It is associated with the first recorded coal mining in Scotland in the 13th century. As a result of arson at Fawside Mine, the Act of 1606 was passed which returned miners to virtual slavery. The arsonist John Henry was beheaded in Edinburgh and returned to Fawside on a stake. In 1620 the Fawsides took part in a coal price fixing ring. Nearly 400 years on the present owners are opposing plans to opencast mine locally. 

The Battle of Pinkie in 1547 was the last battle to be fought between Scotland and England as separate nations. The castle was burnt to the ground and many perished. In 1998 a monument in memory of those who died was erected at Wallyford.

The castle was rebuilt to include fashionable turrets, and sold in 1631 to an Edinburgh merchant called Hamilton. It was later abandoned and left to become ruinous for 300 years.