This same William Crichton consolidated and extended the late 14th c. tower into a Tower, Keep and Gatehouse: the blue and orange parts in the plan. He also built the Collegiate Church about 500 yards East of the castle, as a place where daily orisons could be sung for the welfare of his soul.

Towards the end the century further additions were made; the area coloured black in the plan.

William, the Third Laird of Crichton, having conspired against James III in 1483, was besieged at Crichton Castle and forced to flee. King James gave the castle and its lands to his favourite, Sir John Ramsey, who he created Lord Bothwell. But he too became involved in treachery and so Crichton was given to Patrick Hepburn, Lord Hailes who became Earl Bothwell.

Later, on the 10th - 12th January 1562, Mary Queen of Scots was guest here at the marriage of her half-brother, Lord James Stewart to Lady Janet Hepburn. The celebretation had been arranged at Crichton by the hot-headed James Hepburn, 4th Earl of Bothwell... and future wife of Queen Mary.

On Queen Mary and Bothwell's downfall in 1567, James VI gave Crichton to Francis, the child of James Stuart and Janet Hepburn, and in honour of her family name conferred on him the title of Bothwell.

The new Earl of Bothwell, wild and dangerous, was described thus:

"a terror to the most desperate duellists of Europe, and a subduer of the proudest champions, both Turks and Christians... the gasconades of France, the rhodomontades of Spain, the fanfaronades of Italy and braggadocio brags of all other countries"

Francis's frequent travels abroad brought him into contact with the flourishing of the European Renaissance, and in about 1585 he renovated Crichton in a stylish and up-to-date manner. (coloured green in the plan)

New kitchens, living quarters, colonades, dining room and withdrawing rooms were built, as well as a very modern straight stairway with landings. All these can be seen today at Crichton, and its flamboyant decorative conceits make it one of the most interesting of Scottish castles.

Right; Francis Stuart's Italianate decorative facade of 1585, with collonades supporting his new dining room and living quarters.

Left; Francis Stuart's "device" carved in stone celebrated his status as Admiral of All Scotland, and his marriage to Margaret Douglas, hence the intertwined MD with S and an anchor.

Right; Extensive views over the Tyne Valley from the Great Hall built in the late 1400's.

Crichton Castle, a few mile south of Edinburgh, is under the care of Historic Scotland, It is best to check admission times (http://www.historic-scotland.gov.uk) before visiting.