Craigmillar Castle

Craigmillar Castle, situated three miles southeast of Edinburgh city center, stands as one of Scotland's most perfectly preserved medieval ruins. The Preston family began construction in the late 14th century, with the tower house completed around 1400 by Sir George Preston, while Sir William Preston added the distinctive curtain wall and inner courtyard in the 1440s. The castle gained fame through its association with Mary Queen of Scots, who sought refuge here in 1566 following the murder of her secretary Rizzio and where she plotted her husband Lord Darnley's assassination. Now carefully maintained by Historic Environment Scotland as a scheduled monument, the castle opens daily to visitors, offering compelling views of its layered architectural history and its dramatic royal connections.