St Andrews Castle

St Andrews Castle stands on a rocky promontory above Castle Sands beach on the North Sea coast in Fife. The first castle was built here in the late 12th century by Bishop Roger, whose family held power in England. For centuries it served as the residence of St Andrews’ powerful bishops, who governed Scotland’s religious life before the Reformation. The Archbishops referred to it as their palace in Latin charters, calling it “our palace.” Today the ruins are cared for by Historic Environment Scotland as a scheduled monument. The castle’s history is marked by violent struggles during the Wars of Scottish Independence. It changed hands repeatedly between Scots and English forces in the 14th century. After being recaptured by Sir Andrew Moray following a three-week siege, the Scots destroyed parts of it to deny use to the English. Bishop Walter Trail rebuilt it at the turn of the 15th century, creating the core of the structure still visible. Later, King James I of Scotland received part of his education here under Bishop Henry Wardlaw, founder of the University of St Andrews. Visitors enter through a modern visitor centre that displays carved fragments and artefacts from the castle’s past. The site includes the remains of the bishop’s palace, defensive walls, and the notorious bottle dungeon cut from solid rock. Below ground, the rediscovered siege tunnels from the 1546–47 siege can be walked through. Outside, the view stretches across Castle Sands to the North Sea. The brick marking where George Wishart was burnt in 1546 lies near the Sea Tower.