CRAIGMILLAR CASTLE 197 SECOND PERIOD loopholes. Those of the front or north wall (Fig. 166) have the initial letters of Preston and Gorton, another estate of the family, carved on the merlons (or spaces between the embrasures), and loops are pierced through the letters (Figs. l6l, 162). Some of the other arms and figures on various parts of the walls are also shown in Figs. l6l, 162, including a rebus on the name of Preston,, and a shield with the Preston arms and the initials of Simon Preston. Along the south front (Fig. 163), where there appear to have been early buildings against the inside of the walls, provision for defence has been made, at the east end by a stone parapet projecting on corbels, and a square turret (Fig. 165) very boldly corbelled out, while the high wall at the west end has been defended by wooden hoardings, the rows of corbels for carrying the floor and roof of which still remain, as distinctly seen in the sketch (Fig. 163). The outline of the door leading out to the hoarding is also visible, but has been built up when the later additions were made. This is rather an exceptional arrange- ment in Scotland, though common in France and England. The corner towers, of which there is one at each of the four angles, are carried higher than the curtains, and are provided with similar machicolated parapets. They also appear to have had an upper battlement above the existing parapet, a usual mode of defence in French and English castles (as at Pierrefonds and Caesar's Tower, Warwick), but rare in Scot- FIG. 164. land. The stair leading up to this upper work still exists in the south-east tower. This tower is peculiar in plan, being circular to the east, but square to the west, thus forming a recess to mask the postern, which is situated in the angle (Fig. 1()4), and which gave access to the castle by a small winding staircase. The south-west angle tower, seen in the view of the south front, has been rebuilt at a late date. The gateway to the inner courtyard (Fig. 166) is rather a weak feature in this castle, as it now stands ; but there are indications of there having originally been a guard-room and inner gateway, with probably a portcullis. That there have been buildings of some kind along the inside of this wall is apparent from the window and other recesses still remaining. One of these recesses on the upper floor contains a loophole and stone seat, as if for a sentry to watch the gate. Towards the east end of this wall there is a stone trough, with drain and spout to the inside, similar to that at Bothwell. This has been for the supply of water from the outside, and no doubt there was a barrel or
