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Invershin Castle Special survey
Date 8 May 2015
Event ID 1129132
Category Recording
Type Field Visit
Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/1129132
This motte occupies a low ridge at the W edge of a terrace above the River Shin, the ground dropping steeply to the flood plain at the SW but more gently to the NE. Roughly sub-rectangular on plan and apparently entirely man-made the motte measures 42m from N to S by about 32m transversely at the base and is about 3m in height. The flat top measures about 25m from N to S by 23m and supports the remains of three buildings poorly defined by stony banks, and perhaps replacements to original timber structures.
The motte is surrounded on the three more gently sloping sides by a ditch 15m in breadth and up to 2m in depth, and there is evidence of a slight counterscarp bank at the E. Later evidence of quarrying is provided by two large pits dug into the NE side of the mound, while a path that climbs up the SE side of the motte is probably also secondary. A building platform, presumably connected with the use of the motte, stands some 30m to the SE.
The land of ‘Inverchyn’ is mentioned in a charter of c.1211 when it was granted to the Archdeacon of Moray by Hugh Freskyn. This charter was confirmed c1214 by Hugh’s heir William who referred to the land as ‘Inverchen’ (Johnston, Johnston & Beaton). The Castle of Shin is depicted on General Roy’s Military Map of Scotland (1747-55).
Visited by RCAHMS (PD, WW and A McC) 8 May 2015
