Crichton Castle is a ruined fortress near Crichton village in Midlothian, positioned at the head of the River Tyne south of Pathhead. Built in the late 14th century by John de Crichton, the castle comprises four contiguous buildings arranged around an inner courtyard, dominated by a lofty tower house. The site gained prominence in the 16th century when Patrick Hepburn, Earl of Bothwell, inherited it following King James IV's accession in 1488, leading to its association with major Scottish events, particularly after the Earl married Mary Queen of Scots in 1567. Francis Stewart, 5th Earl of Bothwell, added a striking Italianate north range in the 1580s, featuring an elaborate diamond-patterned facade. Now cared for by Historic Environment Scotland as a scheduled monument since 1921, Crichton has served as a filming location for Rob Roy and The Wicker Tree.
