Scheduled MonumentsScotlandDundarg Castle, fort and castle
Iron Age · Fort and castle

Dundarg Castle, fort and castle

Scotland
HES SM2450
Period
Iron Age
Site type
Fort and castle
Nation
Scotland
Boundary

Scheduled area

© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © Historic Environment Scotland

Overview

History & significance

Dundarg Castle is a fortified site in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, occupying a prominent coastal location that has been utilised for defensive purposes across multiple historical periods. The site comprises an Iron Age fort, evidenced by its substantial earthwork defences, which was later occupied and developed during the medieval period when a castle structure was constructed within or adjacent to the earlier fortifications. The castle itself dates to the medieval period, though the precise dating and phases of construction remain subjects of archaeological study. The site's commanding position and the layering of Iron Age and medieval occupation demonstrate the strategic importance of this location throughout Scotland's history, with the fortifications serving successive communities as a centre of power and defence.

Dundarg Castle, fort and castle is a scheduled monument protected by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM2450. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Dundarg Castle, fort and castle?

Dundarg Castle is a fortified site in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, occupying a prominent coastal location that has been utilised for defensive purposes across multiple historical periods. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM2450.

What period does Dundarg Castle, fort and castle date from?

Dundarg Castle, fort and castle dates from the iron age period, and is classified as a fort and castle. It is one of over 32,000 scheduled monuments protected across Britain.

Who is responsible for protecting Dundarg Castle, fort and castle?

Dundarg Castle, fort and 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 SM2450.

What other scheduled monuments are near Dundarg Castle, fort and castle?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including St Drostan's, Old Aberdour Kirk and burial ground (1.2 km), Quarryhead, icehouses 210m NE of (1.5 km), Castle Hills, burial sites (2.5 km).

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