Spectacularly
located on its cliff top, Tantallon shows a massive sandstone wall to the landward.
Outwith this are earthworks, a doocot and an outer gate. A bridge across the ditch enters
the Mid Tower, formerly the home of the keeper. Great walls extend to either side of this
and within the stairway leads to the high battlements. A further stair in the Mid Tower
leads to the airy turret which has views of the castle and across the Forth to the Bass
Rock. The East Tower is partially ruined. Formerly it was five storeys in height, but one
room is still roofed and has a replica gun in place. The western tower was the
laird’s residence, and is known as the Douglas Tower. Formerly six storeys tall, only
the lower floors are now hale – the vaulted prison and garderobe. The two terminal
towers have been ruinous since the attack by Cromwell in 1651. Within the courtyard is a
100ft deep well, an incomplete sea gate, and the west wing with brew house, and a kitchen
with its oven. Over the vaults is the hall, with the profile of the roof timbers surviving
in stone.
The "Red" Douglases
built Tantallon in the 14th century. It was attacked in 1528 by King James V
but was rebuilt. Queen Victoria visited in 1878. It was taken into state care in 1924. |
