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THE GATEHOUSE
1886-8
The castle's position on the volacnic rock offered protection from all
sides with steep rocky faces all round and the Nor'
Loch to the North. The Gatehouse, which faced the
sloping town (the Royal Mile) was the most vunerable point to attack.
However, The Gatehouse, an impressive main entrance into the castle was built, not so much as an additional defence but rather for aesthetic reasons. It replaced a simple functional gate which was built in the late 17th century.
Flanking the main arched entrance stand bronze statues of two of Scotland hero freedom fighters, William Wallace and Robert the Bruce, added in 1929.
At either
side of the draw bridge leading to the Gatehouse is a dry ditch which
dates from Oliver Cromwell times (1650's),
