Rosslyn Castle, perched on the north bank of the North Esk near Roslin in Midlothian, stands just metres from the famous Rosslyn Chapel. The Sinclair family fortified the site from the early 14th century, with the oldest surviving structure—the 'lantern' tower—dating to around 1304 following the Battle of Roslin. A round keep was added by Sir Henry St Clair around 1390. Despite damage from a 1452 domestic fire, the 1544 War of the Rough Wooing, and Cromwell's invasion in 1650, the castle retains significant structures including the impressive four-foot-wide turnpike staircase and 1596 clock tower. Still owned by descendants of the St Clair-Erskines, Earls of Rosslyn since 1802, portions remain habitable.
