Archaeology Notes

Event ID 653257

Category Descriptive Accounts

Type Archaeology Notes

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/653257

ND01NW 19 0272 1515

(ND 0272 1515) Helmsdale Castle (NR) (remains of)

OS 25" map, (1971)

The ruins of Helmsdale Castle occupy a most commanding position on the end of a steep bank at the S side of the mouth of the Helmsdale River. The structure was evidently of the L form, with a circular staircase in the angle, but is now a mere shell. The ruin stands to a height of some 24'. The castle is said to have been erected in 1488 by the seventh Countess of Sutherland, and to have been rebuilt and repaired by Sir Alexander Gordon of Navidale in 1616.

D MacGibbon and T Ross 1887-92; RCAHMS 1911.

The S part of Helmsdale Castle is destroyed by erosion: the remainder is in danger of collapsing.

Revised at 1/2500.

Visited by OS (N K B), 20 February 1968.

NMRS REFERENCE

Demolished 1970.

(Undated) information in NMRS.

This castle is now totally destroyed. A monumental stone has been placed in the car park near the site. It bears the inscription 'Helmsdale Castle was built near here in 1488. The ruins were removed in 1970 to make way for the new road and bridge'.

Visited by OS (J B), 24 June 1976.