Scotland’s bloody past recalled at Aberdour Castle

Battle commenced at Aberdour Castle as the clock was turned back to the 17th Century.

Actors in costume of 350 years ago played soldiers during an era in which Scotland was torn apart by war.

Raising Fife for the Covenant, staged by Historic Scotland over the weekend, explored the lives of those on the front line during the bloody period.

Picture gallery: Swords clash and muskets fired for civil war re-enactment at Aberdour CastleVisitors were able to find out what it would have been like fighting for king or covenant during the reign of Charles I.

Re-enactments saw ‘soldiers’ meet on the battlefield.

A series of displays also allowed people to see how soldiers would have looked after and fired their muskets and wielded pikes, and about the role of the gunner.

There was also information to explain why Scotland was plagued by civil war.

Alison Stalker, Historic Scotland events and filming manager, said Aberdour Castle was an ideal location for bringing to life that period of history.

She said: “As one of the oldest stone castles in Scotland, troops fighting in the nearby Battle of Inverkeithing in 1651 may well have passed by Aberdour.”