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.

• Type

  Legal Documents

  Title

  SM90140_Legal Doc

  Download(https://portal.historicenvironment.scot/document/600014671)

Summary

Description

The monument comprises Elcho Castle, its associated structures and immediate environs. The monument, with the exception of a small portion on the E, is in the care of the Secretary of State for Scotland. It is being re-scheduled to clarify the extent of the protected area.

The monument comprises an exceptionally well-preserved 16th century tower-house of oblong plan, measuring about 26m E-W, with a square stair tower at the SW corner. Elements of the former enclosing wall, including part of the SE tower, and foundations of formerly associated buildings, have been exposed to the S and SE of the castle. A large quarried area to the N of the castle is likely to have provided some of the building stone for the castle and outbuildings. It is to be expected that significant archaeological remains survive unexcavated in the immediate vicinity of the castle.

The area to be scheduled encompasses the remains described above and an area around them within which traces of associated activity may be expected to survive. It is irregular in shape with maximum dimensions of 95m N-S by 174m E-W, as marked in red on the accompanying map extract. Above ground structures associated with the custodian's house, toilet block and modern field boundaries are excluded from the scheduling.

Statement of National Importance

The monument is of national importance as a particularly fine example of a Medieval tower-house. Its importance is reflected in its status as a Property in Care of the Scottish Ministers.

References

Bibliography

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.