Building record MHG1059 - Dunbeath Castle

East Caithness Local Plan, May 1987: P31/2.53.
J Aitken : 22/05/01.

ND12NE 1.00 1580 2826
ND12NE 1.01 ND 1537 2891 Lodge

Dunbeath Castle (NR) OS 1:10,000 map, (1973)

Dunbeath Castle occupies a striking cliff-top site, defended to landward by a deep dry ditch. Although it is said to contain C15th work, building dates substantially from first half of 17th century; it is still occupied and entire, with large modern additions to N and E. The plan is an oblong, some 64ft by 25ft, of four storeys, with two-storey angle-turrets at all angles save NE. The northern of two stair-turrets in centre of main W front is modern, replacing a similar one shown in an 1821 drawing, but missing by 1891. The walls, reaching 5 ft in thickness, are harled and whitewashed, the roofs steep, the gables crosstepped, and there are numerous gunloops and shot-holes. The round-headed doorway between the two frontal turrets is modern. Internally there has been much alteration.
D MacGibbon and T Ross 1887-92; Proc Soc Antiq Scot 1895; RCAHMS 1911, visited 1909; N Tranter 1962-70.

Dunbeath Castle is as described and illustrated by previous authorities. Visited by OS (R L) 6 March 1968.

No change. The mansion is still inhabited. Visited by OS (N K B) 21 March 1983.

REFERENCE - Scottish Record Office

Survey of the Castle and Sketch of the proposed improvements.
Magnus Tait, Architect and Fish Curer, agrees to carry out this task.
1856 GD 136/617/2

Addendum to Specification of retaining wall on the East side of DunbeathCastle.
Initialled by Thomas Hamilton, Architect (1784-1858).
1857 GD 136/1049/1

Measurement of slaterwork taken from the drawings of Additions
pruposed to be made at Dunbeath Castle. Thomas Hamilton, Architect(1784-1858).
Signed by George Cousin, Surveyor.

1857 GD 136/1049/2

Additions to the Castle and repairs to the old building.
Letter from William Thomson Sinclair. He indicates that Mr (Thomas)Hamilton, Architect (1784-1858) believes that a contractor could befound to undertake the work for 3,000 [pounds]. If this is not possible he will make new plans free of charge.

1857 GD 136/604/40

Addition and improvements to Dunbeath Castle.
The work required and the estimated cost of 2,300 [pounds] is noted in a letter from William Leslie, Architect.

1846 GD 136/598

Alterations to the East Wing of Dunbeath Castle.
Estimate accompanied by a rough sketch from Donald Dunbar. The stonelintel of the Hall door is to be cut away to the level of the door.Sleepers and flooring are to be introduced after taking up stoneworkof lobby. Doorways in the Gable and the Lobby leading to the atticsare to be heightened and the marble chimney piece in the principal room is to be taken down and re-erected to suit alteration.

1851 GD 136/1023/1-2

Additions to Dunbeath Castle.
Account for sketches and working drawings amounting to 45.2.0. [pounds] from William Leslie, Architect.

1852 GD 136/1032

Proposed additions. Measurement of work. Thomas Hamilton, Architect.

1857 GD 136/1049/2

Retaining wall on East side of Dunbeath Castle. Addition to specifications

1857 GD 136/1049/1

Estimate for alterations to East wing of Dunbeath Castle.
Donald Dunbar. Sketch (rough).

1851 GD 136/1023/1-2

Addition and improvement - cost 2,300. [pounds] Estimate by Wm. Leslie.

1846 GD 136/598

Survey of the Castle and sketch of proposed improvements.
Letter from Magnus Tait. He agrees to carry this out.

1856 GD 136/617/2

Postponed. Mr. Hamilton says plans can be carried out for 3000 [pounds] - if not he wil make new ones.

c. 1858 GD 136/604/40


Copies of plans at Dunbeath Castle, 3 colour prints of the plans
showing addition - missing at time of upgrade - 14.6.1996.

The castle was visited and photographed by C Jones in June 2011. A 360 degree panorama was taken from the terrace, infront of the east side of the castle (at ND 15808 28215). The photos start from the north and proceed clockwise to the east. <1>