01/08/2025
Craigmillar Castle is a rugged medieval fortress tucked just a few miles outside Edinburgh. It began life in the late 14th century when the Preston family built the original tower house, and over the centuries it expanded into a grand and defensive residence. Though it never saw major battles, it’s steeped in intrigue—most famously, it was a retreat for Mary, Queen of Scots in 1566 after falling ill. While there, a group of nobles is said to have plotted the murder of her husband, Lord Darnley, an infamous scheme dubbed the “Craigmillar Bond.”
The castle’s weathered stone walls and haunting atmosphere have made it a magnet for filmmakers. Though Game of Thrones never shot there, fans often call it "Scotland's Winterfell" thanks to its double curtain walls and ancient yew tree in the courtyard—eerily reminiscent of the godswood. Craigmillar did, however, appear in Outlander, serving as Ardsmuir Prison where Jamie Fraser was incarcerated. It also featured in the film Robert the Bruce, playing up its gritty, authentic look to evoke medieval Scotland.
Craigmillar might not be as flashy as Edinburgh Castle, but its quiet charm and cinematic aura make it a standout for history buffs and screen scouts alike.
