Rait Castle

Scotland
HES SM1235
Nation
Scotland
Boundary

Scheduled area

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Overview

History & significance

Rait Castle is a 13th-century motte-and-bailey castle situated in Nairnshire in the Scottish Highlands. The monument consists of an earthen mound topped by a timber or stone structure, characteristic of early medieval fortifications in Scotland, with an associated bailey or outer enclosure. The castle represents an important phase of feudal settlement in the region during the medieval period, likely constructed in connection with Norman or Anglo-Norman influence on Scottish landholding practices. The site survives as an upstanding earthwork monument and remains a significant example of early medieval castle architecture in northern Scotland.

Rait Castle is a scheduled monument protected by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM1235. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Rait Castle?

Rait Castle is a 13th-century motte-and-bailey castle situated in Nairnshire in the Scottish Highlands. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM1235.

Who is responsible for protecting Rait Castle?

Rait 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 SM1235.

What other scheduled monuments are near Rait Castle?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Slagachorrie, dun 835m NW of (0.8 km), Castle Findlay,fort (1.3 km), Laikenbuie, cairns 300m SSW of (1.5 km).

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