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Dunnideer Castle
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Dunnideer Castle is a ruined tower house near Insch, Aberdeenshire, Scotland. Built around 1260, it reused stone from an earlier prehistoric vitrified hillfort dating to approximately 250 BC. The tower measured 15 by 12.5 metres (49 by 41 ft) with walls 1.9 metres (6.2 ft) thick, likely featuring a first-floor hall and multiple stories.[1]
Key Information
History
[edit]The site's hillfort was excavated by archaeologist Murray Cook, revealing evidence of an Iron Age settlement later repurposed for medieval fortification.[2] The castle itself, now a crumbling stone shell, is a scheduled monument managed by Historic Environment Scotland.[3]
In 2024, the Insch Connection Museum unveiled a 1:150 scale model of the castle as it may have appeared in the 16th century, created by Clive Metcalfe - a founding member of Pink Floyd. The model, based on research by historian Dr Colin Harris, forms the centerpiece of the museum's exhibition, "The Castle of Dunnydure".[4] The exhibition highlights the castle's significance as potentially the earliest tower house on mainland Scotland and its links to Sir John de Balliol, King of Scots (1292-1296).[5]
Current Status
[edit]The site remains open to the public, offering panoramic views of Aberdeenshire. The Insch Connection Museum continues to advocate for an on-site museum to display local artifacts.[5]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ Historic Environment Scotland. "Dunnideer Castle (Site no. NJ62NW 1)". Retrieved 24 June 2025.
- ^ Cook, M. (2010), "New Light on Oblong Forts: excavations at Dunnideer, Aberdeenshire", Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, 140: 79–82
- ^ Historic Environment Scotland. "Hill of Dunnideer, fort, platform settlement and tower (SM95)". Retrieved 8 March 2019.
- ^ "Revealed: What ruined Dunnideer Castle in Insch looked like 500 years ago". Press and Journal. 12 May 2025. Retrieved 12 May 2025.
- ^ a b "Plans progress for museum at ancient Dunnideer Castle". Press and Journal. 12 May 2025. Retrieved 12 May 2025.