St Andrews Castle
Fife

Looking north from near the harbour wall with the cathedral to the left in this view.

This was essentially a Bishop's Palace with built-in protection and opulence.

That's a disused tidal swimming pool below the castle walls.

Closer in. These were taken in the early morning before the public were allowed access.

The castle was built around 1200 by Bishop Arnold and then rebuilt around 1390 by Bishop Walter Trail after being damaged in the Wars of Independence.

From off-shore and looking west.

In later years the bishops of St Andrews were the overlords of the Scottish Church.

This higher view and the image above give you some idea of the cliffs that the castle is built on.

Once bishops were abolished in 1592 the castle fell into ruin.

The castle is cared for by Historic Environment Scotland and there is paid access.