File:Rothesay Castle (36202926101).jpg

Built by Walter, the 3rd High Steward of Scotland, in the early 1200s, as a defence against the Norwegians. The kings of Norway twice besieged and took Rothesay, in 1230 and 1263. In the later part of the 13th century, the castle was strengthened by the addition of four round towers.

During the Wars of Scottish Independence, Rothesay was held by the English, but was taken by Robert the Bruce in 1311. Following the accession of the Stewarts to the throne of Scotland in 1371, the castle became a residence of kings Robert II and Robert III, who died here in 1406. In 1462 the castle survived a siege by the forces of John of Islay, Earl of Ross and the last Lord of the Isles.

In the early 16th century Rothesay Castle was strengthened again. Construction of a gatehouse keep, extending from the north of the curtain wall, began around the turn of the century, to provide more modern accommodation for James IV.

Rothesay was garrisoned by the forces of Oliver Cromwell, who invaded Scotland in the early 1650s. On their departure in 1660, the troops partially dismantled the structure. What was left was burned by the supporters of Archibald Campbell, 9th Earl of Argyll during his rising of 1685.