Scottish Castles

Local information

Ravenscraig Castle, Fife

Location: The Kyles, Kirkcaldy KY1 2QG (map and directions)

Located in Kirkcaldy, Ravenscraig Castle is a ruined castle dating from 1460 and is an example of early artillery defence in Scotland. This small castle built on a rocky promontory in the Firth of Forth is naturally protected on three sides by cliffs which drop down to the sea.

Ravenscraig Castle © James Allan

History of Ravenscraig Castle

Ravenscraig was ordered to be built by King James II in 1460. James II died that same year, and the castle became home to his widow, Mary of Gueldres, until her death in 1463. Ownership of Ravenscraig was then forced upon William Sinclair, Earl of Orkney, when James III demanded a trade for his castle in Kirkwall. The Sinclairs lived at Ravenscraig until 1650 when the construction of this small castle was completed.

The construction of Ravenscraig is significant as it was designed to be defended by and for guns rather than traditional medieval weaponry. Its two large D-shaped towers are linked by a range, which is protected by the cliffs and, in front, by a large ditch.

Today, Ravenscraig Castle is managed by Historic Scotland, and is Category A listed building and a Scheduled Ancient Monument.

Map and directions

Other castles in Fife