Description

The monument consists of the remains of a defensive residence of 16th or 17th-century date called Martnaham Castle.

It is situated on a low lying promontory on the S side of Martnaham Loch. The castle is approached on the SW by a substantial boulder causeway (84m long and 3m wide) which protects the landward side from flooding. The castle is rectangular on plan measuring 15m SW-NE by 7.6m over walls 0.6-0.8m thick. The random-rubble walls are reduced

to a height of between 1 and 2m. The building is divided into three rooms. The interior is rubble filled. The castle is surrounded by outworks which can be discerned beneath the undergrowth. There are remains of a courtyard to the NE, portions of walling to the SE and a retaining wall to the NW.

The area to be scheduled is irregular, measuring a maximum of 120m NE-SW by 40m NW-SE to include the castle, causeway and outworks and an area around and between them which may contain evidence relating to their construction and use, as shown in red on the accompanying map.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Statement of Scheduling

The monument is of national importance because it is a good example of a small fortified residence of medieval date. It preserves archaeological evidence within itself, and has the potential to provide further evidence through analysis and excavation, for defensive architecture, domestic occupation, material culture during the period of its construction and occupation.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

RCAHMS records the monument as NS31NE 4.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland