Masonry in the Media: Waverley Station, Craigmillar Castle, & More

Words: Lily Burger
Photos: Astalor, Bim, eyewave, Neil Bussey, ZICC, Alphotographic, David Boutin Photography, Orietta Gaspari


The settings of films can take viewers to different parts of the world and immerse them in a different time period. From castles in the Scottish highlands to Victorian train stations, these four iconic movie locations enhanced the storytelling of the movies they were in.

Eilean Donan Castle - Highlander
Eilean Donan Castle, originally built in the 13th century to defend against Norse invasions stands on a small tidal island in the Scottish Highlands. Over centuries, it evolved, with additions strengthening its defenses, until its destruction in 1719 during a Jacobite uprising. Rebuilt between 1912 and 1932 by Lt. Col. John MacRae-Gilstrap, the restoration used traditional stone masonry to recreate its medieval appearance. Its rugged stone walls, vaulted chambers, and strategic positioning demonstrate classic Scottish defensive architecture.

In the movie Highlander, Eilean Donan Castle serves as Connor MacLeod’s ancestral home, the castle’s weathered stonework and imposing structure visually reinforce his immortality and warrior legacy. The fortress, rebuilt with traditional masonry techniques in the early 20th century, mirrors MacLeod’s journey of destruction and rebirth. Its misty, dramatic setting enhances the film’s mystical atmosphere, while its historical architecture grounds the fantasy in Scotland’s rich heritage. The castle’s enduring stone craftsmanship parallels the immortal nature of the Highlander himself.

 

Caernarfon Castle - The Crown
Caernarfon Castle, built by King Edward I between 1283 and 1330, is a masterpiece of medieval military architecture. Designed by master mason James of Saint George, its polygonal towers and massive curtain walls reflect strategic strength and symbolic power. Inspired by Roman and Byzantine fortifications, particularly the walls of Constantinople, its banded masonry of limestone and sandstone enhances both durability and aesthetic impact. The castle remains one the best preserved examples of 13th century military masonry, showcasing advanced defensive techniques and intricate craftsmanship in medieval stone construction.

In season three of the TV show The Crown, the castle serves as the backdrop for Prince Charles’s 1969 investiture as Prince of Wales, reinforcing England’s historical authority over Wales. The castle’s grand, Roman-inspired design mirrors the monarchy’s enduring strength and legacy, while its stonework evokes the weight of tradition and expectation Charles grapples with. By staging the event at Caernarfon, The Crown highlights the castle’s architectural grandeur and its deep connection to British royal identity, past and present.

 

Waverley Station - Avengers: Endgame
Waverley Station, Edinburgh’s main railway hub, was first opened in 1846 and underwent multiple expansions, with its current structure largely completed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Its grand Victorian design features extensive masonry work, including sandstone facades that harmonize with Edinburgh’s historic architecture. The station’s vaulted glass and iron roof, supported by stone piers, exemplifies the fusion of traditional masonry with industrial-era engineering. Waverley’s masonry significance lies in its integration with the city’s architectural heritage, blending functional railway infrastructure with Edinburgh’s historic stonework.

Waverley Station’s historic sandstone masonry and vaulted structure provide a striking contrast to the futuristic themes of Avengers: Endgame, where it briefly appears as the backdrop to a fight. As a key transit hub, its enduring masonry symbolizes continuity and resilience - paralleling the Avengers’ struggle to restore balance. The station’s deep-rooted presence in Edinburgh’s architectural landscape helps to ground the film while an intergalactic fight takes place.

 

Craigmillar Castle - Outlander
Craigmillar Castle, built in the late 14th century, is one of Scotland’s best-preserved medieval castles. Its construction began with a massive L-plan tower house, later expanded with outer curtain walls, ranges and a courtyard. The castle’s masonry, primarily local sandstone, showcases medieval defensive techniques, including arrow slits and machicolations. Thick walls and vaulted chamber highlight skilled stone craftsmanship, while later Renaissance additions display refined ashlar work. Craigmilla’s masonry significance lies in its evolution from a fortified residence to an elegant stronghold, reflecting Scotland’s changing architectural styles.

Craigmillar Castle appears in season 3 of Outlander as Ardsmuir Prison. The castle’s weathered stone structure and medieval fortifications provide an authentic setting for Jaime Fraser’s imprisonment, reinforcing themes of resilience and survival. Its layered architectural history mirrors the show’s blend of past and present. Craigmillar’s rich masonry details lend historical depth to Outlander, immersing viewers in 18th-century Scotland’s rugged, battle-worn landscapes and enduring architectural heritage.

 

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