Scottish Castles - Craigmillar

Craigmillar Castle in Edinburgh: A Medieval Gem, Mary Stuart and the Cinematic Secrets of Ardsmuir

If you're planning a trip to Scotland, your 'must-see' list will probably start with Edinburgh Castle. But just a few kilometres from the crowded city centre lies a site that many consider far more authentic, darker and more fascinating.Craigmillar Castle (Craigmillar Castle), known as the "second castle of Edinburgh", is a labyrinth of medieval corridors, a witness to royal conspiracies, and one of the best-preserved strongholds in Britain.

In this article we'll uncover the history of the Preston family, the background of the bloody 'Pact of Craigmillar', and examine why fans of the TV series Outlander and the film Outlaw King are so keen to return here.

The History of Craigmillar Castle: From the Prestons to the Gilmours

The history of Craigmillar dates back to the late 14th century. It was then that the Preston family, local barons and influential citizens of Edinburgh began construction of a monumental residential tower (English: tower house). The first official mention of the castle dates from 1425, but the foundations for that powerful structure were laid much earlier, on lands granted by King Robert II.

Expansion and defensive strength

Over the next two centuries the castle continuously evolved. In the 15th century it was surrounded by distinctive curtain walls with arrow loops shaped like inverted keyholes — which at the time represented the height of defensive technology. The Prestons cared not only for security but also for prestige, as evidenced by ornate coats of arms and expanded residential wings.

In 1660 the castle was purchased by Sir John Gilmour, then Lord President of the Court of Session. He gave the interiors a more modern, residential character. However, by the 18th century the Gilmour family had moved to the more modern Inch House, and Craigmillar began to fall into a picturesque ruin, becoming the target of romantic excursions and an inspiration to artists.

Mary Stuart and the Dark 'Craigmillar Bond'

Without a doubt the most famous figure associated with the castle is Mary, Queen of Scots. In November 1566 Mary arrived at Craigmillar to recover from a difficult childbirth and to shake off the traumatic event — the murder of her secretary, David Rizzio.

It was within these walls that one of the most dramatic episodes in Scotland's history played out. A group of influential nobles formed the so-called the Craigmillar Bond (Craigmillar Bond). The aim of the conspiracy was to rid the queen of her husband, Lord Darnley, whose behavior threatened the stability of the realm. Although historians still dispute whether Mary knew the details of the plan, the fact remains that shortly after leaving the castle the house where Darnley was staying was blown up, and he was found dead.

Architecture: a labyrinth that captivates

Craigmillar Castle is a delight for fans of defensive architecture. Unlike many other Scottish ruins, here you can almost fully experience the space of the old chambers.

1. Tower House (Residential Tower):The heart of the castle, 17 metres high with walls 3 metres thick. It was here that the Great Hall stood, where courtly life thrived.

2. Curtain Walls:An exceptional defensive system with numerous corner turrets. Walking along them, you can admire the panorama of Edinburgh with Arthur’s Seat in the foreground.

3. Dungeons and the Bakery:A place for the faint of heart. During 19th-century conservation work, a walled-up skeleton was found in one of the dungeon walls next to the bakery. The legend of the unfortunate soul who haunts the castle still attracts ghost hunters today.

4. Gardens and the Old Sycamore: Although the Renaissance-style gardens have long gone, you can still see traces of the old park layouts and centuries-old trees that remember the heyday of the Gilmour family.

Craigmillar Castle on screen: Outlander and Outlaw King

In recent years Craigmillar's popularity has skyrocketed thanks to the film industry. The stark, authentic look of the ruins means filmmakers rarely have to rely on special effects here.

• Outlander (Season 3): Fans of the series will recognize in Craigmillar Castle the film's Ardsmuir Prison. It was here that Jamie Fraser was held after the Battle of Culloden. The dark courtyards and cramped cells perfectly conveyed the atmosphere of an 18th-century Scottish prison.

• Outlaw King (Outlaw King): In this Netflix production about Robert the Bruce, the castle served as the backdrop for many historical scenes, emphasizing the medieval atmosphere of the story.

• Other productions: The castle also appeared in the film Mary Queen of Scots (2018) and in classics such as The Hunt for Red October.

Practical information: How to visit Craigmillar Castle?

The castle is in the care of Historic Environment Scotland. It is open to visitors year-round, though opening hours vary seasonally.

• Getting there: From central Edinburgh the easiest way is by city buses (routes 14, 30, 33). The journey takes about 20-30 minutes.

• Tickets: It's worth booking your ticket online on the official website (it's often a little cheaper than at the box office). Explorer Pass holders enter free.

• Visiting time: Reserve about 1.5 to 2 hours. The castle is full of narrow stairs and nooks worth exploring without rushing.

• Tip: Wear comfortable footwear! The stairs are steep and worn smooth by centuries of use, and the courtyard surface can be uneven.

Why visit Craigmillar Castle?

In the shadow of the mighty castle on the rock in the city centre, Craigmillar remains a quieter, more intimate place steeped in real history. Here you can touch the walls where the fate of the Scottish crown was decided, and walk the same corridors once trodden by Mary, Queen of Scots.

Whether you're an Outlander fan, a history lover, or simply looking for the best viewpoint in Edinburgh – Craigmillar Castle won't disappoint. It's a place where time has stood still and the echoes of the past still reverberate off the thick stone walls.