Craigmillar Tourist Information

There are two main attractions for visitors near Craigmillar (a residential area): Duddingston Village by Duddingston Loch (a nature reserve ideal for birdwatching) in Holyrood Park and the big attraction, Craigmillar Castle on Craigmillar Castle Road.

Duddingston: Duddingston Kirk, mostly 17th century, is built on a 12th century foundation. An Inn the 'Sheep Heid', is a picturesque inn, built in 1670. Bonnie Prince Charlie visited the pub and Mary Queen of Scots played bowls here when she lived in Cragmillar castle.

Craigmillar Castle: Little France (named after Mary Queen of Scots French entourage is now home to the Royal Infirmary, on Old Dalkeith Road.

Travelling up the hill on Craigmillar Castle Road leads one to the castle car-park. Good views of Edinburgh can be seen from the top of the Castle's roof.

Although the castle is a ruin it's still well worth visiting and has connections with Mary Queen of Scots and the murder of Lord Darnley.

The nucleus of the castle is the L-shaped tower. The Great Hall occupies the first floor, it is 30 feet by 21 feet. A Baronial residence, it has one of the first batteries in Scotland with opening for cannon.

Description by Ian Dick