 Although
the castle now lies in ruins it remains an awe-inspiring site, impressive
in it's scale. A short walk from Roslin Chapel it is set in picturesque
woodland which imbues the location with a romanticism that few Hollywood
adventures have managed to successfully invoke. The castle was the original
home of the St Clair family, who also commissioned the chapel, but it
has also played host to Mary Queen of Scots, who stayed here on her
tour of the South West of Scotland. Furthermore, much like the chapel
the castle has it's own legends.
|
 In
addition to the castle's rich history, which involves Mary Queen of
Scots, Oliver Cromwell and Henri de St Clair, who is thought to have
fought in the 1st Crusade, the castle also has its own mysteries for
those with more macabre tastes. The castle is said to be haunted by
the White Lady, a former maid who has been seen in the castle with her
candle, and the Hound of Roslin, a large dog said to have been killed
in an early fourteenth century battle.
Whatever your tastes the castle is definitely
an awe-inspiring sight not to be missed. You can find out more about
it here.
|
Undoubtedly
the jewel in Roslin's crown is historic Roslin Chapel. Originally
just the choir part of what was meant to be a much larger cathedral
the structure is still a fully functioning church and one of Scotland's
most intriguing visitor attractions. The chapel has encouraged much
debate and speculation over the years, with some legends suggesting
that it is the final resting place of the Holy Grail. The facts surrounding
the church are no less interesting than the legends however and it
is a breathtaking spectacle, even to the casual observer. The wealth
of elaborate carvings in the church chart the beginnings of Freemasonry,
which delight and inspire. The carvings include the Prentice Pillar,
the crucifiction, elements of nature and Nodric Mythology and Scottish
Heritage.
Perched
on a hilltop overlooking a wooded glen, there are many walks to explore
this beautiful rural setting. The view includes the tragic and melancholy
Roslin Castle which was almost destroyed by fire and seige in the
15th and 16th century's and now lies in ruins. Along the bottom of
the Glen runs the pollution free North River Esk. Avid wildlife and
nature lovers can spend time searching for Roe Deer, Badgers,Woodpeckers
and Kingfishers as well as diverse and rare to Scotland fauna. This
peaceful and tranquil landscape has been left unspoiled by pollution
and industry, it seems a million miles away from the hustle and bustle
of a busy city only 8 miles away.
