The 'bottle dungeon' is carved directly into solid rock, shaped like a bottle with a narrow neck to prevent escape.
The siege mine and counter-mine system is one of the few surviving examples of medieval siege engineering in Europe.
Cardinal David Beaton was murdered within the castle in 1546, and his body was salted and kept in the dungeon for over a year.
George Wishart, a Protestant reformer, was burned at the stake in front of the castle in 1546 by order of the Cardinal.
The castle was repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt during the Wars of Scottish Independence, changing hands between Scottish and English forces.
St Andrews Castle once housed a secret passage that allowed inhabitants to escape to the sea during times of crisis.
St Andrews Castle sits on a rocky headland overlooking the North Sea, housing a notorious 16th-century bottle dungeon and a siege mine. Construction of the original fortress began around 1200 as the fortified residence of the Bishops of St Andrews. The site was central to the Scottish Reformation and was the location of Cardinal David Beaton’s assassination in 1546. Visitors can explore the underground siege mine and counter-mine, which were dug during the 1546–1547 siege. The ruins include the remains of the main keep, the kitchen tower, and the sea tower. It transitioned through roles as a fortress, palace, and prison over its centuries of active use. The site is managed by Historic Environment Scotland.
From the coastal path immediately north of the castle for a clear view of the sea-facing ruins.
Bring a flashlight or use your phone, as the tunnels can be quite dark.
Wear sturdy, slip-resistant shoes, as the stone floors and tunnels are uneven and often damp.
Check the weather before visiting, as the coastal location is highly exposed to North Sea winds.
Attempting to traverse the siege mine if you suffer from claustrophobia or limited mobility.
Occasionally closes for extreme weather or conservation maintenance; check the official website before traveling.
Expect to crouch or climb steep, narrow stairs; remain behind safety barriers in the tunnel systems.
