What is recorded here

Tantallon Castle is a ruined medieval fortress on an East Lothian sea cliff, built around 1350 by William Douglas, 1st Earl of Douglas, and fought over by James IV, James V, Cromwell’s army and later owners. Its one great red-sandstone wall blocks the headland while the cliffs do the rest of the guarding, making it the last true curtain-wall castle built in Scotland. Kings broke it, soldiers broke it again, and the sea has kept taking what they left behind.

Scotland's National Record of the Historic Environment records Tantallon Castle as Platform (medieval). The official map says its point is accurate as follows: NGR given to the nearest 10m. The record does not by itself mean that the public may enter the place.

Tantallon Castle was built by the Earl of Douglas in the 14th century and later held by the Douglas and then the Home families. It is important as a strong medieval fortress and a symbol of the powerful noble families of southern Scotland.

The historic-place record does not grant public access. Check current conditions and ownership before entering land or a building.