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Rosslyn Castle is a remarkable, ruined, almost fairy-tale, castle all-but invisible from any distance at all in any direction. The castle was built occupying the high ground of the promontory in what would have been a wonderful defensive site until the invention of cannons made it vulnerable to fire from the all too nearby higher ground.

The majority of the castle ruins date from the late-15th century when an earlier 14th century castle was damaged by fire. The castle was again damaged by fire when it was attacked by English troops under the Earl of Hertford in 1544 and its final demise as a castle came when it was attacked by Cromwell's troops in1651. By that time the attackers could use cannons sited on higher ground to the north to negate the strength of the castle itself.

The Castle, which is category A listed (LB13026 Link Historic Scotland), is not open to visitors but a late 16th century house in the castle courtyard is still in good repair and is available to rent as holiday accommodation through The Landmark Trust.