[1] It was located near the northern end of today's Skinnergate.

A flood in 1209 damaged the castle and it became the residence of the Scottish Kings after the destruction of the Royal Palace in 1210.

[2] A further flood in 1290 damaged the motte mound and required the castle to be rebuilt.

After it reverted to Scottish control, King Edward I of England captured the castle in 1298, 1300 and 1303.

Besieged in 1306 and 1309 by Scottish forces, it withheld the sieges.