Archaeology Notes

Event ID 677453

Category Descriptive Accounts

Type Archaeology Notes

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/677453

NN60SW 7 6144 0338.

(NN 6144 0338) Castle (NR) (Site of).

OS 6" map, (1958)

Rusky Tower, traditionally the principal residence of Sir John Menteith (c.1260 - c.1325), stood on a small island in Loch Rusky. The building has long been levelled to the ground, the stones being used in building the farm at Muirhouse and houses at Blairhoyle. On the mainland land near the island are the remains of stables, and an area of 30 yards circumference, surrounded by old fir trees, was traditionally used for the training of horses (Fraser 1880).

Rusky Castle can never have been anything but a small peel-tower, and a portion of the residential buildings and offices may have been on the shore, while the stronghold occupied the island (Hutchison 1899).

W Fraser 1880; A F Hutchison 1899.

About two years ago the level of Rusky Loch was raised about 2 to 3 feet and all that can now be seen of the island on which the castle stood are a few stunted trees.

Although no trace of the stables could be found, they probably stood near NN 6135 0343 where there is a clear area surrounded by old fir trees.

Visited by OS (R D) 15 October 1968; Information from Magor C Graham, Estate Manager, Rednock House.