Description:

Tantallon Castle was built by William Douglas, the nephew of Robert the Bruce’s brother-in-arms Sir James Douglas, William showed his family trait for violence when he murdered his godfather and took control of the Douglas family name and estates. In the late 14^th century the Douglas Earls built a great stone curtain across a rocky promontory overlooking the Bass Rock. Its lofty towers and halls provided an imposing residence befitting a feudal lord and suitably strong defences. Tantallon served as a noble fortification for more than three centuries and endured frequent sieges. During Cromwell's invasion in 1651 it suffered heavy damage. The ruins have stood empty and slowly crumbling since then.