Craigcrook Castle

Heritage Site in Midlothian

Scotland

Craigcrook Castle

Drum Brae Drive looking towards Corstorphine Hill Credit: M J Richardson

Craigcrook Castle is a historic and picturesque castle located in Midlothian, Scotland. Situated on a hilltop overlooking the city of Edinburgh, this 16th-century building has a rich and fascinating history.

Built in the 16th century, Craigcrook Castle was initially a fortified tower house, constructed by architect James Smith for the Preston family. However, it was extensively remodeled in the 19th century by architect David Bryce, who added Tudor-style details and expanded the structure. The castle is a fine example of Scottish Baronial architecture, with its distinctive turrets and crow-stepped gables.

Over the years, Craigcrook Castle has been visited by numerous notable figures, including Sir Walter Scott, Lord Byron, and Charles Dickens. It has also served as a meeting place for renowned authors and intellectuals, who gathered here to discuss literature and ideas. The castle's library was particularly renowned and housed an impressive collection of books, attracting many literary enthusiasts.

Today, Craigcrook Castle is a protected heritage site, owned by private owners who have carefully preserved its historic charm. Although the castle is not open to the general public, its exterior can still be admired from the surrounding area. The picturesque setting, with its lush gardens and stunning views, make it a popular subject for photographers and artists.

Overall, Craigcrook Castle stands as a testament to Scotland's rich architectural heritage and its historical significance as a gathering place for literary figures. Its unique blend of history, literature, and stunning architecture continues to captivate visitors and locals alike.

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Craigcrook Castle Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.957/-3.257 or Grid Reference NT2174. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Drum Brae Drive looking towards Corstorphine Hill

M J Richardson

New Flats at Clermiston

Part of a large development on what was the site of Queen Margaret College, and before that the grounds of Clermiston House.

Anne Burgess

New Flats at Clermiston

One of a number of new blocks at Clermiston, all named after types of trees. Unfortunately the map doesn't tell me which street this is on.

Anne Burgess

Clermiston Drive, Clermiston

Ian S

Postbox on Clermiston Drive, Clermiston

Ian S

Clermiston Hill, Clermiston

Ian S

Bus Stop across the end of Clermiston Drive

Anthony Parkes

Clermiston Drive

Postwar housing expansion west of Corstorphine Hill.

Richard Webb

Clermiston Drive

Looking towards Queensferry Road and an exit from the area of postwar housing.

Richard Webb

Queensferry Road

The very busy road out of Edinburgh towards the bridges over the Firth of Forth. The trees on the right were part of the policies of Barnton House before becoming upmarket housing, the latest site of The Royal High School and Davidson's Mains Park.

Richard Webb

Royal High School, Davidson's Mains Park

The school has moved about a bit, old sites survive in the Old Town and on Calton Hill. In the late 1960s the grant aided schools had to chose to move into the council maintained sector of become fully independent. This is one reason why Edinburgh has such an unusually large private sector. The Royal High was offered new buildings in Davidson's Mains Park and became "Barnton High School". The building is notoriously cramped and at one time there were no bells between lessons so as to spread the traffic in the narrow corridors. Before this area was the site of a school and public park, it was the policies of Barnton House.

Richard Webb

New housing, Clermiston, Edinburgh

Alex McGregor

New housing, Clermiston, Edinburgh

Alex McGregor

New housing, Clermiston, Edinburgh

Alex McGregor

Drum Brae Community Centre

The sign on poles in the grass says that the centre, due to open in early 2012, contains the library. local council services, police, day care and facilities for adult with learning difficulties. Confusingly, a second sign points along Rannoch road to Rannoch Community Centre, which I think is its old name. It has made it on to the current online maps.

Anne Burgess

Games court, Clermiston Park

Alex McGregor

Play area, Clermiston Park

Alex McGregor

Queensferry Road (A90)

Looking east.

JThomas

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Craigcrook Castle is located at Grid Ref: NT2174 (Lat: 55.957, Lng: -3.257)

Unitary Authority: City of Edinburgh

Police Authority: Edinburgh

What 3 Words

///mash.shock.exit. Near Edinburgh

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 55.957,-3.257

Crossing

Crossing: traffic_signals

Crossing Island: no

Crossing Ref: pelican

Mapillary: 247252257087291

Survey Date: 2019-01-15

Tactile Paving: yes

Lat/Long: 55.957404/-3.2494252

Craigcrook Castle

Heritage Site in Midlothian

Scotland

Craigcrook Castle

Craigcrook Castle Images

What 3 Words

Nearby Locations

Related Wikis

Blackhall, Edinburgh

The Mary Erskine School

Craigcrook Castle

Craigcrook

Nearby Amenities

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