Castles & Towers of Scotland

CRAIGMILLAR CASTLE

Craigmillar stands on a 300ft hill on the southern side of Edinburgh. Built in the 15^th century by the Prestons, it was sold in 1660 to the Gilmours. The L shaped tower is the oldest part, and a curtain wall and other ranges were added in the late 15^th and 16^th centuries. At either side of the outer courtyard is a chapel and church. The former dates from 1520 and contains Gilmour graves; the latter was formed in 1687 from a 16^th century block. On the south side of the castle is a dry fishpond.

Craigmillar was burned in 1544 but rebuilt. Mary, Queen of Scots, was a regular visitor, and it was here the plot to kill Darnley was laid. The castle was in ruins by the 18^th century when the Gilmours moved to The Inch, and proposals in 1842 to restore it as the Scottish home of Queen Victoria came to nothing. It was placed in care in 1946.