Scalloway Castle

Scalloway Castle is a ruined tower house built for the Earls of Orkney in the early 17th century, and acting as the administrative seat of Shetland until at least 1733, and was plundered for materials in the period after Culloden. It overlooks Scalloway Harbour, and is in good condition. Managed by Historic Environment Scotland, it is easily accessible to the public.

The castle consists of a fairly standard L-plan tower house on a rocky outcrop, and is dominant in the landscape. It has the square stair wing offset to one side, and a small winding stair in one of the re-entrant angles. At the upper floor level, every external corner is provided with a bartizan turret. It was built for the 2nd Stewart earl of Orkney and occupied by Cromwells troops during the 1650s before being largely left to the elements. The castle is kept locked, with the key at Scalloway Museum.

Official Historic Scotland page

HES Canmore database entry