Description:

This was the first Scottish castle to be built specifically to defend against artillery.

The landward side is protected by a deep ditch crossed by a bridge and watched over by enormous bulging towers. Ravenscraig was really designed to look out towards the water though. It keeps an eye on the busy Firth of Forth, well defended with steep sea cliffs on every side. Ravenscraig was a Royal Castle rather than home to a local laird or clan chief. It was designed on the orders of King James II as a gift to his queen Mary of Guelders.

Unfortunately, it was James' obsession with artillery that would be his downfall. He was instantly killed when a siege gun exploded.

Construction at Ravenscraig Castle stalled with Mary's death. It still wasn't complete in 1470 when King James III traded it with William Sinclair in return for his claims to Orkney and Shetland!

The Sinclairs would finally finish the castle although the original plans were thrown out the window. Ravenscraig would be laid out in a very spartan manner, almost purely for defense. No luxurious halls fit for a Queen, but extra cannons and defensive walls instead.

Sadly, even these couldn't stand up to the only real test that Ravenscraig Castle would face. Oliver Cromwell's army attacked and badly damaged it in 1651. Turns out that artillery had come a long way in 180 years!