castle in the early 15th century, building a second tower to the south, forming a strong L-plan, with the gate between the two towers. The south tower was entered by a door in the centre, with vaulted cellars either side. Two halls occupied the first and second floors. In the later 15th century a west block was added, with a six-storey tower at the south-west, containing several bedrooms with garderobes. A stair in the south block gave access to these rooms. The north range was added at this time, closing the courtyard, but this section was heavily rebuilt in the following century. The castle's most distinctive feature is its Italian-influenced courtyard façade, which forms part of the north range. Francis Stewart, the designer, had travelled to Italy, and was inspired by new styles and technology in buildings there, particularly the Palazzo dei Diamanti in Ferrara (c. 1582). This was the source of the diamond rustication on the courtyard wall. The initials of Francis and his wife Margaret Douglas appear on the walls, together with an anchor representing Stewart's position of Lord High Admiral of Scotland. Inside are further innovations: Scotland's first "scale-and-platt" stair, i.e. a modern-style staircase with landings; and a drawing room to the north of the old tower. To the south of the castle is a large stable block, with a horseshoe-shaped window and lodgings above. References Coventry, Martin The Castles of Scotland (3rd Edition), Goblinshead, 2001 Lindsay, Maurice The Castles of Scotland, Constable & Co. 1986 Salter, Mike The Castles of Lothian and the Borders, Folly Publications, 1994 Tabraham, Chris ''Scotland's Castles, BT Batsford/Historic Scotland, 1997 Thomas, Jane Midlothian: An Illustrated Architectural Guide, Rutland Press, 1995 External links Crichton Castle – site information from Historic Environment Scotland Video about Crichton Castle's history Castles in Midlothian Scheduled Ancient Monuments in Midlothian Renaissance architecture in Scotland Ruined castles in Scotland Ruins in Midlothian