MOST people initially associate the name of Craigmillar with the location of one of the City of Edinburgh's modern housing estates. The housing estate, however, represents only the most recent chapter in a lengthy history, for Craigmillar can trace its story back some 700 years.
Craigmillar appears in the historical record of the thirteenth century because of its most durable building, Craigmillar Castle, now a substantial ruin, but in its time a stronghold that played an interesting role in Scotland's story. Craigmillar was, of course, situated far outside Edinburgh when James V, the father of Mary, Queen of Scots, resided there in 1517. Like every other building of any note, Craigmillar Castle suffered badly at the hands of the Earl of Hertford during the English invasion of 1544.
It was restored, however, and it was here that Mary, Queen of Scots took refuge following the brutal murder of her secretary, David Rizzio, in March 1566. It is said, too, that Craigmillar was the spot at which the decision was taken to do away with the unfortunate Lord Darnley, Mary's husband, who was blown up at Kirk o' Field, Edinburgh, in February 1567.
Not far distant is Little France, a name that commemorates the considerable number of French courtiers and servants who had arrived from France with Mary and found accommodation near Craigmillar Castle.
In the main street of Newcraighall an impressive sculpture by Jake Harvey (1989) commemorates the coal mining communities which formerly flourished in this region, moulding the landscape and the character of its people.
Craigmillar
Castle