Lauriston Castle

Lauriston Castle sits in quiet grounds inland from Cramond on a ridge that overlooks the Forth. This turreted 16th-century tower house is managed today by Edinburgh City Council and the grounds and gardens are freely accessible all year round. Entering the main building is by paid entry during opening hours. Parking is available at the castle.

Best from spring through autumn when the lawns and foliage are lush green. Keep an eye on timing throughout the day to make sure that light falls on the building façade, or on the rear of the building if you are shooting looking back up at the house (See additional view B). A wide 16mm lens lets you use the foreground lawn and curving drive as leading lines into the building. A polarising filter to deepen the blues of the sky and cut glare to give the composition more punch. A low viewpoint emphasises the foreground and a lower sun can create dappled shade that helps break up the grass area.