The experienced midfielder, who also played under Ling at Leyton Orient, bolsters the midfield options available to the Gulls boss and, at 33 years of age, he also brings plenty of experience to the squad.
After starting his career with Dundee United in 1995, Craig remained at Tannadice for nine years. He then spent a season with Livingston before he arrived in England in 2005 when Ling persuaded him to sign for Leyton Orient.
His decision to move to the East London side proved to be a successful one as he helped Orient win promotion from League Two in his first season.
Craig later joined Swindon Town in 2007 where he stayed for three years before moving on to Southend United before returning north of the border in 2010 to sign for Dunfermline.
He had been on trial at Plainmoor towards the end of last season, following his release by Dunfermline last January and Ling believes he is the type of character that he wants at Plainmoor.
"He is the ideal type of firm character for our squad, who can come into our way of playing," said Ling.
"I just know I can trust him, he toughens up our midfield and makes selection in that area more difficult. He was the fittest player I had and I'm sure that will be the same at Torquay.
"Craig was a massive part of my successful time at Orient and played a big role in our good cup runs and the promotion to League One, when he was a mainstay in centre midfield."
He becomes the Gulls second signing of the close season following the arrival of Ryan Jarvis.
A FEW FACTS ABOUT CRAIG EASTON
1) Craig has been capped 22 times by Scotland at Under-21 level where he appeared alongside former Torquay promotion winning favourite David Graham.
2) Whilst at Leyton Orient, he scored the opening goal in their 2-1 FA Cup third round victory over Premiership side Fulham.
3) He has played under former Plymouth Argyle manager Paul Sturrock three times during his career at Dundee United, Swindon Town and Southend United.
