Lothian - Castles
One of Scotland's most important military strongholds, Blackness Castle was built in 1440's, strengthened in the 16th century as an artillery fortress, and finally used as a Royal castle and an ammunition depot in the 1870's. The castle stands on a rocky promontory on the southern shore of the Firth of Forth.
Blackness, Linlithgow, Lothian, Scotland, EH49 7NH
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Craigmillar Castle is an early 15th-century L-plan tower house, expanded in the 15th and 16th centuries. Known for its historical connections with Mary, Queen of Scots, Craigmillar stands amid extensive gardens.
Craigmillar Castle Road, Edinburgh, Lothian, Scotland, EH16 4SY
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Heritage Highlight: Mary, Queen of Scots Room
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Despite the fact that Crichton Castle is only a short drive from the greater urban sprawl of Edinburgh, it stands in idyllic, secluded countryside, as if lost in time. One of the most appealing features of Crichton is the glorious setting on a hill above the winding River Tyne.
Crichton, Lothian, Scotland
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Heritage Highlight: Superb 16th-century Italianate Renaissance interior
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Visiting Dirleton Castle really gives you two historic attractions for the price of one. At the centre of the site is a fantastic medieval fortress, home to three powerful families. Set in the attractive grounds surrounding the castle is a much later garden, established after the castle had ceased to be occupied.
Dirleton, Lothian, Scotland, EH39 5ER
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Dunbar Castle was once one of the most important and most impressive castles in Scotland. It was begun as early as the Iron Age but the oldest ruins we see today date to the 12th century. The castle has close links to Mary, Queen of Scots.
Castle Gate, Dunbar, Lothian, Scotland
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Heritage Highlight: Closely linked with Mary, Queen of Scots
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Edinburgh Castle is one of the great castles of Britain. The oldest part of the castle dates from the Norman period. The Great Hall was built by James IV, and nearby are the Royal Apartments with pine panelling and gilded and painted plasterwork. The castle houses the Honours of Scotland, the Stone of Destiny and Mons Meg, a famous 15th-century cannon, plus several military museums.
Castlehill, Edinburgh, Lothian, Scotland, EH1 2NG
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Heritage Highlight: The Honours of Scotland display
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A beautifully sited ruin on the south bank of the River Tyne, Hailes consists of a 13th-century fortified manor house, extended in 14th and 15th centuries. The castle was probably built by the Earl of Dunbar and extended by the Hepburn family in the late 14th century. How the Hepburns gained Hailes is an interesting tale; apparently, the castle was granted by the Earl to an Englishman named Adam Hepburn as thanks for Hepburn having saved the Earl from an attack by a savage horse.
Brae Heads Loan, East Linton, Lothian, Scotland
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The magnificent ruin of a Royal Palace stands in its own park. Linlithgow Palace was the residence of Stewart kings and queens from James I, and both James V and Mary, Queen of Scots were born here, as was Princess Elizabeth, better known as 'The Winter Queen'.
Kirkgate, Linlithgow, Lothian, Scotland, EH49 7AL
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A superb clifftop castle, a stronghold of the powerful Douglas family, Earls of Angus. The first fortress at Tantallon dates to about 1350. For the subsequent 3 centuries the castle served as one of the major strongholds of the powerful 'Red Douglas' family, the junior branch of the Douglasses. The Douglas family rose to power as allies of Robert the Bruce during the Scottish Wars of Independence.
North Berwick, Lothian, Scotland, EH39 5PN
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Heritage Highlight: One of the most dramatically situated of all Scottish castles
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