Ravenscraig Castle, Royal castle in Kirkcaldy, Scotland.
Ravenscraig Castle sits on a rocky cliff and consists of two main towers joined by a central section with exceptionally thick front walls built for strength. The layout creates a compact defensive structure designed to maximize protection from threats coming from the sea or land.
King James II ordered its construction in 1460 as a home for Queen Mary of Gueldres, but he died shortly after during a siege elsewhere. The Sinclair family later adapted it in the 1500s by adding features to protect against artillery attacks.
The castle represents a turning point in how Scots built their fortifications, showing the shift from purely defensive designs to structures built to withstand gunfire. Walking around it today, you can see how it marks the moment when artillery changed military building forever.
Access to the castle is currently limited because of ongoing repair work on the bridge that leads to it, so check conditions before you go. Wear sturdy shoes since the ground is rocky and uneven, and be prepared for exposed coastal conditions with wind and weather.
The castle has many gun holes built into its walls, showing how thoroughly the Sinclair family redesigned it to use firearms against enemies. A central cannon platform sits at its heart, an unusual feature for Scottish castles of that era.
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