Scheduled MonumentsScotlandBalvaird Castle

Balvaird Castle

Scotland
HES SM90027
Nation
Scotland
Boundary

Scheduled area

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Overview

History & significance

Balvaird Castle is a 15th-century fortress located in Fife, Scotland, built by the Murray family and representing a significant example of late medieval domestic architecture in the region. The castle comprises a substantial stone keep with associated outbuildings, constructed to demonstrate both residential comfort and defensive capability characteristic of its period. Its architecture reflects the transition from purely military strongholds to more habitable fortified residences, a development common among Scottish nobility during the 1400s. The castle remains an important monument illustrating the settlement patterns and power structures of medieval Fife.

Balvaird Castle is a scheduled monument protected by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM90027. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Balvaird Castle?

Balvaird Castle is a 15th-century fortress located in Fife, Scotland, built by the Murray family and representing a significant example of late medieval domestic architecture in the region. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM90027.

Who is responsible for protecting Balvaird Castle?

Balvaird Castle is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, legally protected by Historic Environment Scotland — the body responsible for designating and safeguarding heritage sites in Scotland. The official designation reference is SM90027.

What other scheduled monuments are near Balvaird Castle?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Wester Upper Urquhart,cairn 1700m SSE of,West Lomond (5.6 km), Mawcarse, enclosure 300m E of (6.1 km), Mawcarse Cottage, barrows 200m SSE of (6.5 km).

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