Ravenscraig Castle - Historic Sites - The White Goddess

Ravenscraig Castle

Ravenscraig Castle, Kirkcaldy, Fife, Scotland

One of the earliest artillery forts in Scotland, it was begun for James II in 1460, Ravenscraig was one of the first castles in Scotland built to withstand cannon fire. It consists of two round towers linked by a cross range. The west tower was the residence of James II’s widow, Queen Mary of Gueldres.

James III forced William Sinclair, Earl of Orkney, to exchange his castle at Kirkwall, on Orkney, for Ravenscraig Castle. The Sinclairs inhabited Ravenscraig until 1650 and during this time completed the construction of the castle, although not to the original plans. It remained in Sinclair possession until 1898, finally passing to the state for care in 1955.

Ravenscraig Castle overlooks the sea at the west end of Ravenscraig Park, and is made up of two D-shaped towers. The rest of the castle runs back along the narrow headland. To the east is a curving bay, which was regarded as part of the castle defences and a defensive wall projects to the end of the bay.

Along the beach is the beehive shaped dovecote, used by the castle residents. The ground level entrance has now been sealed up, leaving only the access hole at the top.

Location: Ravenscraig Park, on the outskirts of Kirkcaldy, Fife.
Admission: Free
Access: Limited access.

(Photographs ©2003-2008 Ryewolf)

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