Stunning new images show off the history of Edinburgh’s ‘spooky’ 700-year-old medieval castle.
There are three castles in the city, with Edinburgh Castle dominating the city centre landscape, and the 16th century Lauriston Castle is owned by the council and used by the Lord Provost.
The decaying Craigmillar Castle, five miles south of the city centre, is somewhat unknown to many buy is actually one of Scotland’s best preserved medieval castles.
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Visitors today are warned that there was once a ‘spooky discovery’ at the castle, when a human skeleton was uncovered hidden in a vault in 1813.
Craigmillar Castle was inhabited continuously for over 300 years and during that period many alterations were made.
The stunning images show the massive defence fort that was created in the 14th century by the Preston family, the local feudal barons of Craigmillar.
Historically, the castle is best known for the Craigmillar Bond, - a plot to murder Lord Darnley, the husband of Mary Queen of Scots.
It was used regularly by the Scottish Royals as a country retreat and Mary Queen of Scots was said to have been a regular visitor to the castle and is believed to have spent the night there on occasion.
The castle was empty for a period in the early 20th century before being taken over by the state, and maintained by Historic Scotland.
Today visits and family tours can be arranged at the old castle but people are asked to check on opening times before travelling.
Historic Scotland say the site currently has access restrictions in place as a precautionary measure while they undertake high level masonry inspections.
