Craigmillar Castle

Heritage Site in Midlothian

Scotland

Craigmillar Castle

Road, Edmonstone Near the site of Edmonstone House. Construction work has commenced on building houses on the southern part of the estate.
The house was demolished in the 1960s after having become a ruin around the time of World War II. The estate was once going to become a park similar to Cammo and trees were planted. Others had different ideas and eventually the planners allowed it to become housing. — Road, Edmonstone Credit: Richard Webb

Craigmillar Castle is a stunning medieval fortress located in Midlothian, Scotland. Situated just three miles south-east of Edinburgh, this historic site offers visitors a fascinating insight into Scottish history and architecture.

Dating back to the 14th century, Craigmillar Castle was originally built as a defensive stronghold for the Preston family. Over the years, it underwent several expansions and modifications, resulting in a unique blend of architectural styles. The castle is renowned for its imposing towers, intricate stonework, and picturesque courtyards, all of which showcase the grandeur of medieval Scottish architecture.

The castle played a significant role in Scottish history and witnessed numerous important events. It served as a refuge for Mary, Queen of Scots in 1566, during which time she recovered from illness and plotted the murder of her husband. The infamous plot, known as the Craigmillar Bond, was born within these walls.

Today, Craigmillar Castle is a popular tourist destination managed by Historic Environment Scotland. Visitors have the opportunity to explore the castle's various rooms, including the Great Hall, the East Range, and the Tower House. The stunning views of Edinburgh and the surrounding countryside from the castle's battlements are not to be missed.

With its rich history, architectural splendor, and idyllic location, Craigmillar Castle is a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and castle lovers alike. Its well-preserved ruins and captivating stories make it a truly enchanting heritage site in Midlothian, Scotland.

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Craigmillar Castle Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.922/-3.143 or Grid Reference NT2870. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Road, Edmonstone

Near the site of Edmonstone House. Construction work has commenced on building houses on the southern part of the estate. The house was demolished in the 1960s after having become a ruin around the time of World War II. The estate was once going to become a park similar to Cammo and trees were planted. Others had different ideas and eventually the planners allowed it to become housing.

Richard Webb

Site of Edmonstone House

Edmonstone was a long established estate with a house here since the 13th century. The last house (18th century) became ruined around the time of the Second World War and was demolished like many old Edinburgh periphery big houses in the 1960s. The estate was once destined to become a park, but developers had other ideas and over a 20 years campaign got permission to build houses here. Some went into the walled garden and surrounds a few years ago and construction has commenced between here, the Wisp and Old Dalkeith Road. Alternative names include Edmonstoun, Edmonstown, Edmonston

Richard Webb

Danderhall Village sign

At the western edge of the village, where Edmonstone Road meets The Wisp, it is one of three village signs organised by the Danderhall and District Gardeners, an active volunteer group in the ex-mining mining area, launched in April 2021 NT3069 : Danderhall Village sign - detail, Link

M J Richardson

Danderhall Village sign - detail

Information about the local guerilla gardeners' sign for the village NT3069 : Danderhall Village sign.

M J Richardson

Fire damaged house, Danderhall

This house, at the corner of The Wisp and Edmonstone Road [3 Toscana Court, according to the map] seems to have suffered from a serious fire, but I have not been able find any details. It appears undamaged on Google Street View imagery of March 2021.

M J Richardson

Unhelpful yellow notice at Danderhall

'Closing existing right of way for three years' raises questions! Who put it there? It does not look like an official council notice. How long has it been there - when was the start date? Closed until when? it was there in March 2012 - Street View Google. Which Right-of-Way exactly?

M J Richardson

Path, Edmonstone Policies

Through a small wood and restricted to it. Immediately to the south there is a building site.

Richard Webb

Policy woodland, Edmonstone

The field in the background is being built upon.

Richard Webb

Path, Edmonstone

As usual here, there was a pest on a motorbike about.

Richard Webb

Policy woodland, Edmonstone

East of the site of the house. There is a building site to the left.

Richard Webb