Conservation

Date July 2017 - December 2021

Event ID 1161967

Category Building History

Type Conservation

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/1161967

NJ 0065 2191 Castle Roy (SM 952; Canmore ID: 15715) is located on the N side of Nethy Bridge in Strathspey. Between July 2017 and December 2021, archaeological monitoring was required for a programme of repair, consolidation, and development works, which followed on from previous survey, investigation, and monitoring works undertaken from 2012 to 2014. Four phases of works were carried out under Scheduled Monument Consent, including re-building, structural repairs, and consolidation of the monument, the addition of two viewing platforms, the addition of a path network around and within the castle, and installation of interpretation panels on the site. The works are now completed and have resulted in a safe and accessible monument for public enjoyment and long-term preservation of the structure.

Castle Roy is a simple courtyard castle comprising a single curtain wall built in the late-12th to early-13th centuries on a natural glacial mound. Consolidation works comprised repairs of the existing walls, including masonry repairs, some re- building, and insertion of steel plates to stabilise the two arched entrances and the garderobe chamber. Several structural features were present, including a garderobe chute and window alcoves indicating internal two-storey structures. The works also highlighted differences in the construction of the foundations, with a single course of unbonded stonework projecting from the NW and SE walls, compared to three courses of unbonded stonework splaying to form a chamber at the NE wall. This difference is thought to indicate the relative importance of the NE wallface as the main entrance to the castle.

Evidence for internal structures has been highlighted by previous

phases of works during 2012–2014, indicating the presence of a two-storey structure along the NW side of the castle, associated with the garderobe, and a full-length structure along the SE side. During the current phase of consolidation, only minimal groundbreaking was carried out, but the presence of two postholes was identified along the SE wall. These were not excavated but they may represent timber supports for the building in this location.

As well as consolidation of the monument, the works included the development of the monument into an accessible site. A path network was constructed around the base of the mound and through the two main arched entrances. Within the courtyard, a circular path surrounding a grassed area was created. To the N of the castle, a small picnic area was established. Two viewing platforms were constructed, one at the breach in the S angle and a second on the first fl oor of th e tower in th e N angle, wh ich is accessed by wooden steps.

Archive: NRHE (intended) Funder: Castle Roy Trust

Lindsey Stirling – AOC Archaeology Group

(Source: DES Volume 23)