Scheduled MonumentsScotlandLeanachan, motte 250m SW of
Medieval · Motte

Leanachan, motte 250m SW of

Scotland
HES SM7642
Period
Medieval
Site type
Motte
Nation
Scotland
Boundary

Scheduled area

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Overview

History & significance

Leanachan motte, located approximately 250 metres south-west of Leanachan in Inverness-shire, is a medieval motte representing a form of castle fortification typical of the Norman period and later medieval Scotland. The monument consists of an artificial earthen mound, characteristic of motte-and-bailey defensive architecture, though its bailey elements may be less distinctly preserved. Such mottes in the Scottish Highlands typically date from the twelfth century onwards, serving as administrative and military focal points for feudal landholding. The site's survival as an upstanding earthwork demonstrates the enduring physical legacy of early medieval fortification strategies in the region.

Leanachan, motte 250m SW of is a scheduled monument protected by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM7642. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Leanachan, motte 250m SW of?

Leanachan motte, located approximately 250 metres south-west of Leanachan in Inverness-shire, is a medieval motte representing a form of castle fortification typical of the Norman period and later medieval Scotland. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM7642.

What period does Leanachan, motte 250m SW of date from?

Leanachan, motte 250m SW of dates from the medieval period, and is classified as a motte. It is one of over 32,000 scheduled monuments protected across Britain.

Who is responsible for protecting Leanachan, motte 250m SW of?

Leanachan, motte 250m SW of 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 SM7642.

What other scheduled monuments are near Leanachan, motte 250m SW of?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Old House of Keppoch,motte 250m SE of Keppoch (5.7 km), Caledonian Canal,Moy Bridge to Gairlochy (7 km), Caledonian Canal, Gairlochy Locks, lighthouse and signal lamp (7.1 km).

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