Scottish Historic Castles

Exploring Scotland's Heritage quickly and cheaply Tantallon Castle

Jul 16, 2007 Blair Logie

Historic Scotland's entrance pass ticket can save you a small fortune especially if you plan well in advance. This is part B of one suggestion for a full day out.

Dirleton Castle was the start of the first day utilising Historic Scotland's Explorer pass. Approximately six miles further down the scenic coastal trail lies Tantallon Castle.

Tantallon castle, in its heyday, would have been a formidable stronghold set at the edge of cliffs on the Firth of Forth near Edinburgh. The historic seat of the Douglas Earls of Angus, it has clearly had a turbulent and bloody past history. The greatest damage to the castle took place during Cromwell's invasion in 1651 when it suffered heavy damage and the castle you see today is in a similar state to when Cromwell left.

The fact that it was such a formidable stronghold and its location (right at the edge of the cliffs) should make it easy to find. The first piece of advice is that when travelling by car you will see a sign for the castle at the edge of a lane, do NOT take this turning. Upon further reading it does say 100 yards further on, but you can easily be fooled into turning into the lane if you are travelling at any speed at all. The single track lane is actually the entrance to a local taxi firm.

The actual entrance to the site is also the location of one of the car parks. If you arrive before 11.30 in the morning then the second piece of advice is to carry on past the roadside car park as there is another (much smaller) car park next to the actual entrance to the attraction.

The actual castle is entered, having walked across what was formerly defensive embankments and ditches cut into the soil, by means of a wooden drawbridge. Unfortunately the ornate entrance is in some need of urgent repair and the front of the castle has extensive scaffolding, which is expected to be in place for some time (years).

Is it worth visiting ?

The castle itself would have been a magnificent site when complete. However, the castle is now a ruin and has been for some time and a certain level of interpretation and imagination is now required by visitors. Whilst there are some interesting boards containing information it is another example of Historic Scotland simply not “doing interpretation” particularly well. The setting however is quite magnificent with views out to Bass Rock or even simply looking East or West along the coastline provides a very pleasing vista. However, if you are visiting a castle for some detailed historical input or even some exhibits (they are few at Tantallon) then you will be disappointed. The narrow staircases and overall location also makes unsuitable for those who are even slightly unsteady on their feet. There is also little to entertain younger children unless they have a real interest in history, have previously read up on the castle or are looking for nice scenery. In addition, as a ruin clearly the castle has no roof to speak of and therefore it isn't for a rainy day.

In summary, a disappointing second castle, using the Historic Scotland explorer pass. The third attraction to be visited on the first day, Hailes Castle, should have been a short drive away.

The copyright of the article Scottish Historic Castles in U.K./Ireland Travel is owned by Blair Logie. Permission to republish Scottish Historic Castles in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Bass Rock picture taken from Tantallon Castle

Tantallon Castle view from curtain wall