Tantallon Castle, standing on a spectacular cliff overlooking the Firth of Forth, was a formidable stronghold in its day. It was the seat of the Douglas Earls of Angus, one of the most powerful baronial families in Scotland.
Mighty Tantallon Castle was built in the mid-1300s by a nobleman at the height of his power. In 1354, William Douglas came into possession of all his father’s lands, as well as those of his famous uncle, more than a friend of King Robert the Bruce, thereby starting the Douglas Dynasty which was to impact on Scotland's history for 300 years.
The castle endured three great sieges, in 1491, 1528 and 1651. The castle was constructed in the age before gunpowder artillery. Its high, thick walls had simply to withstand assault from stone-throwing machines, battering rams and arrows. The last, by Oliver Cromwell’s army and its heavy artillery, resulted in such devastating destruction that the mighty medieval fortress was finally abandoned to the birds.
Opening Hours: All week and last entry half hour before closing
25 March - 30 September 9.30am to 5.30pm
1 October - 24 March 10am to 4pm
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