Roslin Castle

Roslin Castle is a five-story stone fortress perched on a rocky outcrop beside the River North Esk, with a tall bridge providing access to its entrance. The rectangular structure features gun emplacements along its walls, designed for defense with views across the river valley.

Construction of the first stone fortress on this site began in 1304 under the Sinclair family's initiative. The structure suffered major damage from fire in 1447 and sustained attacks during an English invasion in 1544, leading to successive rebuilding efforts.

The castle served as a family residence for the Sinclairs across several centuries, and their name remains woven into the local landscape. Walking through the tight chambers and defensive passages reveals how the family lived and governed from this stronghold.

The castle is accessible by foot via woodland paths from nearby Rosslyn Chapel or from the Roslin Glen car park. Visitors walk across a bridge spanning the river, which sits at the bottom of a scenic ravine, so the approach itself offers pleasant surroundings.

An Italian count uncovered a hidden collection of manuscripts and books in the castle vaults in 1834, items that had been concealed during the Protestant Reformation. This discovery reveals how families protected their treasured possessions during periods of religious upheaval.

Location: Midlothian

Location: Lasswade

Inception: 1305

Made from material: stone

GPS coordinates: 55.85260,-3.16002

Latest update: December 7, 2025 10:05