Mine and Counter-Mine

In 1546, St Andrews Castle was at the centre of religious wars in Scotland. The Castle was under siege, and the attackers constructed a mine to let them tunnel into the Castle.

Those inside built a counter-mine, which they could use to attack the attackers as they tried to get to the Castle.

Today, sadly, we still live in a world where people go to war over which God they choose to worship. But St Andrews, at least, is at peace, and visitors to the Castle can explore both the mine and the counter-mine.

Here Jenni and Cameron are in the narrow counter-mine - now shored up, handrailed and illuminated by Historic Scotland. Their "shhh" indicates that the builders would need to dig quietly to make sure that the attackers didn't know they were there.

I tried as best as possible to hold the camera level - this is not the most horizontal of floors in the world!