002. The castle has views of the river Forth. The original tower house was built around 1590 by Sir Archibald Napier of Merchiston, the father of John Napier, the inventor of logarithms. In 1827 the castle was extended in the Jacobean style by William Burn with the addition of a range converting it to a country manor.. William Reid acquired Lauriston Castle in 1902 and he and his wife Margaret added a collection of fine furniture and artwork. The Reids left their home to Scotland and The City of Edinburgh has administered the house since 1926.

Liberton Tower is a four-storey, square-plan tower house located in the Edinburgh suburb of Liberton, on the east side of the Braid Hills. Originally owned by the Dalmahoy family, it dates back to 1453, and was later sold to William Little, who was Provost of Edinburgh in 1586 and 1591. The tower was abandoned as a residence in 1610 and used for agricultural storage until the 1990s. It is well-preserved and used for holiday lets today. The tower is rectangular in plan, measuring 34 feet 9 inches along the east-west axis and 25 feet 9 inches along the north-south axis. It features distinctive yellow harling and has been described as "grim and ponderous." The tower's interior includes two large barrel vaulted sections and a ground floor level that was originally accessed through a hatch in the floor of the chamber above. The tower is a good example of a typical noble residence of its period, one of the relatively few that were not substantially altered in later centuries.

Merchiston Castle in Edinburgh is a sixteenth-century tower house that was the birthplace and home of John Napier, the mathematician and theologian who invented logarithms in 1614, one of the most significant mathematical innovations in history. The tower house was built in the late fifteenth century and Napier was born here in 1550, spending much of his life at the castle where he carried out the mathematical work that produced his Mirifici Logarithmorum Canonis Descriptio, the publication that introduced logarithms to the world and transformed the practice of complex mathematical calculation. The castle is now incorporated into Napier University's Merchiston Campus in south Edinburgh, which takes its name from Napier himself. The tower is a well-preserved example of a late medieval Edinburgh tower house.