Scheduled Monument

Dunskeath CastleSM3319

Status: Designated

Documents

Where documents include maps, the use of this data is subject to terms and conditions (https://portal.historicenvironment.scot/termsandconditions).

The legal document available for download below constitutes the formal designation of the monument under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979. The additional details provided on this page are provided for information purposes only and do not form part of the designation. Historic Environment Scotland accepts no liability for any loss or damages arising from reliance on any inaccuracies within this additional information.

Summary

Date Added
14/08/1974
Last Date Amended
19/09/2016
Type
Secular: castle; motte
Local Authority
Highland
Parish
Nigg (Highland)
NGR
NH 80701 68985
Coordinates
280701, 868985

Description

The monument comprises the remains of a motte, an artificial mound which formed the foundations for a timber castle, recorded as first fortified by King William I of Scotland in 1179. The monument is visible as two semi-circular earthwork ditches and ramparts with a single earthen mound in the interior. The site is located on a clifftop promontory overlooking the narrow channel into the Cromarty Firth, at between around 30m and 60m above sea level.

Two semi-circular ditches with inner ramparts terminate at each end on the south side on steep, naturally defensive slopes.  The western end of the outer ditch and rampart has been partially levelled over time. The inner mound survives and has been re-used during the Second World War for a coast artillery position. This has since been demolished, although the remains are still present on the site.

The scheduled area is irregular on plan to include the remains described above and an area around them within which evidence relating to the monument's construction and use is expected to survive, as shown in red on the accompanying map. The monument was first scheduled in 1974 and the documentation does not conform to current standards. This amendment rectifies this.

Statement of National Importance

The monument is of national importance because it has an inherent potential to make a significant contribution to our understanding of the past, in particular the construction of timber castles within northeast Scotland and their impact on the surrounding landscape and society. The monument retains its form to a substantial degree and although there are many mottes across Scotland, their place in the history of north-east Scotland in particular is under researched. Dunskeath is of particular significance because its construction is documented in contemporary sources as associated with a specific royal campaign to suppress insurrection against the Canmore Dynasty. The loss of the monument would significantly diminish our ability to appreciate and understand timber castles in 12th century Scotland and how such castles were used by the Crown to extend royal authority and control.

References

Bibliography

Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland: http://www.rcahms.gov.uk/canmore.html CANMORE ID 15235

Local Authority HER/SMR Reference: MHG8444

Anderson, A O. (1922) Early sources of Scottish history, A.D. 500 to 1286, 2v. Edinburgh. Page(s): Vol. 2, 301-2

Mackenzie, W M 1950, 'Old Cromarty Castle', in Proc Soc Antiq Scot, vol. 82, 1947-8. P. 60-1

Reg Reg Scot. (1971) Regesta Regum Scottorum, volume 2: the acts of William I, King of Scots, 1165- 1214, in Barrow, G W S and Scott, W W. Edinburgh. Page(s): 292, 454.

HER/SMR Reference

  • Highland Council HER MHG8444

About Scheduled Monuments

Historic Environment Scotland is responsible for designating sites and places at the national level. These designations are Scheduled monuments, Listed buildings, Inventory of gardens and designed landscapes and Inventory of historic battlefields.

We make recommendations to the Scottish Government about historic marine protected areas, and the Scottish Ministers decide whether to designate.

Scheduling is the process that identifies, designates and provides statutory protection for monuments and archaeological sites of national importance as set out in the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979.

We schedule sites and monuments that are found to be of national importance using the selection guidance published in Designation Policy and Selection Guidance (2019)

Scheduled monument records provide an indication of the national importance of the scheduled monument which has been identified by the description and map. The description and map (see ‘legal documents’ above) showing the scheduled area is the designation of the monument under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979. The statement of national importance and additional information provided are supplementary and provided for general information purposes only. Historic Environment Scotland accepts no liability for any loss or damages arising from reliance on any inaccuracies within the statement of national importance or additional information. These records are not definitive historical or archaeological accounts or a complete description of the monument(s).

The format of scheduled monument records has changed over time. Earlier records will usually be brief. Some information will not have been recorded and the map will not be to current standards. Even if what is described and what is mapped has changed, the monument is still scheduled.

Scheduled monument consent is required to carry out certain work, including repairs, to scheduled monuments. Applications for scheduled monument consent are made to us. We are happy to discuss your proposals with you before you apply and we do not charge for advice or consent. More information about consent and how to apply for it can be found on our website at www.historicenvironment.scot.

Find out more about scheduling and our other designations at www.historicenvironment.scot/advice-and-support. You can contact us on 0131 668 8914 or at designations@hes.scot.

Images

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Printed: 29/03/2024 07:55