High above the River North Esk stands Rosslyn Castle. Its dramatic location perched on a rocky promontory is breathtaking. Rosslyn Castle has witnessed centuries of Scottish history. It’s a place where stories whisper from the stones.
Rosslyn Castle boasts a rich past. The Sinclair family Earls of Caithness and Barons of Roslin first fortified the site in the early 14th century. Though the present ruins are slightly later. The castle’s strategic position near the site of the Battle of Roslin in 1303 played a key role in its construction. This battle saw the Scots defeat the English. Henry Sinclair Earl of Orkney is credited with beginning construction. His son Henry continued the building project.
The castle housed a scriptorium. Five St Clair manuscripts from 1488 are now in the National Library of Scotland. These include the Rosslyn-Hay manuscript. It is believed to be the earliest extant work in Scots prose. A domestic fire in 1452 caused damage. Legend says the Earl’s precious manuscripts were saved by his chaplain.
Later the Earl of Hertford burned Rosslyn Castle during the War of the Rough Wooing in 1544. The keep was almost destroyed but one wall still stands. Rebuilding took place in the late 16th century. A new five-storey east range was built into the rock. The gatehouse was rebuilt with a permanent stone bridge. The Laird of Roslin was forfeited in 1591. William Leslie held the castle for the Earl of Huntly. The rebel Earl of Bothwell stayed briefly. He fled leaving behind clothes and silver plate.
Renovations continued in 1622 with Renaissance details and carvings. General Monck’s artillery and a Reforming mob caused further damage in 1650 and 1688. Parts of the east range remained habitable. James Erskine inherited the estate in 1789. He adopted the St Clair-Erskine surname. He inherited the Earl of Rosslyn title in 1805. The Rosslyn estate has been in the Earl of Rosslyn’s possession ever since.
From 1982 to 1988 architects Simpson and Brown restored the east range. The 7th Earl of Rosslyn currently owns Rosslyn Castle. He leases it as holiday accommodation. The castle is a Scheduled Ancient Monument. It is also a Category A listed building. Rosslyn Castle stands as a testament to Scotland’s enduring history. It continues to fascinate visitors from around the world. It is a beautiful and intriguing place. The castle is a symbol of Scotland’s rich heritage. It tells the story of powerful families. Their struggles and triumphs are evident in Rosslyn Castle’s ruins.