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Please note that entry to the castle is by appointment only but the approach is well worth a picture. Rosslyn Castle began life as a 14th century round keep which was extended during the 15th and 16th centuries. It was a stronghold of the St Clair family - a noble Scottish family which, according to legend, had links with the Scottish Knights Templar. |  | The castle is only a couple of hundred yards south of infamous Rosslyn Chapel. This whole area played an important role in Scottish history and the castle was a key holding point during the Wars of Independence. In 1303, at the Battle of Roslin, a small force of 8,000 Scots defeated a much larger English army of 30,000 troops. | | In 1650, again England attacked the castle and Cromwell's troops used Rosslyn Chapel as a stable. Eight year's later the area was attacked once more but this time by an Edinburgh mob. | Despite all this, part of the castle remains inhabitable today and is home to the existing members of the St Clair family.
After visiting the castle, why not explore the local area further. The beautiful and enigmatic Rosslyn Chapel is only a short walk away.
There are also some lovely walks to be had in Roslin Glen Country Park. To find out more about other tourist attractions and places to visit in Midlothian visit our Tourism Homepage. |
Sandy Macmillan
0131 271 3437
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