The authoritative and engaging story of Scotland's Castles from the 12th to the 16th centuries, from mighty castles royal to tall storeys and poky dwellings. Despite their grand associations, Scottish castles were central to the lives of many Scots, of all social stations; castles were their work place, their place of worship, their army barracks, their law court, their prison, their hotel, their place of entertainment and even their place of execution. For that reason, author Chris Tabraham enthusiastically covers the rich history of these buildings, covering as much as anything the human aspect of the Scottish castle. In this new edition, fully revised and updated with the latest field surveys, archaeological excavations and tree-ring dating, the book covers: the physical nature of castles and their changing styles; the people who lived, worked, prayed and died in Scotland's castles; the military role of castles Hugely readable and richly illustrated, this book is for all those interested in Scotland's history.