Standing tall on a small hill overlooking the Firth of Forth, Cramond Tower is a reminder of a bygone era. It’s a testament to a time when defense and protection were paramount, and its thick walls whisper tales of war and intrigue.
Cramond Tower was likely built in the 15th century. It was initially a defensive structure built to protect the surrounding area. The walls are over five feet thick, and the building itself is designed to resist attack. The tower was a critical part of the Bishop of Dunkeld’s summer residence. The Bishops of Dunkeld owned the tower for over 200 years, then it was passed on to Archibald Douglas of Kilspindie. After the nearby Cramond House was built in the 18th century, the tower stood empty for another 200 years until the 1970s. In the 1960s, the City of Edinburgh Council put a concrete cap on the roof and cleared the vegetation.
The tower eventually found itself in the hands of Eric Jamieson, an amateur antiquarian. He bought it in 1978 and began a project to restore it. In the 1990s, the family built an extension to the East side of the tower. Today, Cramond Tower is a private residence. The tower has been restored to its former glory, however, the inside was modernized to accommodate a more comfortable life. The tower is now a beautiful example of medieval Scottish architecture.
Cramond Tower is a place that has seen many changes over the centuries. However, its enduring presence on the hilltop speaks to its strength and resilience. Today, it stands as a symbol of the past and a reminder of the rich history of Scotland.