The Legendary Castles of Edinburgh and Stirling

Perched dramatically atop volcanic crags, Edinburgh Castle and Stirling Castle stand as enduring symbols of Scottish resilience and national identity. These formidable fortresses witnessed pivotal moments in Scotland’s struggle for independence – from William Wallace’s triumph at Stirling Bridge to Robert the Bruce’s recapture of Edinburgh from English forces. Their strategic locations and imposing architecture made them natural stages for Scotland’s most defining historical dramas.

While these royal castles dominate popular imagination, they represent exceptions rather than the norm in Scottish castle architecture. Both underwent extensive Renaissance-style renovations in the 16th century under French influence, followed by substantial 18th-19th century reconstructions that transformed their original medieval character. These royal residences followed continental courtyard designs rather than Scotland’s distinctive local traditions.

The Rise of the Scottish Tower House

The true architectural signature of Scotland lies not in grand courtyard castles but in the hundreds of tower houses that dotted the landscape from the Borders to the Shetland Islands. From the mid-14th century onward, these vertical fortifications became the dominant form of noble residence, persisting well into the 17th century while castle-building declined elsewhere in Britain.

This architectural divergence raises intriguing questions. Why did Scotland continue building defensive towers when England and Wales had largely abandoned castle construction? Traditional explanations point to Scotland’s turbulent history under the Stewart dynasty (1371-1603), whose rulers frequently met violent ends through assassination or battle. The nobility, described by one historian as “the most unruly, rapacious and ignorant in Europe,” engaged in centuries of bloody power struggles with the crown.

Beyond the Bloody Stereotypes: Castle Life Revealed

Recent archaeological discoveries challenge these grim stereotypes. Excavations at Threave Castle, built by Archibald “the Grim” Douglas in the 1370s, revealed not an isolated stronghold but a vibrant community. Foundations of a great hall, chapel, and village surrounded the tower, while artifacts like children’s shoes, silver pendants, and gaming pieces testify to domestic life rather than constant warfare.

Similarly, Borthwick Castle (1430), standing 108 feet tall, prioritized display over defense. Its license to build specified “decorative defenses,” and architectural features like large windows and an exposed entrance suggest confidence rather than fear. The employment of over sixty masons for a decade-long project indicates investment in peaceful prosperity rather than reaction to instability.

The Stewarts and Their Nobles: Reassessing the Relationship

The traditional narrative of perpetual conflict between Stewart kings and their nobles has been reassessed. While violence certainly occurred (like James II’s stabbing of the Douglas earl in 1452), evidence suggests more cooperation than conflict. Scotland’s challenging geography and limited royal finances necessitated power-sharing with regional magnates who administered justice and maintained order.

Nowhere was this clearer than in the Highlands, where the Lords of the Isles governed semi-autonomously until their overthrow in 1493. James IV subsequently entrusted Urquhart Castle on Loch Ness to John Grant of Freuchie in 1509, charging him to defend the region while building “a hall, chambers and kitchen” – blending military and domestic functions. Grants records show his role as judge, peacemaker, and community leader alongside his defensive duties.

Borderlands and the End of an Era

The Anglo-Scottish border developed its own distinctive architecture – the humble pele towers like Mervinslaw, offering basic protection against cross-border raids. These starkly contrasted with grand tower houses like Craigievar Castle (1610-25), built by merchant William “Danzig Willie” Forbes. With its pink granite walls, ornate plaster ceilings, and Renaissance detailing, Craigievar marked the twilight of defensive tower houses, reflecting Scotland’s growing stability under James VI (James I of England).

Legacy of the Scottish Tower House

Scotland’s tower houses embodied the kingdom’s unique social and political landscape. Far from being purely military structures, they served as homes, status symbols, and administrative centers in a decentralized kingdom where power was shared between crown and nobility. Their longevity reflected not constant warfare but a society that balanced local autonomy with collective governance.

The archaeological record and contemporary documents reveal a more nuanced picture than the bloody legends popularized by writers like Sir Walter Scott. While violence certainly occurred, most tower houses testify to domestic comfort, artistic aspiration, and community life. Their eventual decline came not from military obsolescence but from the pacification of the borders and the centralization of power under the Stuart kings – the very conditions that allowed Craigievar to prioritize beauty over battlements.