Welcome back to "A Scottish Castle, A Day," brought to you by bagtownclans.com. I’m your host, Colin MacDonald, and today we’re diving into one of Scotland’s most storied and atmospheric fortresses: Rosslyn Castle. Standing proudly in the scenic village of Roslin, just a stone’s throw from the world-famous Rosslyn Chapel, this castle holds an incredible legacy intertwined with Scotland’s feudal history, architectural innovation, and, of course, a fair share of mystery.
Rosslyn Castle has three great attractions: its wonderful Chapel, the ancient Castle itself, and its breathtaking valley. After visiting the intricate and world-renowned Rosslyn Chapel, we now turn our attention to the Castle—a site of rich history and once one of the most important strongholds in Scotland.
The castle is dramatically perched on a rocky promontory, surrounded on three sides by the winding waters of the River North Esk. The approach to Rosslyn Castle is itself a journey back in time. You enter via a 50-foot-high stone bridge that spans what was once a deep ravine, crossed originally by a drawbridge. Below, the river flows, having long carved this striking landscape into a natural fortress. This impressive entry sets the tone for what lies ahead—a castle steeped in grandeur, history, and a bit of the eerie charm that only such ancient ruins can evoke.
The first records of a fortified structure on this site date back to the early 14th century when the powerful Sinclair family, Earls of Caithness and Barons of Roslin, claimed the land. The Sinclairs, a family of Norman origin, have held Rosslyn since 1280, and their deep connections to Scottish history make the castle’s story all the richer. The castle’s present ruins, however, date primarily from later centuries, as Rosslyn was repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt. Its strategic position near the site of the Battle of Roslin—where in 1303, the Scots triumphed over the English—ensured the castle would always be a point of both defense and contention.
As you pass through the ruined gatehouse and cross the narrow bridge, you are greeted by the remnants of the Lantern or Lamp Tower at the northeast corner, built around 1304, shortly after that decisive battle. Some historians suggest there may have been an even earlier structure here, but it is clear that by the 14th century, Rosslyn was taking its present shape. What remains of this early construction still speaks to the castle’s role as a military stronghold.
The dungeon, located in the southwest corner and known as "The Great Dungeon," was erected around 1390 by Sir Henry Sinclair, the second Prince of Orkney. This tower, rising five stories high, once dominated the landscape, fortified by walls over nine feet thick. In the medieval period, this part of the castle was essential for defense, but also for demonstrating the Sinclairs' power and wealth. Sir Henry’s son, Sir William Sinclair, who founded the nearby Rosslyn Chapel in 1446, further expanded and beautified the castle.
The Rosslyn of Sir William’s time was a place of both luxury and fortification. According to Father Hay, the 17th-century Sinclair historian, Sir William lived in “regal magnificence,” served on gold and silver, surrounded by nobles like Lord Dirltone, who acted as Master of the Household, and Lord Borthwick as his Cupbearer. The castle would have been filled with the bustle of attendants, soldiers, and skilled craftsmen, with its grand halls hung with richly embroidered tapestries, and its grounds hosting a veritable army of courtiers.
But this grandeur wasn’t without its interruptions. In 1452, a domestic fire caused significant damage to the castle, but quick-thinking courtiers managed to save the Earl’s precious charters and manuscripts by lowering them out of the windows to safety. Rebuilding followed, only for the castle to face even greater destruction in 1544 during the War of the Rough Wooing, when Henry VIII’s forces razed the castle in retaliation for Scotland’s refusal to allow a marriage between his son, Edward VI, and the infant Queen of Scots, Mary. Though the keep was nearly destroyed, the resilient Sinclairs rebuilt once again, adding the grand east range, which still partially stands today.
Perhaps most striking is the five-story east range of the castle, cut directly into the rock face. Built during the late 16th century, its grandeur is matched by its functionality, with lower floors serving as kitchens and service rooms, while the upper floors were home to the lavishly appointed principal chambers. The grand hall of Rosslyn Castle, once filled with the sound of banquets, music, and laughter, has since been divided, though the main fireplace, carved with the initials of William Sinclair and his wife Jean Edmonstone, still stands as a testament to their legacy.
One particularly intriguing feature of Rosslyn Castle is its connection to the arts and culture. The castle housed a scriptorium in the 15th century, where manuscripts were painstakingly copied and illuminated. Several manuscripts from this period survive today in the National Library of Scotland, including the Rosslyn-Hay manuscript, considered one of the earliest examples of Scots prose.
Though Rosslyn Castle was repeatedly damaged and rebuilt, it remained a Sinclair stronghold well into the 17th century. Even the artillery of Oliver Cromwell’s forces during the siege of 1650, which battered much of the castle, couldn’t break the family’s ties to the land. The Sinclairs continued to rebuild and occupy parts of the castle, and in more recent times, the castle’s east range has been restored as holiday accommodation, offering a unique way to experience the history and splendor of Rosslyn firsthand.
Whether you visit Rosslyn for its stunning scenery, to explore the ruins, or to steep yourself in the history that permeates every stone, the castle offers a window into the fascinating legacy of one of Scotland’s most prominent noble families. From the ravages of fire and war to the refinement of its halls and towers, Rosslyn Castle is a symbol of resilience and nobility in the heart of the Scottish Lowlands.
Thank you for joining us on this episode of "A Scottish Castle, A Day." Be sure to tune in tomorrow as we uncover more of the stories behind Scotland’s most iconic castles. I’m Colin MacDonald, and as always, Slán go fóill.
Rosslyn Castle