Crail Castle

Crail Castle was built for King David who reigned in Scotland from 1124 to 1135.

Between 1244 and 1246 the castle was enlarged and rebuilt in stone. Within the precincts there was a chapel dedicated to Rufus.

It was an important castle during the 12th, 13th and 14th centuries but fell into disrepair.

King David gave it to his son's widow Countess Ada de Warenne who was mother of kings Malcolm IV and William the Lion. William often used the castle as his local seat of government. Later his Queen, Ermengarde de Rosumont, inherited it as a dowry portion. Thereafter it passed to Joanna, Queen of Alexander II who willed it to a Richard de Beaumont.

But, it was a complete ruin by the reign of Mary Queen of Scots.

The current building dates back to 1871 when it was built by the architect Frederick Thomas Pilkington. In 1971 it was converted into three holiday apartments.

Turn back from the castle and retrace your steps for a few yards.

Then turn right towards the coast.