Location
OS Map Reference
NJ 612 282
Description
A dramatic hilltop ruin with stunning views over the surrounding countryside.
Related Information
Tower house built shortly before 1260 standing within the
remains of an Iron Age vitrified fort on a hilltop. 38'
x 29', 6'3" walls, W. wall stands to height of 30', masonry
has close-packed striated character, lancet window (dressings
gone). Ruins repaired 1961.
Notes:
Scheduled Monument. Landmark. Believed to be the oldest
authenticated tower house on the Scottish mainland.
Cubbie Roo's Orkney is older. Cluggy (Perthshire) is
perhaps contemporary
Scheduled Ancient Monument No 95.
LBR
The Castle of Dunnideer was traditionally built by Gregory the Great in AD 890, but more likely by David, Earl of Huntingdon and Garioch in 1178: (Laing 1828). Simpson (1943) states that it is first mentioned in 1260 as the stronghold of Sir John de Balliol. It is built largely of material from the vitrified fort, (Feachem 1963) and probably represents the earliest authenticated example of a tower house in Scotland (Simpson 1943). The name Gregory's Wall applied to one of the walls of the castle (Ordnance Survey Name Book (ONB) 1867).
A Laing 1828; W D Simpson 1943; Name Book 1867; W D Simpson 1943; R W Feachem 1963; 1966.
Era
Various
Information Source
RCAHMS, Listed Building records, SMR
Categories
External Links
Photographer
- David Watson Hood
Unavailable Data
- Date
- Related Artefacts
- Iconography
- Creator
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