Craigcrook Castle

Craigcrook Castle is a fortified house standing southwest of Edinburgh city center, featuring a central block topped with crenellations and a cylindrical tower. The building displays typical Scottish defensive details including corbelled turrets and a conical roof structure that rises above the main walls.

William Adamson, an Edinburgh merchant, built this fortified residence in 1542 as a rural stronghold near the city. Ownership passed through several families before a trust was established in 1719 to preserve and manage the building.

The estate became a gathering place for writers and thinkers during the 1800s, drawing notable figures from across Britain who came to discuss ideas. The rooms hosted intellectual conversations that shaped literary circles in Edinburgh.

The castle sits on minor roads southwest of Edinburgh's center, accessible by car or a moderate walk from nearby bus routes. The grounds are best explored during daylight hours, and sturdy shoes are helpful for walking across the uneven terrain around the structure.

The property remained under the management of a single trust, the Craigcrook Mortification Trust, for nearly three centuries without change. This exceptionally long and stable stewardship was uncommon in Scotland's castle history and only ended in the early 2000s.

Location: City of Edinburgh

Location: Edinburgh

GPS coordinates: 55.95500,-3.26570

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:49