Crichton Castle, Midlothian

Great Easter Sunday walk from Vogrie Country Park to Crichton Castle, a fine example of 16th century postmodernism.

Built in the 15th century as the home of the Crichton family, the castle passed to the Hepburns, newly created Earls of Bothwell, on the accession of James IV in 1488 (Mary soon to be Queen of Scots popped in as a wedding guest in 1562).  Francis Stewart, the 5th Earl, built the north lodging in the left hand side of this photo, in around 1580, its columns and diamond-faceted facade influenced by his travels around Europe.