Description

The monument consists of a motte, the site of a wooden castle of Medieval date. The motte is situated SSW of Innermessan. It stands 12.8m high on its SW side, and is approximately circular on plan, measuring some 29m in diameter. Except on the SE, where the ground falls steeply, it is enclosed by a ditch up to 11m broad and 1m deep. A level area extends to the S, and this may have formed a bailey, an enclosure attached to the motte. The area to be scheduled is irregular in plan, and extends 15m beyond the quarry ditch on the NW, N, NE and E. On the W it is bounded by the top of a low bluff. The area is marked in red on the accompanying map.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Statement of Scheduling

This monument is of national importance because it is a clearly defined motte with the rampart at the top of the scarp and the ditch still visible. Its position overlooking Loch Ryan makes it of interest not just as a landmark but as an important defensive site for the whole area. Also its underground archaeology has the potential to shed light on the construction of, and life in, the mottes and baileys of SW Scotland.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

The monument is recorded in the RCAHMS as NX 06 SE 3.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland