Cairns Castle

Cairns Castle is a rectangular stone tower in West Lothian that rises across three levels with notably thick walls and a vaulted chamber at the base. The structure sits on elevated ground with views across the surrounding landscape toward Harperrig Reservoir.

The tower was built around 1440 by George Crichton, Earl of Caithness and Lord High Admiral of Scotland, during an era when fortified structures served both military and administrative purposes. Over the centuries, the building underwent modifications that adapted it to different uses while maintaining its original stone core.

The tower displays typical features of Scottish medieval fortifications through its raised entrance and interior layout, reflecting how people built for defense and authority. These design choices show how the inhabitants organized their space around practical concerns of safety and control.

The site requires some walking as it sits on sloping ground near the Pentland Hills, so sturdy footwear is recommended. Weather conditions can change quickly in this upland area, so layers and waterproof clothing help visitors stay comfortable.

A kitchen fireplace from the building's original use was later converted to serve as an entrance, revealing how medieval structures were adapted and repurposed over time. This transformation illustrates practical problem-solving by later inhabitants who found new uses for existing elements.